Football Macaroni & Cheese and Goal Post Zucchini

Although I am not a football fan, doesn't mean we can't celebrate the Super Bowl!  Any excuse to buy themed paper plates and make fun shapes out of food!  Since my husband was attending a Super Bowl party at a friend's house, it was up to the girls and me to carry out the football theme.  With football paper plates, mac and cheese in the shape of footballs, a ham and tomato scoreboard, and zucchini goal posts. (Yes, I mis-shaped the goal post.  Luckily, our daughter had already eaten hers before she could compare it to the one on TV.)

This meal is perfect for baby.  The mini shells are just the right size for finger food and the zucchini is easily cut into bite-size pieces.  Don't worry about the hot sauce addition, baby won't even notice.

Football Macaroni and Cheese

Serves 6

1 pound mini shells

4 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 oz. mild cheddar cheese, grated
1 splash hot sauce

In a large saucepan, cook mini shells according to package directions; drain.

In a microwave-safe measuring glass, heat milk in the microwave for 2 minutes or until hot.

Meanwhile, in a 4-quart pot, cook butter and onions over medium heat until onions become soft and translucent. Add flour and cook, continually stirring, for about 2 minutes. Add hot milk, whisking thoroughly to avoid any clumping.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low heat and whisk often to prevent burning. When milk has thickened, add nutmeg, and simmer about 5 minutes while continuing to whisk periodically.

Stir in cheddar cheese. Simmer an additional 2 minutes and add hot sauce. Stir in cooked pasta. 

Goal Post Zucchini

Serves 4

1 medium zucchini, cut into matchsticks

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Jerk seasoning

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  On a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, lay zucchini sticks in a single layer.  Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper and Jerk seasoning.  Light toss to coat.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.  On a serving plate, arrange in the shape of a football goal post.