Cheese Spice

Cheese Spice

what are some ways to spice up a box of kraft mac & cheese and velveeta?

maybe baking it in the oven?

I add some chopped ham or chicken/turkey - you can use canned chicken breast - frozen mixed veggies or peas, some diced jalapeno peppers and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Mix the cooked mac and cheese with the other ingredients and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Top with some shredded cheese and cook at 350 degrees F. for 20-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

SAC

Chili Spiced Chicken Meal (suitable for Diabetics!) in 30 Minutes

For an easy meal that can be ready in around thirty minutes try this Chili-Spiced Chicken.  Add some crunch, color, and a tad of citrus by adding Broccoli with Orange Cream Sauce (A good way to interest your kids in this healthy vegetable!).  Dessert is elegant but very easy.  French Vanilla Tarts with Fresh Berries and Mint make it look like you've really outdone yourself!  This meal is perfect for the harried housewife, busy cook, or the person who doesn't really like to cook but wants to impress someone.  Beginning cooks will also find this meal to be one they can do easily.

CHILI-SPICED CHICKEN

8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp chile powder

Cooking oil spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine spices in a small bowl.  Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over chicken breasts.  Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.  Spray pan with cooking spray.  Add chicken to pan and saute about 2 minutes on each side.  Remove chicken to a shallow baking pan and bake approximately 15 minutes or until juices run clear.

BROCCOLI WITH ORANGE CREAM SAUCE

1 1/2 lbs fresh broccoli, cut into florets

6 oz fat-free cream cheese, cubed

1/4 cup fat-free milk

1/4 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp grated orange peel

1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice

2 tbsp chopped walnuts

Steam broccoli for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender.  Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the cream cheese, milk, thyme, salt and orange peel.  Cook and stir over low heat until blended.  Stir in orange juice until combined.  Place broccoli in a serving dish; top with the orange sauce and sprinkle with nuts.

Yields 6 servings 3/4 cup each =126 calories, 14 g carbs, 12 g protein

MINI FRENCH VANILLA TARTS WITH FRESH BERRIES AND MINT

1 box (1.34 oz) Sugar-Free French Vanilla Pudding and Pie Fillling Mix

1 pkg Graham cracker tart shells

Fresh seasonal berries

Mint sprigs for garnish, if desired

Prepare pudding mix as directed on box.  Pour pudding into tart shells and refrigerate.  Before serving, add 3 or 4 fresh berries and a mint sprig, if desired, for garnish.

HINT:  SAVE ANY LEFTOVER CHICKEN IN THE REFRIGERATOR, SEALED IN A ZIPLOCK BAG, FOR USE LATER IN THE WEEK.  PERFECT FOR CHICKEN TACOS.

Enjoy!

About the Author

For more of Linda's recipes, visit http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

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