Fire Roasted Mac and Cheese

I mentioned in my last post how I try to sneak spinach into foods where I won't be able to taste it.  This is another one of those recipes and let me tell you, it is a winner.  My four-year-old LOVES this stuff, even though he generally doesn't like feta (he does, however, love spinach, asparagus, and broccoli....he's weird).  I kid you not, every time I make this for guests, they want the recipe.  And my husband definitely can't get enough of this.  Really, you can't lose.

Fire Roasted Mac and Cheese

Number of Servings: 8 to 10
Time to Prepare: 1 hour

• 1 lb orzo pasta
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 10 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 1/4 cups feta cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 (14 oz) can fire roasted diced tomato
• 4 to 5 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Lightly coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta until al dente.  Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce.  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Gradually stir in the milk, whisking constantly, and let it cook at a very gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes until it has thickened considerably.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, 1/2 cup at a time, making sure each addition has melted before adding the next.  Stir in 3/4 cup of the feta cheese (it won't melt all the way).

Stir in the oregano, salt, and pepper.  Add the tomatoes (undrained) and the spinach.  Stir the mixture well to allow the spinach to wilt.

Stir in the cooked orzo. Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup feta cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Source: adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Produce Used: Spinach