What's the Deal with Veggies in Brownies?

You might have heard a little bit about this book. Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. There's been some buzz on the Internet, and on, oh, Oprah (plus a little controversy, which always spices everything up a bit.)

But the book has a smart concept and a cool design. Those are my two biggies. So I reviewed it today (and I'm giving one away to a commenter) on Cool Stuff.

Plus, the woman has created a Mac and Cheese recipe that includes our ghordtastic friend the butternut squash. Check it.

Jessica Seinfeld's Macaroni & Cheese
(with butternut squash)

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
Nonstick cooking spray
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 cup nonfat (skim) milk
1/2 cup butternut or cauliflower puree
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (about 8 oz.)
4 oz. (almost 1/4 cup) reduced-fat or nonfat cream cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander.

While the macaroni is cooking, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the oil, then the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vegetable puree, Cheddar, cream cheese and seasonings and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the macaroni and serve warm. Enjoy.

And don't forget to leave a comment on Cool Stuff. To maybe win and all. Not that there's anything wrong with that.