Momma Told Me: Blog POP!: Anthony's Hidden Veggie Pasta Bacon Mac Recipe + Jamie Oliver T-Fal Cookware Giveaway~ 4/6

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Blog POP!: Anthony's Hidden Veggie Pasta Bacon Mac Recipe + Jamie Oliver T-Fal Cookware Giveaway~ 4/6

anthony's
Momma Told Me: Eat your veggies!

No matter the parents all children have their dietary challenges. Most mothers go straight from discouraging the eating of paste and Play-Doh (and everything else in sight) to defiant tight lipped mouths demanding consistent rations of pizza and chicken fingers. And the older they get, the harder it can be to 'sneak' in the nutrition their growing bodies need. When I was a child Momma found solace in the fact she could coax me to eat just about anything dipped in ranch. While mothers today might be horrified, it got the job done and was considerably better than the phase  where I swallowed undesirable food whole to circumvent the taste. With most children, the sheer concept of something being 'healthy' is enough to turn them off from even trying it, despite taste. In our house, we have a child with an aversion to meat, who will thankfully eat veggies and fruit happily. Even that presents it's own jumble of challenges.
Perhaps one of the oldest 'Mom Tricks' in the book is to hide undesired ingredients to trick children into eating them. As the lead chef of our household, I do this constantly with the other half. It turns out eating sensibly does not always get easier with age! I rcall, at one time, watching Jay scarf down an entire pot of Macaroni and Cheese with the fervor of a starving Doberman and thinking, 'I wonder if I could hide veggies in there?' A crunchy, cheesy, delicious casserole later I had my answer. Luckily, thanks to Anthony's latest pasta, mother's and wives everywhere can solve a similar problem with new Hidden Veggie pasta. Packaged much like their classic counterparts these pasta varieties feature minimal indication of their ulterior motive. Okay, so the front of the box does say 'Veggie' but it's sure to sneak past most of the younglings, and from below counters it's easy to miss. You'd be surprised just how 'normal' this Hidden Veggie pasta looks, and even more impressed with how it tastes!
I'll admit, I hymmed and hawed a bit when Anthony's approached me with a chance to review the new Hidden Veggie pasta line. We have a pantry full of boxed pasta in ever conceivable shape, and I've been known to sample high fiber, whole grain, and veggie variations in the past. My family has detected my ruse every single time. While the results have been edible, thoughtful smiles were quickly followed with "This is good but.....can we have the real pasta next time?" comments. What convinced me to sample Anthony's new range was the unique veggie composition that supplemented the traditional 'semolina' grain ingredient. The three proceeding ingredients are; dried sweet corn, dried carrot, and dried squash. Unlike cauliflower veggie pasta blends made by other companies, Anthony's had carefully crafted a truly unsuspecting blend that would have the toughest critics fooled. And 2 servings (4oz) of Hidden Veggie provides 1/2 C of vegetables, that's 1/5 the daily recommendation!
bacon mac n cheese
Deciding how to prepare Anthony's Hidden Veggie pasta was a cinch; there's an abundance of simple recipes on the Anthony's website. You can not only browse by health factor, and kid friendliness, but simplicity as well. While there are recipes directly on the boxes, I opted to make Anthony's 'kid friendly' recipe for Baked Macaroni with Cheese and Bacon. It didn't take much convincing, really, I'm sure I could serve my family re-purposed garbage with bacon atop and they'd scarf it down! As it turns out, I think the bacon brought out a little bit of the unique flavor of the pasta, and the two worked together quite nice in this from scratch 30-minute recipe. I loved how mellow the cheese was, and how the sauce clung to the Hidden veggie noodles, and never seemed thin or runny. For our bread crumbs I smashed some Italian Croutons and drizzled them on with butter prior to baking for a crunchy 'crust' that was truly adored.
Baked Macaroni + Cheese With Bacon

Ingredients:

* 1 PCKG (12oz) Anthony's Hidden Veggie Twisted Elbows
* 4 TBSP Butter, Divided
* 2 TBS All Purpose Flour
* 2.5 C Reduced Fat Milk
*  2.5 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese (we used Sharp)
* 1/2 C Shredded Parmesan Cheese
* Salt and Pepper (to taste)
* 8oz Diced Bacon, cooked until crisp and drained
* 1/2 C Fresh Bread Crumbs

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 375F
Prepare an 8" x 12" baking dish with nonstick spray

1.) Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.
2.) Return hot, empty, pan to medium-high heat. Add 3 TBS Butter to the pan and allow to melt. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to cook, stirring frequently until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
3.) Add Cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until evenly melted. Add cooked Pasta and Bacon, blend gently.
4.) Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with bread crumbs. Dot with remaining TBS butter. Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet

Ingredients:

* 12oz Anthony's Hidden Veggie Spaghetti (I know, it says fettuccine in the title)
* 1/4 C Butter
* 1/2 Onion, Chopped
* 2C Chicken Broth
* 2 Cans (14.5oz each) Diced Tomatoes w/Green Peppers and Onion, drained
* 1/2 TSP Sriracha Sauce (Or Pepper Sauce substitute)
* Salt and Pepper (to taste)
* 8oz Shelled, De-veined, Large Shrimp

Directions:

1.) Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes, stirring often.
2.) Break uncooked pasta in half and add directly to skillet. Cook, stirring frequently 2 minutes, or until onion is tender and pasta is coated evenly in melted butter, and beginning to brown.
3.) Add broth. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 8 MINS, stirring often.
4.) Add tomato blend, pepper sauce, salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, at a gentle boil for 4 MINS, or until pasta is tender.
5.) Stir in shrimp. Cook 2-3 MINS, stirring often, until shrimp turns pink and is done.
Okay, so I know the photos clearly don't show fettuccine noodles, that's because I received Hidden Veggie Spaghetti- same noodles, different shape. I think the whole pasta name game is pretty pretentious if you ask me ;) In any case, I made the Anthony's New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet recipe from their website, so the adults could have a hearty meal. This turned out amazing for such minimal effort, and really felt like an indulgent and pricey dish. This is where I could really see the Hidden Veggie pasta perform, I didn't tell a soul, and nobody caught on! I don't see a reason why I wouldn't choose Hidden Veggie for all of my pasta dishes in the future. I am always in need of a little extra nutrition, and the price point is right on target with competing brands. For now, the only downside I see it the select market range Anthony's seems to be targeting. The local Los Angeles area stocks Hidden Veggie, but you will want to check with the product locator to determine if it is in stores near you. If it's not, don't be afraid to make a request with your local grocer! Visit the Anthony's Facebook page for an exclusive downloadable coupon to try new Hidden Veggie pasta.

What Daughter Says: With Anthony's Hidden Veggie pasta I can get away with fooling the entire family into eating healthier!






One Momma Told Me reader will win the above 10PC Jamie Oliver T-Fal Cookware Set and 8 Boxes of Anthony's Hidden Veggie pasta! When you're done entering, be sure to check out the event LINKY for more giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

142 comments:

  1. I would make the Skillet Chicken Parmesan

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  2. Cheeseburger Noodle Skillet for my son.

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  3. I'd cook the Seafood Diablo Over Noodles! Your baked macaroni and cheese with bacon looks delicious!

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  4. Chicken and brocolli Penne sounds great!
    dana10879 at gmail dot com

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  5. Definitely the no boil vegetable lasagna

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  6. Baked Mac and Cheese sounds yummy

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  7. I might make their Baked Penne And Meatball Casserole

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  8. California Harvest recipe looks good!!

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  9. If I won I would love to try the Creamy Canadian Bacon & Pasta recipe. sounds great.

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  10. I'd like to try the recipe for Rosy Chicken & Penne Skillet
    Thank you!

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  11. I would definitely make the New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet

    ronaleeduncan{at}aol{dot}com

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  12. creamy tuna bowties recipie sounds good

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  13. The New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet looks so good =D

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  14. I think I would like to try Spaghettini Margherita

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  15. I would like to try the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  16. Spaghettini Margherita recipe

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  17. Seafood Diablo Over Noodles sounds great!!

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  18. I would go with the baked mac and cheese with bacon. My son will not eat any veggie except carrots, green beans and the occasional mashed potato. I would leave out the bacon because he won't eat that either. I know, crazy, but more for me.

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  19. I would make the No Boil Vegetable Lasagna.

    sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

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  20. OMG, I would make all of them! I am a pasta nut! The Pasta Bacon Mac looks delightful!

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  21. These sound good I like one pot meals and I would try the Cheeseburger Noodle meal. Yummy sounding

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  22. I think I might try seafood diablo over noodles.

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  23. I would like to try the baked mac n cheese.

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  24. I like the Chicken and Broccoli Penne recipe.

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  25. I was going to say the Chicken and Broccoli Penne but the New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet sounds amazing

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  26. I like the Southwestern Shells with Chicken & Corn recipe.

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  27. It would definetly be the baked mac and cheese. Thanks

    jodi frasier

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  28. The Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss sounds good

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  29. I would like the No Boil Vegetable Lasagna recipe
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  31. the skillet chicken parmesan sounds good to me. thanks

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  32. Id make the cheeseburger noodle skillet

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  33. I want the Bacon Mac & Cheese you did! but also, the Italian skillet lasagna too!

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  34. I'd like to try making the Vegetarian Soup with Shells.
    -Audra Weathers
    Snowflake Day Play at gmail dot com

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  35. I'd like to make the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss!

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  36. The no boil vegetable lasagna!!!

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  37. Sloppy Joe mac sounds good. chefl@swbell.net

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  38. I would like to try Baked Penne And Meatball Casserole

    (d schmidt in widget)

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  39. I'd make the california harvest.

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  40. I'd make No Boil Vegetable Lasagna

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  41. Oh, my, I love, love, love Jamie Oliver and everything he does!

    Hope you're having a great weekend ;D!

    Miki.

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  42. I would like to try California Harvest.

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  43. I would like to try Anthony's
    No Boil Vegetable Lasagna.



    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  44. Creamy Canadian Bacon & Pasta
    Thanks
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  45. There are so many great recipes over at Anthonys! But our family is very busy and hard to make a meal quick when all are home at once. So I would opt for the 1 skillet recipe of the Family Favorite Goulash. I have been cooking for DECADES and it has been at least 10 years since I have made this. We have our ho hum recipes and forget to do new ones, and sometimes REALLY old ones. How easy is THAT!

    http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/family-favorite-goulash

    thanks!

    ejrichter60 at gmail dot com

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  46. I love cold pasta salads. So, I'd make the Garden Macaroni Salad.
    jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com

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  47. I'd make Seafood Diablo Over Noodles.

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  48. I think I would like to make the Baked Mac and Cheese.

    april yedinak

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  49. chicken and tomato penne toss!

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  50. I WILL be making the No Boil Vegetable Lasagna!! yummy!

    Sharon
    lunrei@yahoo.com

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  51. All of them!!!!:) Although my top 3, would be the mac and cheese, the California harvest and the lasagna! Yumminess!!!

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  52. California Harvest sounds wonderful. Maybe I'm tired of heavy winter food but combining strawberries and onion would certainly be somehting new and different to try

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  53. I'm going to try the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss recipe.

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  54. Baked Mac and Cheese, definitely!

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  55. I would make the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Bacon, talk about great comfort food. Yum!

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  56. I'd make the No Boil Vegetable Lasagna.

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  57. I'd like to try the No BOIl Vegetable Lasagna

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  58. I think I'd try the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss.

    Thanks!

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  59. I'd make the Garden Macaroni Salad

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  60. I would like to try this http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/california-harvest

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  61. I'd love to try the Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake :)

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  62. I love pasta but I am no longer allowed to eat anything with gluten. Anything that is gluten free and really tastes like it's gluten counterpart is a good thing indeed.
    Thanks for the chance to win these great prizes.

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  63. Gluten free pasta and great cookware at the same time, Awesome! thanks for the chance to win these great prizes.

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  64. Warm Chicken & Pasta Salad Skillet!

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  65. http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/seafood-diablo-over-noodles

    This sounds really yummy

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  66. The garlic pasta toss sounds good to me - I'm crazy for garlic! For my kids, though, I'd stick with something a little easier on the palate!

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  67. I already saved the recipe for the New Orleans Shrimp Fettucine-looks delicous

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  68. I would so make this: http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/baked-mac-and-cheese

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  69. California Harvest sounds yummy.

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  70. California Harvest sounds yummy.

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  71. I like the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss recipe.

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  72. I want to try the Spaghetti Carbonara!

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  73. The Baked Mac & Cheese for my daughter!

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  74. I would love to make the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss. It looks like the kind of light pasta dish that isn't going to break my calorie count for the day. Plus, angel hair is a favorite around here. :)

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  75. would like to make the california harvest for us

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  76. Baked Macaroni and Bacon!!!!!!! Yum!
    Thanks for the chance to win.

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  77. It a no brainer!!baked mac n cheese with bacon!!

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  78. I might make Rosy Chicken & Penne Skillet!

    Thanks,

    selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

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  79. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I'd like to try the Seafood Diablo Over Noodles!

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  80. I'd like to make the New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet

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  81. http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/new-orleans-shrimp-fettuccine-skillet looks absolutely delish! I bet my husband would really love this, and I am going to try it.
    masugr at yahoo dot com

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  82. I'd like to try the California Harvest recipe. Looks so good!
    Michelle Tucker

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  83. Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Bake
    annabella @ centurytel dot net

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  84. I would make the Late Night with Pasta and Broccoli recipe
    alsmalu at Hotmail.com

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  85. Baked Macaroni with Double Cheese and anything with broccoli.... lol

    gahome2mom

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  86. Veggie Pasta? a new way to get the kids to eat veggies with the foods they love especially baked mac and cheese

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  87. I would love to try the chicken-and-broccoli-penne.

    Love3570@aol.com

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  88. Oh I would love to make the Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss! That looks really good!
    Laura Jacobson

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  89. The New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet sounds great!

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  90. Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss looks yummy!

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  91. Italian skillet lasagna!!

    jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com

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  92. Chicken And Tomato Penne Toss


    xuanthaohkus(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  93. I would make New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet

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  94. I'd love to try the Sloppy Joe Mac. IN fact, I'm not sure what I'm making yet for dinner tonight...hmmm....

    Thanks!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

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  95. I would try the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: http://www.anthonyspasta.com/recipes/baked-mac-and-cheese

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  96. I would like to make Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss since angel hair is one of my favorite pastas.

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  97. I'd try Garden Macaroni Salad. Yummy!

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  98. I'd make the Spaghettini Margherita

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  99. The nana's easter bake looks great!
    Ttrockwood
    Ttrockwood(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  100. Chicken and brocolli Penne

    FunkyColdMadena@hotmail.com

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  101. New Orleans Shrimp Fettuccine Skillet Entry Name Heather Hayes Panjon

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  102. I will make the California Harvest recipe

    thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  103. the no boil vegetable lasagna

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  104. Light Tomato Angel Hair Toss looks good to me!
    ashley_brooke_h @hotmail.com

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  105. I would like to make California Harvest

    Claudia

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  106. Pasta bacon mac

    mack2215@gmail.com

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  107. I'd make the No Boil Vegetable Lasagna

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  108. i'd like to try the baked mac and cheese recipe

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  109. My kids would probably like the Cheeseburger Noodle Skillet.

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  110. The recipe for California Harvest looks interesting. We still have some strawberries here in FL and I am looking for new ways to use them.

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  111. they all look so good but it's tough to beat baked mac & cheese

    mybeachylife at gmail dot com

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  112. I would love to make the California Harvest.

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  113. The Rosy Chicken and Penne Skillet recipe looks so good I'll probably be making it whether or not I win! LOL

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  114. California Harvest looks good.

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  115. When I win, I will definitely make Sloppy Joe Mac!

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  116. The California Harvest recipe looks yummy.

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  117. I want to make the Baked Mac and Cheese
    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  118. I'd definitely make the Baked Macaroni + Cheese With Bacon... the picture is making my mouth water....

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  119. I'd definitely make the Baked Macaroni + Cheese With Bacon.... the picture is making my mouth water...

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