#281 – Pizza Mac and Cheese & Strawberry Spinach Salad

Pizza Mac and Cheese

• 1 1/4 cup pasta
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded pizza cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
• 2 Tbsps. flour
• Salt, garlic and Italian seasonings to taste
• 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (optional)

Add all ingredients into a pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, or until pasta is soft, stirring occasionally. (If using Italian sausage, brown before adding to ingredients.)

Strawberry Spinach Salad

• 2 Tbsps. sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp. minced onion
• 10 oz. fresh spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 qt. strawberries, cleaned, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 – 15 minutes before serving.