Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

See smart selection, storage, prep and nutrition tips for our Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe

Smart Selection, Storage and Prep:

  1. Whole-wheat macaroni is readily available in the pasta aisle in 8-, 12- or 16-ounce boxes or packages.
  2. Not keen on 100% whole grain pasta yet? Start with the half white/half whole-grain versions.
  3. Making your own breadcrumbs is so easy. Simply place several bread slices in a food processor and pulse until crumbs are the consistency you want. Four slices yields roughly 2 to 2 ½ cups crumbs.
  4. Smoked paprika may also be called “Smoked Spanish Paprika” in the spice aisle. It’s made from Spanish sweet red peppers that have been naturally smoked over wood planks to create a distinctive smoky taste.
  5. Make sure your spices aren’t past their peak flavor quality. Either check the date on the jar, or throw them out if you are sure you’ve had them longer than one or two years. All spices lose their flavor and intensity after that. Check the spice storage life chart at the McCormick & Co. website.
  6. Avoid graininess in this macaroni and cheese by using wedges or blocks of cheese and grate yourself. Preshredded versions are convenient and tasty, but they do have anticaking agents that could affect the texture of the dish.
  7. Find oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes near the pickle, condiment or Italian foods section of your supermarket.

Smart and Flavorful Nutrition Benefits:

  1. Whole-wheat pasta is filled with more nutrients than white refined pasta. Whole grains have been found to reduce risk of stroke Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Plus, they may help with weight loss efforts and overall weight maintenance.
  2. Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach are both extremely nutrient-rich and an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K plus potassium and fiber.
  3. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phytonutrient found to lower risk of heart disease and cancer, especially prostate cancer. Bonus: cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than uncooked versions.
  4. Spinach’s phytonutrients include lutein and zeaxanthin, which offer numerous eye health benefits.

Find the Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe on our sister site, Farm Flavor.

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