KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Project

Jet, Oct 2, 2000

Are you looking :for a new star for your week-night menu revue? Why not follow the lead of celebrated African-American chef John Arnold? The folks at Kraft Foods asked Arnold, the executive chef of Beans & Cornbread, a "soulful" bistro in Southfield, MI, to give creating a quick, easy dish with KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese a whirl.

Arnold specializes in gourmet soul food at Beans & Cornbread but loves the challenge of preparing all kinds of food. His "Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Primavera" pairs fresh vegetables with the rich texture and savory cheese sauce of KRAFT Deluxe. The finale is a showstopper of a meal with great homemade taste!

Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Primavera

* 1 14 oz. package of KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese

* 2 tablespoons butter

* 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, diced

* 1/2 cup asparagus, thinly sliced

* 2 green onions, thinly sliced

* 1/2 cup zucchini, diced at medium thickness

* 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

* 1 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of mushroom soup

* 16 oz. package KRAFT Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

Prepare KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions and set aside Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat Add vegetables to saute pan and cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes Add black pepper Fold cooked vegetables into KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Add cream of mushroom soup and transfer mixture to lightly oiled casserole dish. Layer and top mixture with KRAFT Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes Serve hot

Makes 4 to 6 sewings