Vermont Skillet & Baked Mac & Cheese

I'm in LOVE with Safeway right now! Not only are they starting to really stock their shelves and freezer sections with a variety of gluten free products, they also have this wonderful section in each department called the CLEARANCE section! Now I know, I know, clearance is not a NEW thing, but Safeway has some really great products in this section every time I go. My biggest score was last night's find of Open Nature's Apple Maple Chicken Sausage to my surprise was 100% gluten free and delish to boot! AT $1.50 for a 6 link package, I couldn't turn it down and almost raced home to get cooking. Its already fully cooked and just needed a few things to create a quick and easy meal, but since I had some time I thought I'd whip up a homemade Baked Mac & Cheese. My favorite gluten free pasta brand (Quinoa) lately has also hit shelves at Safeway as well as Fred Meyer's which saves me a 45 minute trip to Whole Foods but also is more than half the price at my local stores! With the price of gasoline on the never ending rise and this economy the way it is, every little bit helps so trust and believe I'm also excited to catch a deal and save a little (or a lot!) The meal of course can't be complete without a little green so I popped in some frozen green beans in my trusty tupperware and BAM dinner was complete!

So let's get to the recipes...I know I've babbled on enough this morning :D Happy cooking and better eating y'all...

Vermont Skillet:
1 package Open Nature's Apple Maple Chicken Sausuage (casing removed & sliced)
1 pund cremini mushrooms (sliced)
1/4 tea. crushed red pepper
Salt/Pepper (to taste)

- In large skillet and on medium high heat sautee mushrooms and seasonsings until brown; add in sausuage.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes until sausuage is heated through.
- Uncover and cook until sausage browns (about another 5 minutes).
- Serve immediatly.

Baked Mac & Cheese:
1 package Quinoa Elbow Noodles
1/3 cup Red Mill's Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour
4 tablespoons butter
Salt/Pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) Plus 1/2 cup for top

**Preheat oven to 350**

- Cook pasta according to directions on the box.
- Meanwhile, in large pot, heat butter until melted and add in flour, salt and pepper. Whisk together so that flour is fully incorporated into the butter and continue to cook until flour is cooked (about 5 minutes).
- Slowly pour in milk, making sure to whisk continually to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth creamy consistancy.
- Bring to a low boil, mixture should be slightly thickened. Add in cheese slowly, still continually mixing, until cheese in melted and mixture coats the back of a spoon.
- Turn off the heat and add in noodles. Pour mixture into an oven safe dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.