Ok Mom. Back away from the blue box. Your kids deserve better than manufactured cheese flavoring that's been dyed orange. Yes, box mac and cheese is easy and always a winner with kids, but we are doing them a disservice. Home made mac and cheese can be almost as easy and its so much better for them. This version is a lightened up version of most home made mac and cheese, and the best part? It's all done over the stove top! No dirty baking dishes to wash, no bread crumb crust to make. Just one pot and done until you've reached cheesy goodness for your kids, or in my case, for myself. 

Ingredients: 

8 ounces whole wheat pasta

6 ounces shredded sharp cheddar 

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup milk 

1 head of broccoli, chopped into bit sized pieces 

1 tsp dijon mustard

salt and pepper 

Directions: Boil your pasta for 8 minutes in salty water. As that boils, use a steamer to steam your brocoli as your noodles boil beneath it. In a small skillet, melt your butter. Whisk in your flour and whisk continuously until no lumps remain. Remove from heat and slowly add your milk, whisking constantly. Add back to heat and continue to whisk until it thickens. Add mustard to sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Add your cheese and stir until combined. Mix your cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and brocoli together, then serve. 

This seriously was super simple, and so much better for you than the genetically enginered and manufactured chemical laden boxed alternative. Take a few minutes and try this recipe. You won't be sorry. And your kids will love you for it. 

What's for dinner? Mussels! Mussels typically aren't a meal you think of when you think of a home cooked meal. I'm not sure why, they are healthy, delicious, and actually super easy and quick to put together. The deep color of the black shells, the novelty of pulling the meat out of them, it makes for a fun interactive meal that the whole family can enjoy. And nothing beats the taste of white wine, garlic, and butter. 

Ingredients: 
16 ounces linguine noodles
3 pounds mussels
1/3 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shallots, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 cup white wine
2 teaspoons lavender salt
1 teaspoon pepper

In a large pot of salty water, boil your linguine noodles for 8 minutes or until al dente. While that cooks, in another pot heat your butter and oil over medium heat. Cook the shallots for 5 minutes, then add your garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Add your parlsey, thyme, wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then add your muscles. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until the mussels are opened. Drain your noodles and place in a large bowl, pour your muscles and their sauce over the noodles and serve hot. 

Enjoy!

If you're not a super foodie, hearing the words "white wine sauce" in a recipe title can be intimidating. But it actually can't be further from the truth! A white wine and butter sauce is one of the simplest biggest bang for your buck tricks out there. This sauce is flavorful, warm, and goes perfect with almost any pairing. Try this delicious and easy seafood meal today and you will enjoy a healthy and simple weeknight meal. 

Ingredients: 

15-20 large raw shrimp, tails on
1 cup uncooked penne pasta
1/2 bunch fresh asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh parsley 
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
juice of 1/2 a lemon
salt and pepper

Directions: 
In a large pot of salty water, boil your pasta for 8 minutes. While that boils, in a skillet melt your butter and add your garlic ,white wine, and shrimp. Toss your shrimp until pink on both sides, about 6 minutes. At this point, throw your asparagus into your pasta water so it can boil for the last 2 minutes with the pasta. Once your pasta is done add it to the shrimp, mix in your cheese, add your lemon and parsley and adjust seasoning. 

It's as simple as that. Enjoy!

Sometimes classic dishes such as shrimp scampi can sound intimidating. But often times, there are reasons they are classics. This dish is pretty fool proof, and its extremely simple to make. The wonderful pairing of the white wine, butter, and garlic are as always, delightful. 

Ingredients: 
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 tsp lavender salt
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 3/4 pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined 
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
juice from 1/2 a lemon 
8 ounces linguini pasta, cooked aldente 

Directions: 
Melt your butter and olive oil in large skillet. Saute garlic for 60 seconds. Add wine, salt, and pepper and simmer until wine has reduced by half, should take 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp and saute until just pink, 3-4 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice and serve over pasta. 

A classic and comforting dish with memorable savory flavors. This dish is easy to make, delicious, and I'm pretty sure you won't have any leftovers to worry about.