Macaroni Cheese with Ham & Sweetcorn
Stretch your imagination…not your budget
Treating the family to a tasty meal can be tricky with a small budget, but the people at Philadelphia, the UK’s number cream cheese, have created five great value meals that work out at under £5 for the whole family. All the recipes are really quick and easy, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare, so you not only save money, but time too! From a classic and delicious Mac and Cheese to a Mushroom Risotto, there is an option for even the pickiest of eaters.
Macaroni Cheese with Ham & Sweetcorn (£4.54 for 4 servings)
Overview
portions: 4
Times
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time:: 15 minutes
Ingredients
300 g macaroni
120 g Philadelphia Light
150 ml semi skimmed milk
75 g reduced fat grated cheddar cheese
198 g can no added salt or sugar sweetcorn, drained
75 g lean ham, cut into cubes
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 190 C, Gas 5. Cook the macaroni according to instructions on pack. Whilst it is cooking mix the Philly with the milk and half of the cheddar.
2. Drain the pasta and return to the pan, mix with the Philly mixture, sweetcorn and ham. Turn into a greased ovenproof dish and top with the remaining cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until light golden brown.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta (£4.64 for 4 servings)
Serves: 4
Times
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red and 1 orange pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
1 large sweet potato (about 300g) peeled and cut into rough 2.5cm chunks
1 large courgette, trimmed, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm slices
150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
250 g dried penne pasta
120 g Philadelphia Light with Garlic & Herbs
3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, Gas Mark 7. Toss the olive oil, peppers, sweet potato and courgette in a large roasting tin and season with freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. Then add the tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. While the vegetables are cooking, get some water boiling, then cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes until just tender. Drain in a colander, then return to the pan and stir in Philadelphia and milk until the Philly melts and makes a creamy sauce.
3. Toss with the roasted vegetables. Tip into a large, warmed serving dish and garnish with fresh basil.
Tip: Balance your food choices so you and your family and friends can enjoy a serving of this indulgent recipe as an occasional treat.
Chive Philadelphia Baked Potato (£1.64 for 4 servings)
Serves: 2
Times
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time:: 1 hour
Ingredients
2 baking potatoes
60 g (2½ oz) Philadelphia Light with Chives
pepper
Instructions
1. Pre-heat oven to 200C, 400F or Gas Mark 6.
2. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for 1 hour or until cooked.
3. Cut the potatoes open, top with a generous helping of Light Philadelphia with Chives. Season to taste and serve immediately.
Tips
Cook's Tip: It is possible to cook the potatoes fully in the microwave but they will not have a crisp outer skin, however, by starting off in the microwave the cooking time in the conventional oven is reduced.
Smoked Salmon, Chive Philly and Lemon Risotto (£4.17 for 4 servings)
portions: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
1 onion finely diced
1 tbsp olive oil
350 g risotto rice
1 clove garlic crushed
1 1/2 l hot vegetable stock
120 g Philadelphia Light with Chives
170 g smoked salmon
1 lemon
(handful of rocket to serve – optional)
1. Heat the oil in a large wide saucepan and gently cook the onion till soft but not browned. Add garlic and cook for another 2 mins then add the rice and stir to coat in oil.
2. Add half of the stock and stir. Continue to stir occasionally as the stock is absorbed. Add half of the remaining stock and repeat until all of the stock is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Stir in the Philly and the salmon then grate in the zest of half of the lemon and add a squeeze of juice. Serve with a scattering of rocket leaves.