Greek Macaroni and Cheese

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
* Serves 4 – 6
== Ingredients ==
* 1 pound macaroni
* ½ pound spinach, washed and stemmed
* 1½ pounds crumbled feta cheese (about 6 cups)
* 2⅓ cups whole milk
* 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
* ⅔ olive oil
* 1 tsp kosher salt
* 2 tsp freshly ground pepper
* ¾ tsp minced fresh rosemary
* 2 tsp minced fresh thyme
* 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
* ½ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
* ½ cup pitted and coarsely chopped black olives
* ½ pound cherry tomatoes, halved
* ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup mixed chopped fresh herbs
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven to 350°F 
# Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil.
# Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
# Drain and place in a large mixing bowl.
# Blanche the spinach: bring 4 quarts of salted water to a simmer over medium-high heat.
# Have ready a large bowl of ice water and slotted spoon.
# Add the spinach to the simmering water (in three or four batches) and submerge it.
# Let it cook for about 15 seconds, remove with the slotted spoon, and plunge into the ice water.
# Let the spinach cool completely, drain it, and squeeze out the excess water. If the leaves are large, chop then into bite-size pieces. Reserve.
# In a blender or food processor, puree the feta cheese with the milk, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend in two batches, if necessary. This will not be completely smooth; there will be very small chunks of cheese remaining.
# Stir the cheese mixture into the cooked pasta, then add the minced rosemary and thyme, the garlic, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, and blanched spinach.
# Place in a 9 by 13-inch baking pan and sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese and the mixed herbs.
# Bake on the middle shelf until the pasta is heated through and the top is slightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes.
Category:Black olive Recipes
Category:Cherry tomato Recipes
Category:Feta Recipes
Category:Macaroni and cheese Recipes
Category:Milk and cream Recipes
Category:Parmesan cheese Recipes
Category:Spinach Recipes
Category:World Recipes