Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

Since my daughter loves macaroni and cheese, she elected for me to make this dish. Now, I like spinach and artichokes. I just didn't know how I would like this dish. Well, my husband even liked this dish. My husband doesn't eat artichokes. It is creamy. It is delicious and the kids ate the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese
8 oz. elbow noodles
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
2 shallots, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Italian cheese blend, shredded
1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped
1 (9 oz.) artichoke hearts, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Cook the elbow noodles per package to al dente. 
3. While the noodles are cooking, heat a medium pot over medium heat.
4.  In the pot, heat the olive oil and butter.
5. Add the shallot and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the flour over the shallot and garlic. Stir to combine. Heat for 1 minute.
8. Whisk in 3/4 cups of the pasta water to the pot with the milk. Whisk for a couple of minutes. 
9. Stir in the sour cream, 3/4 cups mozzarella cheese, the Swiss cheese, and the Italian cheese blend.
10. Add the spinach, artichoke hearts, and cooked pasta. Stir until incorporated.
11. Transfer the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish.
12. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. 
13. Broil for about 2 minutes or until golden.

Recipe adapted from Food Network Kitchen.

One year ago.................................I made Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls.
Two years ago...............................I made Sables.
Three years ago............................I made White Chocolate Covered Oreos.

Did you already know.....................
-Artichokes are the flower buds before they bloom into a purple flower.
-One artichoke plant can produce 20 artichokes a year. 
-In 1947, Norma Jean (Marilyn Monroe) was crowned the first official California Artichoke Queen.