Friday, April 9, 2010

Calphalon Giveaway and BBQ Chicken & Ranch Mac 'n Cheese!

Have you ever heard of the Paleo diet? It's sort of a movement back to the diet of our ancestral caveman where you eat well, what a caveman would. Yep, what you're thinking is correct: no pop tarts, no froyo, not even cereal. Just plain ol' meat and veggies and some nuts for good measure. I suppose its kind of like a manly version of the South Beach diet.

{caption: this dish is not part of the Paleo diet}
BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese
Well, as much as I agree with the reasoning behind this diet, I just love me some sugar and some carbs. Hubby mentioned experimenting with this movement, and I felt myself shudder with caffeine-withdrawal-like shakes. The only thing that could calm my nerves? BBQ Chicken Mac 'n Cheese.  Of course, I made this for myself while he was away which actually left me wanting to adapt a caveman diet.  Leaving me home alone with a vat of mac 'n cheese is never smart.

Don't fret.  This dish isn't all bad for you.  I try to use quinoa pasta for almost all my pasta dishes now.  It's super high in protein, gluten free and all around tasty nonetheless.  Though this has to be one of my top 5 recipes, it ended up being a clear the pantry, spur of the moment meal I cobbled together with some leftovers (shredded bbq chicken, corn and beans).   The corn and beans were an interesting addition, though the mac 'n cheese purist in me will probably leave them out next time.
BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese
Now, on to the exciting stuff....a free Calphalon wok! 

Wok
Thanks to the good folks at CSN Stores who have everything from Corner TV Stands to Le Creuset, to mattresses, I got to pick out a fun prize for my readers!  Because I'm such a lover of Asian food, I chose this sweet Calphalon 13" Flat Bottom Wok.  I actually selected this prize because I have this wok and love it.

Comments are now closed for this contest.  Thanks to all who entered. I will be announcing the winner shortly!!


Open to U.S. residents only.  If you don't have a blog, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.
    The winner will be chosen randomly by Random.org on Tuesday, April 13th - 9pm Pacific.  Good luck!!

    BBQ Chicken Mac 'n Cheese
    Recipe by Sharon
    I made this for myself so the measurements are kind of weird.  For a bigger group, double the recipe. 

    1 8 oz. box quinoa pasta (available at health food stores like Henry's, Whole Foods), cooked according to package directions (plus a few minutes boiling time)
    1 tbsp butter
    1/6 cup flour
    3/4 cup milk
    1/8 cup chicken broth
    1/2 cup low fat sour cream
    2 tbsp ranch dressing
    1/4 lb Velveeta, cut into cubes
    1/4 tsp ground mustard
    1/4 tsp ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp coarse garlic salt
    1 cups reduced fat shredded cheddar
    1/4 cup black bean and corn (optional - I added this b/c I had some leftover, but not sure i would use again)
    1/2 cup- 3/4 cup shredded bbq chicken (bought at TJ's)

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    1. Melt butter over medium heat until almost bubbling. Add flour and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until smooth & thickened. Reduce heat.

    2. Add sour cream, ranch, Velveeta chunks, ground mustard, pepper & garlic salt. Continue stirring until smooth and cheese melts (this may take awhile). Once cheese is melted, add shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
    Add drained pasta and chicken to pot and stir until combined with cheese sauce.

    3. Spray a 9x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer pasta to the dish and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.

    90 comments:

    Shannon P said...

    I love sushi. and pad thai. pad thai would make more use of the wok... :o)

    MonkeyBusiness said...

    My favorite is definitely pad thai. I could eat noodles for every meal!

    Unknown said...

    Anything Korean. I love kim chi.

    Evie said...

    Almost any kind of asian food is good to me! One of my favorites would be tenzaru (soba and tempura? great combo!)

    Leanne said...

    I love making korean bbq at home... so fun and way cheaper than eating out!

    lindsayu83@yahoo.com said...

    wow, that mac and cheese looks amazing! I like to make General Tso's chicken at home. takes forever because the chicken is fried twice, but it's totally worth it!

    Holly said...

    Thai Swimming Rama...Yummmmm

    BecomingDomestic said...

    I'm a huge fan of anything Asian, but I've never really tried to make anything at home. I would love to get a wok so I can start!

    BecomingDomestic said...

    I am also now a follower!

    Vicki said...

    Fried rice is my favorite because it's quick, easy, and uses up whatever you have in the fridge & freezer.

    Megan said...

    Chicken Noodle Bowl - it's the best pick me up food. I'm sure that's not the real name but that's what my favorite Thai place calls it.

    Unknown said...

    My favorite Asian dish is pineapple stir-fry chicken. It has the classic taste of stir-fry with the sweetness and moisture of the pineapple fruit. Also group to make in bulk for groups!

    Erica best said...

    i love lo mein u got everthing u need in one pot meat.vegs, and noddles yum

    Erica best said...

    im following u with goggle contect name is purplelover04

    Erica best said...

    i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/11891730022

    Linda said...

    I'm going to try this Quinoa pasta. I love quinoa.
    My favorite Asian dish is sushi! Or pho.

    Erica best said...

    i fb posted http://www.facebook.com/purplelover04?v=wall&story_fbid=109587799076155&ref=nf

    Erunaheru said...

    I love sushi, but my favorite Asian food that I can actually make is beef with broccoli

    Wehaf said...

    Beef yaki soba! Or red bean buns. :)

    urchiken at gmail dot com

    grace said...

    i honestly haven't tried many asian dishes--does chicken fried rice count?
    i have to applaud you on your recipe here--it sounds delicious and satisfying!

    Melissa said...

    That mac n cheese looks pretty darn exciting-will have to try!

    I worked at a Chinese restaurant in college and to this day their Shredded Beef Szechuan Style still holds a place in my heart.

    As of late, my husband has been perfecting a kung pao recipe and I must say it is amazing! I ask him to make it every other week, although I'd really love to eat it every week!

    Joanne said...

    My god that mac and cheese is insane. Being alone in a house with a tray of it is definitely dangerous!

    And that caveman diet does NOT sound fun. I NEED my carbs!

    Awesome giveaway. My favorite asian dish is penang curry.

    Joanne said...

    And I'm a follower!

    Elaine said...

    Char sui Bow or Chinese BBQ pork buns! Haven't mastered them yet, but the pork is a family favorite...

    The Blonde Duck said...

    I'm currently pawing at the screen, whimpering and drooling.

    hmills96 said...

    So maybe its not REAL Asian food but is anything better than Panda Express Orange Chicken? I mean really. But seriously, I am a recent sushi convert...mmmmm....

    Tiff said...

    My favorite asian dish is orange chicken. I know very unoriginal, but it's sooo good! Thanks for the giveaway!

    hmills96 said...

    I tweeted, facebooked and followed!

    Tiff said...

    I'm a follower!

    Tiff said...

    I tweeted here http://twitter.com/tifscatku/status/11897056360

    Rhia said...

    Nice giveaway! I really love any asian food, but my favorite is dim sum. Especially Japanese gyoza and those sweet pork buns. YUM :D

    Bethany said...

    I've been following your blog for a while now and I love it! Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite foods so I'm gonna have to try this recipe.

    My favorite asian dish is mongolian beef...maybe if I had a wok I could learn how to make it!

    amanda @ fake ginger.com said...

    Holy wow! That looks so good! My husband would love me forever if I made him that.

    My favorite Asian dish is regular ol' stir fries. Quick, easy, delicious!

    amanda @ fake ginger.com said...

    I am your newest Google follower!

    Kristin Pinyan said...

    My favorite to order is orange chicken, but my favorite to make is beef with broccoli and sweet potato :)

    Melissa said...

    I'm a follower!

    I swore I already followed your blog...but according to my list I was wrong. I just stalk it...religiously!

    Candice said...

    We love lettuce wraps from PF Chang's. We eat a lot of stir fry at home.

    Candice said...

    I'm a follower.

    Candice said...

    I put a link on facebook.

    Katrina said...

    My favorite dish is probably broccoli beef or chicken or any stir fry with lots of veggies but no onions!

    Cindy Lane said...

    My boyfriend makes this DELICIOUS Shanghai noodles.. absolutely to DIE FORRR. So I think I'll be posting that recipe as soon as possible!

    Sandalola said...

    One of my favorites is a kind of pyramidal sticky rice food wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with meat, duck egg, mushroom, etc. Yum! Thanks for the giveaway offer!

    Rusthawk said...

    Beef and broccoli is my all-time favorite. And wow ...this is a killer recipe you've posted ....thanks!

    Rusthawk said...

    I'm following on google friend coonect.

    momof2girls said...

    I love stir fry with chicken and loads of veggies.

    momof2girls said...

    I am also a follower on google.

    Lazaro Cooks said...

    Saw your profile on another page. Glad I took the time to read your blog. It's informative and really well done. Look forward to following you here. Have a great day. Cheers!

    Erica best said...

    i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/11947726100

    Ioana said...

    Oh, this sounds lovely! My favorite asian dish is mongolian beef. Can't get enough of it!

    Esi said...

    Are you joking with that mac and cheese? It sounds amazing. Hmm..favorite Asian dish always varies, but I have always had a love affair with fried rice.

    Aimee said...

    Any kind of Chinese food. I love fried rice. And egg rolls. And Rangoons.

    Aimee said...

    tweet
    http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/11950019543

    Michelle Smiles said...

    That mac and cheese looks YUM!

    My fav Japanese food is sushi. But as for what I make at home - I just love stir-fries. It is a great way to get my family to eat veggies - easy and yummy!

    Candice said...

    I made the mac n chz today to take to a Girls Night tonight. YUM!! It's gonna be a hit!

    carrie said...

    right now we are loving chicken lo mein. a wok would make it much better I'm sure :)

    Carol W. said...

    My favorite Asian dish is Spicy Beef and Broccoli.

    wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

    Carol W. said...

    I follow with Google Friend Connect.

    wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com

    Mary Bergfeld said...

    Sharon, your recipe looks and sounds delicious. As a matter of fact, you have a lovely blog and I'll be back often to see what else you've been cookin'. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

    Shanna said...

    Stir Fry all the waay! =]
    Thank you for sharing the BBQ Chicken Mac 'n Cheese recipe!
    I'm going to go shopping tonight for stuff!
    shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

    Shanna said...

    I follow via Google Friend!
    shanna.elizabeth@hotmail.com

    Elizabeth said...

    One of my recent favorites is actually your Sesame Peanut Soba Noodles. So good!

    Elizabeth said...

    @andlizzie tweeted your link ;) I really should have done that before now- my cousins and aunts would probably love your blog!!

    Jen said...

    I also re-tweeted -- HomemadeHolman

    Jen said...

    Hi there! I just started eating Asian dishes very recently - for some reason I was always a little scared but my favorite thing right now are lettuce wraps and California rolls. The wok would be great since I really want to start experimenting with stir fry.

    Erica best said...

    i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/12006878956

    Melissa said...

    Right now I'm loving bibimbap!

    Sarah said...

    I love salmon teriyaki, and some spicy tuna rolls.

    kat said...

    I think my favorite Asian dishes have to be Banh Mi & Bun!

    Heather said...

    I think that my favorite Asian dish is either Curry Fried Rice or Curry Squash with Tofu. Mmmm....Thai food..

    Heather said...

    And for my second, separate entry: I'm already a follower of your blog. :)

    ali rippstein said...

    mmmm, sushi. no suprise that is the mexican crunch roll. cream cheese, fried...my mouths watering.

    Melissa said...

    Gave you a shout out on FB!

    Anonymous said...

    Love me some moo goo gai pan.
    cwilliams@bis.tepsco.com
    cami

    mollybnd said...

    I love hot steaming buns...chicken filled ones of course.

    Erica best said...

    i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/12062332914

    Topher said...

    I'm a follower.

    Thanks for the giveaway.


    Chris

    zekks at yahoo dot com

    Topher said...

    My favorite is definitely beef with broccoli.


    Chris

    zekks at yahoo dot com

    Emily said...

    Hi there! I connected with you on Google Friend Connect! Thanks!

    Emily said...

    Also, my fave Asian Dish is Mee Goreng! But really I like any noodle dish...especially if it's spicy :)

    Unknown said...

    Sharon, I joined twitter for the sole purpose of following your blog! My favorite Asian dish of all time is, lamely, chicken pad thai. I NEEEEEED that Calphalon wok in order to learn how to make it.

    Maris said...

    This recipe alone sounds like the way to a man's heart!

    Emily said...

    Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous wok! This is a great giveaway.

    I need this mac and cheese. NOW! This is something I wouldn't be able to stop eating..

    kitchen table said...

    Mac and cheese is the greatest combination ever for me! They really taste good together and with some chicken! Oh, love it!

    MrOrph said...

    I'd have to say twice cooked pork.

    love that mac-n-cheese, sans beans and corn tho...:-)

    Unknown said...

    drunken noodles, obvi.

    Erica best said...

    i tweeted http://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/12122019071

    Maria said...

    Soba noodles with lots of veggies!

    Unknown said...

    Did your mother give you that wok? I'm guessing she did because it's my favorite as well, and I certainly didn't buy it for myself.

    As if you didn't know, my favorite dish is Beef and Broccoli, either from a dive Chinatown joint, or my own wok. But I'm not entering the contest, in order to maintain the legitimacy of your blog.
    Keep cooking, Shar! Puts a smile on your face, even if there is kitchen drama :)

    Sophie said...

    This sounds so good! What a delicious recipe invention. It's got everything good, and then some :).

    *Trisha* said...

    that mac 'n cheese looks so yummy!

    I love your blog btw. If you're interested, I nominated you for a blog award :)

    http://myprettypinkpearl.blogspot.com/2010/04/sunshine-blogger-award.html

    Cheers.

    *Trisha*