I’m a double-up kind of girl … are you? Especially when it comes to entertaining and cooking for my family.
Since I’m already putting work and time into my cooking, I like to double the recipe and get as many meals as I can from my efforts. And my family thanks me and it helps for entertaining on the fly when guests unexpectedly stop by!
I told my family, “Get ready for something really good for dinner tonight. We’re trying another Rachael Ray recipe!” My journey with the FreshOver project has been fantastic as I’ve tried many recipes on family and friends. I’ve had fun and they’ve benefited. 
My family’s favorite recipe was Rachael Ray’s Braised Pork Tacos, because we got so many meals from it “and we’re a “taco family.”
The table was set.
I cooked the meal in no time.
And I tucked one little pan’s worth of food away in a Ziploc VersaGlass Container, which is glass, has a sealable lid, and makes “fresh-overing” your meal easy, because all you do is refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to eat this meal again, just thaw, cook and serve all in the same container—saving time and cleanup! (Ziploc VersaGlass Containers are oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit without a lid, when used in accordance with the instructions).
I’ve also discovered that these new glass dishes are excellent for taking a meal to a loved one or a neighbor in need. It’s little work to cook extra and freeze, and then pull the container out the day of delivering the meal.
Today, I’m not only sharing a yummy FreshOver recipe, but I’m hosting a giveaway, thanks to Ziploc Brand and Rachael Ray. I also want to tell you about the sweepstakes hosted by Ziploc, which YOU CAN ENTER at Ziploc’s Facebook Page:
Ziploc Brand is hosting The Great American FreshOver Sweepstakes from March 5, 2012 through May 5, 2012. Fans can enter on the Ziploc Brand Facebook page by “liking” the page and offering a FreshOver food idea, in the form of a recipe or tip in text. During the sweepstakes, fans will be rewarded with access to exclusive Rachael Ray videos and tips, weekly prize drawings, coupons and one lucky grand prize winner will win a trip for two to experience the ultimate culinary experience in America’s food capital – New York City. Grand prize winners will stay in New York City for three nights and four days, can eat at the most sought after “fresh” restaurants and swap recipes with Rachael Ray. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to participate.
GIVEAWAY INFO::
The giveaway will comprise of 12 various Ziploc® Brand Products, Rachael Ray’s Look+Cook cookbook and cooking utensils. Approximate Retail Value of prize is $120.00 USD and will be given to one (1) selected winner.ANSWER TO WIN:
You can enter the giveaway by sharing one comment about the best meal you’ve enjoyed in NYC when you’ve been there?Did it contain fresh ingredients? Why you think NYC is a great place to visit?
OFFICAL RULES:
No purchase or payment post of any kind is necessary to enter or win. A purchase or, payment will not increase your chances of winning. Read all of the rules, HERE.
Recipe: Rachael Ray’s Broccoli & Cauliflower Gratin Mac n’ Cheese {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: Recipe prepared and photo taken for: The Great American FreshOverâ„¢ Project Recipe Guide
Ingredients
- Salt
- 1 small head or bundle broccoli, trimmed into florets
- 1 small head cauliflower or half a large head, trimmed and cut into florets
- 1 pound whole-wheat macaroni or penne or other short cut pasta
- 2 cups sour cream or reduced-fat sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup finely chopped chives
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or crushed into paste
- A few drops hot sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water and add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Boil the vegetables for 5 minutes, then remove them with a strainer and drain. Add the pasta to the water, following package directions, but undercook by about 2 minutes and drain.
- Meanwhile, combine the sour cream in a large bowl along with the mustard, chives, garlic, hot sauce and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the pasta and cauliflower and 2/3 of the cheese. Stir to combine, then transfer it to a casserole or baking dish and cover with the remaining cheese. Cool and chill for a make-ahead meal.
- To heat and eat, put the casserole on baking sheet and bake it in the middle of a preheated 375 degree F oven until deeply golden and bubbly, about 40 to 45 minutes.
- TIP: Make a double batch of this Mac ‘n Cheese and refrigerate or freeze in the rectangle Ziploc VersaGlass Container.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Cooking time: 45 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 4
*I have partnered with Ziploc® and am being compensated for my posts. However, my opinions of the product are my own.
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in blog-land, sites that I learn from and am inspired by, and some beautiful friends that I’ve met over the years.
my favorite is… a salty pretzel from a street cart. a NYC classic.
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Our trip to NYC was a few years ago, but the meal that I still remember was a gyro purchased from a small shop on Times Square. So yummy! And thanks for the reminder to try those braised pork tacos! I have moved it to the top of the list
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Our best meal in NYC was at a Mexican restaurant cater-corner to the back side of the Museum of Natural History. Their pork tacos were wonderful, and we’re still trying to replicate them!
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I can’t recall an exact meal but I remember going to a fun restaurant called Jekyll & Hyde (I think) years ago. It was cheesy and over the top but very fun!
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I have never been to NYC, but my sons tell me they have the best pizza ever.
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My favorite in NYC wasn’t a whole meal, but dessert – a cannoli from Little Italy. I have no idea if it was made from fresh ingredients, but it was good! NYC is great for experiencing many cultures in one place. Also great shows!
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I’ve never been to NYC but I’m sure I’ll have quite the list of places to try when I finally do get there.
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We love Carnegie Deli when we go to NYC. They have the biggest portions and it’s sooo good…
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I have never been to NYC, but I would love to go. Not sure what I would try first. Maybe a hotdog from a vendor (ok not the healthiest!)
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The best meal in NYC was Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity! NYC is great to visit since there are sooo many places to eat and visit, you could do everything once and not be done!
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I haven’t been to NYC in many years but I remember going on a bus trip to a Broadway show and eating at an Italian restaurant afterwards. It wasn’t the food I remember but the large table filled with friends and strangers from the trip eating together and getting to know each other.
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My one and only trip to NYC was in 1986…yep..my senior year of high school..musical group trip and we had great food- my favorite- a fresh, warm bagel with cream cheese…yummm! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
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Boo-hoo! I’ve never been to New York City, but we have a New York Pizza here in town and it’s yummy good….does that count?! And yes, only fresh ingredients on a pizza will do!
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all I have ever had is a cup of coffee in the airport, but would love to visit and eat in NYC
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At Michael Jordan’s steakhouse in Grand Central Station, my husband and I had a sliced steak dinner that was out of this world.
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Anything from the Carnegie Deli- yum!
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I have never been to NYC:( We are going though in April! I am so excited! I have always wanted to go! I have no idea what is good there, but I would like to try a slice of cheesecake! Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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A lovely rare tuna encrusted in black sesame seeds. Oh, so good!!!
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I have a great pizza in NYC. It did contain fresh ingredients.
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The best meal I ever enjoyed in NYC had to be the NY strip accompanied byMaine lobster tail and crab cakes with fresh made slaw and NY style cherry cheesecake…so delicious!
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I have never ever been to NYC, but it is a dream of mine! I am open to suggestions of foods to try! Something local and fresh would be my ideal meal there…oh! and iconic too.
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I have not been to NYC, but should we go, I would love to try the risotto place my husband found while there on business….and stop at Eataly.
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Darn, I’ve never been to NYC but reading these comments sure makes me want to!
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My husband and I had the brunch prix fix menu at some restaurant with Luna in the name. It was by Fish Eddies. I don’t know if it’s even there still (some four years later), but it was good. I’ve always been impressed by my NYC brunch experiences.
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Haven’t been to NYC since I was 15 and now I’m vegan but my fondest food memory is enjoying the TALLEST piece of NY cheesecakes while a fiddler roamed the restaurant. Wonderful!
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I haven’t been to NYC in quite a while, and was always on a ‘poor student’ budget when I was there, so no meal sticks out. I do fondly recall a little cafe that had the most creamy delicious hot chocolate though.
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I’ve not yet been but one of my favorite things to bake is Emeril’s New York style cheesecake.
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serendipity frrrozen hot chocolate! they now sell a mix for it online as well!
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One of the best meals I had while in NYC was at Molyvos…it was braised rabbit in a tomato sauce, served over creamy polenta and it was divine!
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I’ve been to NYC but no spectacular meals. We just ate at a chain restaurant in Times Square.
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I have never been to New York City, but I would love to try some pizza there or a street vendor!
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I have never been to NYC but think I would try to find family owned neighborhood restaurants.
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Soul food at The Pink Tea Cup in the West Village before it changed owners.
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My favorite food in New York City is a pastrami sandwich at Ben’s Kosher Deli. So fresh and delicious.
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I’ve never been to NYC, so I can’t give an opinion.
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I was in NYC for a conference a few years back for just a few days. I’d love to go back. There is so much to do and see there. And eat!
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