Greek Macaroni And Cheese

• 1 lb macaroni
• 1/2 lb spinach, washed and stemmed
• 1 1/2 lbs crumbled feta cheese (about 6 cups)
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mixed chopped fresh herb (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)

1. Preheat oven to 350u0b0; bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil; add in macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and place in a large bowl.
2. To blanch the spinach: bring 4 quarts salted water to a simmer over med-high heat; have ready a large bowl of ice water and a slotted spoon; add spinach to simmering water (in three or 4 batches) and submerge it.
3. Let cook about 15 seconds, remove with the slotted spoon, and plunge into the ice water; let spinach cool completely, drain it, and squeeze out the excess water; if the leaves are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces; set aside.
4. In a blender or food processor, puree the feta cheese with the milk, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper (blend in two batches, if needed); this will not be completely smooth; there will be very small chunks of cheese remaining.
5. Stir the cheese mixture into the cooked macaroni; then add the minced rosemary and thyme, garlic, red pepper flakes, olives, cherry tomatoes, and blanched spinach.
6. Transfer mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish; sprinkle with parmesan cheese and the mixed herbs.
7. Bake on the middle shelf 25-30 minutes until the pasta is heated through and the top is slightly browned.

macaroni, feta cheese, milk, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, red pepper, black olives, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, fresh herb

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/greek-macaroni-and-cheese-197059 (may not work)