Charlyne's Pasta with Chicken and Bacon

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rigatoni
• 6 slices bacon
• 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 5 ounces baby spinach

Directions

1. Cook 12 ounces rigatoni according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, 5 to 6 minutes; remove and crumble.
3. Add the chicken to the bacon drippings in the skillet and cook over medium-heat, turning, until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, tossing, until beginning to soften, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken mixture, spinach, bacon, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the pasta and toss to combine (add more water if pasta seems dry).

Three-Cheese Macaroni

• 1 large egg
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated whole milk
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups grated muenster cheese (4 ounces), plus 4 deli-thin slices (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
• 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets (4 cups)
• 4 cups medium pasta shells (9 ounces)

Directions

Whisk the egg, evaporated milk, cayenne, nutmeg, and salt and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Toss the grated cheeses in a separate bowl.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until almost falling apart, about 7 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Add the pasta to the same water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Preheat the broiler.
Combine the egg mixture and the grated cheeses in the empty pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses melt and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and add the cauliflower. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and light (you can also use a regular blender). Stir in some of the reserved pasta water until creamy.
Toss the pasta in the sauce; season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a shallow casserole dish and top with muenster slices. Broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Ina's Croissant Bread Pudding

• 3 extra-large whole eggs
• 8 extra-large egg yolks
• 5 cups half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 6 croissants, preferably stale
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla. Set the custard mixture aside. Slice the croissants in half horizontally. In a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish, distribute the bottoms of the sliced croissants, then add the raisins, then the tops of the croissants (brown side up), being sure the raisins are between the layers of croissants or they will burn while baking. Pour the custard over the croissants and allow to soak for 10 minutes, pressing down gently.
Place the pan in a larger one filled with 1-inch of hot water. Cover the larger pan with aluminum foil, tenting the foil so it doesn't touch the pudding. Cut a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 more minutes or until the pudding puffs up and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 large yellow squash, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 pound green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups corn kernels (cut from 2 ears, or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh dill springs

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the cannellini beans, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, corn, onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the dill.

End-Of-Summer Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 large yellow squash, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 pound green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups corn kernels (cut from 2 ears, or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh dill springs

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the broth to a boil.
2. Add the cannellini beans, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, corn, onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
3. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the dill.