Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Ok, I know that neither this post or my last have anything to do with mules or riding. But, I'll admit, it's what I've been doing lately instead of riding, cooking. And putting the recipe on this blog just made it easy to share on facebook. 

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Total time: 1 hr. 16 min     Prep Time: 15 min.     Cooking Time: 61 min

Ingredients:

1 lb. dry whole wheat macaroni

1 tsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 medium red bell pepper, chopped

3 cups cubed Butternut Squash (about 1 smallish squash)

3 cloves garlic crushed

1 ¾ cups chicken broth

1 cup milk

2 Tbsp. plain Greek yogurt

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ tsp nutmeg

Salt and black pepper to taste

Preperation:

1.       Preheat oven to 375 F.

2.       Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside

3.       Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat

4.       Add onion, bell peppers and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Set aside

5.       Combine squash, broth, and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over med-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; gently boil for 22 to 25 min, or until squash is tender

6.       Place squash mixture in a blender or food processor; cover with lid and a kitchen towel. Blend until smooth

7.       Combine squash mixture, macaroni, onion mixture, yogurt, nutmeg and cheeses. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

8.       Place macaroni mixture in a 13 x 9” ceramic or glass baking dish that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 25 o5 30 min, or until sauce is bubbling.

·         I recommend adding this crumb topping to found from another recipe

 Ingredients:

2 cups breadcrumbs

1 ½ Tbsp chopped fresh sage

1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

2 Tbsp melted butter

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Combine breadcrumbs, sage, Parmesan cheese and melted butter in a medium bowl, tossing until crumbs are evenly coated in butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over top. Bake until breadcrumbs are golden brown and sauce is bubbling around the edge