Kids "Macaroni & Cheese" with White Beans and Parmesan

Hey friends!  Well, this was a HUGE hit.  This could be made for toddlers, kids AND adults!  My biggest difficulty is getting proteins and veggies into my little one's diet, so I have to get creative.  The Great Northern beans are packed with protein, making this "mac n' cheese" far better than any processed kind.  So easy too - make a ton and freeze for later!

Serves 8-10 4oz portions

Ingredients:

1/2 Box of Elbow macaroni noodles
1 10.5 oz can low sodium chicken broth
1 15 oz can Great Northern white beans
2 Tbsp butter or margarine
1/4 Cup heavy cream
1/2 Cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp salt
1 Tsp pepper

1.  Cook pasta according to package.  Rinse, drain, and set aside.
2.  Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add beans, broth, and cream.  Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
3.  Transfer mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until creamy.
4.  Return to pan and add parmesan and seasonings.
5.  Add pasta to saucepan and toss.  Add more parmesan if needed.  Will thicken upon standing.

Serve and freeze in individual serving containers for future use!

Grilled Hot Sausage and Veggies

This was so easy and tasty.  You can make it with fully cooked frozen sausage and any vegetables you have in your kitchen!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

13oz package fully cooked smoked hot sausage
1 Large vidalia onion, cut into 1" thick slices
A handful of asparagus, cleaned and cut into thirds
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1" thick slices
4 Tbsp olive oil
4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tsp crushed red pepper
1 Tsp garlic powder
1 Tsp dried parsley
Salt
Pepper

Toss all ingredients together and marinate at least an hour.  Set out to get to room temperature before cooking.  Place on a grill pan in foil, uncovered, and grill on med-high heat for about 15 minutes or until just browned.