What’s in a name?

Macaroni and cheese seems entirely self-evident. There’s macaroni. And there’s cheese. Yes, there are more than 600 kinds of pasta, so there are plenty of options on that side of the equation. And of course, there’s always another kind of cheese to try. But what if you truly wanted to transform this comfort food classic, not only boosting the flavor but also adding lean protein? The result would be Smoky Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese.

Smoky yet sublime.

First things first, Smoky Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese is not a five-alarm fire. Instead, the smoky flavor comes from a sublime blend of smoked cheese, smoked paprika and bacon. Onion, garlic, oregano and tomato paste also contribute to the depth of flavor. And chicken? Fourteen ounces of chicken breast pack more than 110 grams of protein, so this is a dish sure to satisfy family and friends for dinner and one that reheats well the next day for a workday lunch.

The stuff of legends.

Any food that’s been around as long as pasta has accumulated a wealth of stories and legends. Did Marco Polo really bring pasta to Italy from China in the 13th century? Actually, pasta was in Europe long before that. Ancient Greeks and Romans made pasta with barley flour, and in Asia wheat noodles go back at least 4,000 years. In America, Thomas Jefferson was an early enthusiast for pasta and helped popularize mac ‘n cheese. He was introduced to pasta when he lived in Paris in the 1780s and later imported a pasta making machine to the United States. As president, he even served mac ‘n cheese at White House dinners

Flavor by the forkful.

Smoky Chicken Mac ‘N Cheese is delicious with a wide range of noodle types. Fusilli, penne or macaroni are all good choices. The short lengths and textured surfaces help the cheese adhere. For a gluten-free option, consider a brown rice pasta. And cheese? Try smoked cheddar, gouda or provolone. This recipe is all about comfort and creativity.

Get to know the full spectrum of leafy greens.

Kale, we’ll always be friends, but …

This isn’t forever. It’s just time to take a break. There’s an entire world of leafy greens out there to discover, and though certain varieties have had a good run (looking at you, kale), the two or three most common choices are just the tip of the iceberg lettuce. There’s an enormous range of flavor, and some veggies — escarole, for instance — taste different according to which part of the plant you’re using. With escarole, the green outer leaves are bitter while the white inner ribs and heart are mild. The versatility extends to cooking techniques as well. Greens can be sautéed, cooked with other ingredients, served raw and even grilled. Green means go, and there are plenty of ways to get more greens into your everyday meals.

As old as time, as fresh as today.

Humans have been eating greens for millennia. Depending on the time and place, greens can be a seasonal food or year-round staple. Some greens tolerate frost, which can extend their local availability into late fall or even early winter. And note, not all greens grow on land. Watercress, shown here on the far right, grows in or near freshwater springs and streams. Like all vegetables, the different varieties of greens support active, healthy living in different ways. But in general, leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and plant-based micronutrients.

Getting to the top of this.

When most people today think of beets, the part of the plant that comes to mind is the root. However, in the ancient world the plant was grown for its leaves, and it wasn’t until more recent centuries that the root was cultivated as a food source.

So what makes the beet greens such a super food for the ages? The leafy greens are packed with Vitamins A, B, C and K along with the minerals potassium, calcium, manganese and magnesium. Best of all, beets are often sold with the leaves and roots still attached, a 2-for-1 veggie combo that can serve as the basis for a well-rounded dinner.

Simply delicious.

If you browse the Just Bare Chicken online recipe collection, you’ll find an array of more delectable recipes that use enough greens to get you through the day!