Feed Your Potential 365

The Lighter Side of Comfort Food

When it’s cold outside, it feels like even your soul needs something warm. The comfort foods you love are just the thing to warm you up, inside and out. But while classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie can deliver maximum coziness, they’re not known for being healthy.

Good news! You don’t have to abandon your quest for wholesome food the next time you want to warm up with something hot, hearty and delicious. Warm up AND fuel up with these healthier comfort food favorites from Aramark chefs. More recipes available here.

Recipe: Light & Zesty Spinach Pasta Toss

Fifteen minutes to total comfort! This Italian-inspired pasta dish features diced tomatoes and fresh spinach, which boasts vitamins A and C. And hearty whole grain pasta is one of our favorite food swaps for better nutrition. Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

1 can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup water
9-ounce package baby spinach leaves
1 cup shredded 2% milk Italian three-cheese blend

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring tomatoes, red pepper flakes, pasta, and water to a boil. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10 minutes or until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
Add half of the package of spinach; cover and simmer for 2 minutes or until the spinach has wilted. Stir the pasta and repeat with remaining spinach.
Serve topped with cheese.

Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that's right for you.

McCallie Meet-up & Eat-up

We had a blast with students on Valentine’s Day! We provided a fun craft, snacks and treats and showed the movie Valentine’s Day for those who joined us for last month’s McCallie Meet-up, co-sponsored with New Student and Family Programming. Here’s a peek at our upcoming schedule. Encourage your student to join us for some low-key fun at McCallie!

March 21 – Patio Party 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Corn hole, bowling, snacks and prizes
April 25 – Ice Cream Social 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Ice Cream Sundae Station

Student Running Low on FlexBucks? You can reload their student ID online anytime with increments of $50! www.mtsu.campusdish.com

March Special Events and Theme Events

March 20	Food Truck Fest, Lunch at McCallie
March 22	Smoothie Bar, Lunch at Raider Zone
March 23	Fit Friday, Breakfast and lunch at McCallie
March 27	Southern Cookout, Lunch at Raider Zone
March 28	Birthday Celebration, Lunch and dinner at McCallie and Raider Zone
March 29	Opening Day at Ballpark, Lunch and dinner at McCallie
March 30	Spring Peep Make & Take, Lunch at McCallie and Raider Zone