Eat Well: Dinner: Yellow and Green Cuisine

I am enamored with the idea of eclectic, shabby-chic entertaining for less. One day, I will acclimate my skill level of entertaining to a suitable state--if never to Martha Stewart than at least to Rachel Ray.  

Right now, my heart is in the right place and my nose is ahead of the heart, sniffing itself all over town to find a bargain. If Martha Stewart style don't come natural, finding a bargain is in my blood. My grandmother paid for my entire college wardrobe--jackets, suits, skirts, dresses (all name brand)--for under $150 because she knew how to shop at department stores, with coupons, out of season. 

And I am not hesitant to venture into any part of town and poke forward with the afore mentioned nose, to see what I may find. 

Kemper Street Flea Market is a perfect place to find all sorts of things, especially if you are specifically looking for particular items. This Saturday afternoon my "to find" list consisted of ramekins for baking macaroni and cheese for guests--so I could, of course, look like a suitable host with some degree of style.

This is a facility I will be frequenting. Small items for crafts and gewgaws for hosting are in abundance and CHEAP. If you are on a budget, but have a smattering of creativity and still want to entertain and look pulled together, there is absolutely no reason not to patronize this warehouse-size Flea Market to stock up on any number of things from candles to dinner ware, from vases to furniture. 

This particular day I walked away with a 6 piece Mikasa vintage 1960's-70's set for only $3--no chips or defects. It was a perfect background for the spinach macaroni and cheese I would serve later that evening. This particular Mikasa set sells on the internet at anywhere from $9-$29.99 a piece. 

Cheesy Shells and Greens Recipe

Recipe Ingredients

• 12 oz medium pasta shells
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (I used more butter, as I'm a Paula Deen fan)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated or ground nutmeg
• Pinch cayenne (optional)
• 6 oz extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (1 1/2 cups)
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 bunch spinach, thick stems discarded, leaves roughly chopped

Recipe Preparation

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. I like to use Dreamfield Pasta because it's low carb and high fiber. You can follow the link above to get a coupon.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes; whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in the mustard, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), 1 cup Cheddar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add the pasta and spinach and toss to combine. If you don't have Dijon mustard do yourself a huge favor and follow the hyper link above to print out a coupon for mustard then double it at Kroger. Stock up on hot sauce and honey mustard too.
4. Heat broiler. Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2-qt broiler-proof baking dish or four 12-oz ramekins. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and broil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.

Prep Tip: Add a crispy bread crumb topping to this dish: Pulse 4 slices bread in a food processor to form coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley and 2 Tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle over the pasta before broiling.