Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    Since my Dad's birthday happened to land on Super Bowl Sunday this year, our celebration was twofold, especially since the Giants are playing and that is Arnauld's team.  We have slowly been reintroducing meat into our diet, Arnauld a little faster than me!  When I suggested we make dinner for my Dad's birthday, he knew right away that he wanted to make ribs.  He has made ribs before, carefully mixing together his own rub and barbecue sauce.  He is really proud of this recipe.
     I am making baked macaroni and cheese to go along with the meal.  I have made different variations in the past, but opted for a Cooking Light recipe this time around.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe from Cooking Light

Ingredients
3 cups uncooked Penne Pasta
1 12 oz carton of 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Cooking Spray
3 tbsp Panko
1 tbsp minced parsley

Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.  Drain and place in a large bowl.
2. Place the cottage cheese in a food processor and process until smooth.
3. Combine the cottage cheese, cheddar, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.  Add this mixture to the pasta.
4.  Spoon the mixture into an 11x7 glass baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
5. Combine the rest of the Parmesan, Panko, and parsley.  Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
6. Bake for 10 minutes.  Then preheat the broiler (without removing the dish).  Broil the pasta for 1 minute or until the top browns.

The internet also suggested a quick salad to go along with this pasta dish, so I made that as well.

Spinach Salad

Ingredients
8 cups baby spinach
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced oregano
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Method
1. Assemble salad.
2. Combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper.  Pour over the salad and toss gently.

Arnauld's famous and very popular ribs.

The Taste Test
     The macaroni and cheese was a huge hit.  You would have never guessed that it was made with cottage cheese!  It was so creamy and the Panko topping added a nice crunch.  This recipe is definitely a keeper. The salad was also a great complimentary side dish.  The dressing was light and delicious.