Alanon: Peace Lutheran Church, door 4, New London, 6 p.m.
Monday Hand & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Willmar High School Cardinal Alumni Club: American Legion, Spicer, 11:30 a.m..open to all alumni and/or friends of WHS from the 1950’s and 1960’s.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, noon
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
Parkinson’s Disease support group: CCM Health Wellness Center, Montevideo, 3:30 p.m., 320-321-8240
TOPS: Assembly of God Church Encore, 3821 Abbott Drive, 6:15 p.m., 320-796-2280
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Tuesday
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Willmar Community Center, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; informal coffee time for veterans and spouses; 320-894-7840. All firefighters, police officers, and rescue squad members are invited to join.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda, Willmar, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Kiwanis: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Bingo: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 1 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Compassionate Friends: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, 7 p.m.
Wednesday
Coffee and conversation: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Hand, Knee & Foot Cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
Mahjong: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9:30 a.m.
Walking club: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Rotary: The Oaks, noon
Lions Club: Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, Willmar, noon
Cribbage corner cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Whist: Willmar Community Center, 12:30 p.m.
Willmar Area Senior Citizens Club: Willmar Community Center, 2 p.m. entertainment by Cowboy Dave, 3 p.m. meeting.
Women’s A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 6:45 p.m.
A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Alanon: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7 p.m.
Thursday A.A.: 1805 E. Hwy. 12, 7:30 a.m.
Mexican Train: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 9 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Atwater Community Center, 9:45 a.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group: Bethesda North Pointe, New London, 10 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Willmar Community Center, 10:15 a.m.
SAIL exercise: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, 10:15 a.m.
Dementia care partner support group: CCM Health
Wellness Center, Montevideo, 10:30 a.m., or virtually, 320-321-8240 Hand & Foot Cards: Willmar Community Center, 12:30
p.m. 500 cards: Dethlefs Community Center, Spicer, noon Blue Star Mothers of America: 5:30 p.m., Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar
This calendar will run each week in the Sunday Reminder and as space permits in the West Central Tribune e-edition, Monday through Saturday. To have your event included please email news@ wctrib.com or mail it to Kit Grode, West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201. Include all information and the name and phone number of the person submitting it. You will be called to confirm the information.
Comfort Food Reimagined
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
for National Mac and Cheese Day
BY PATTI DIAMOND
As a lover of all things comfort food, one of my favorite food holidays is coming up.
Next Sunday, July 14 is National Macaroni and Cheese Day. This is not a drill! What better way to celebrate than with a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese?
Did you know that mac and cheese has a rich history dating back to the 14th century? The earliest known recipe comes from an Italian cookbook called “Liber de Coquina,” and it was a dish reserved for the elite. However, it wasn’t until President Thomas Jefferson brought the dish to America from France that mac and cheese truly began its rise to comfort food royalty.
But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy this classic dish more often and make it a bit healthier?
Introducing Cauliflower Mac and Cheese! By swapping half the pasta for cauliflower, you not only reduce the carbs but also boost the nutritional value, making it a win-win.
Why Add Cauliflower?
Nutritional Boost: Cauliflower is packed with vitamins C, K and B6, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Including it in your mac and cheese makes the dish more nutrient-dense without sacrificing flavor.
Lower Carbs: Reducing the amount of pasta and replacing it with cauliflower lowers the overall carbohydrate content, making it better for those watching their carb intake.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Yield: 4 to 6 main dish servings
Total Time: 35 minutes
16 ounces cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dry ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups milk
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheese, I used Colby Jack Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Fill a large saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and cauliflower; cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer to the prepared pan.
In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, ground mustard, salt and garlic powder; stir to combine. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add cheese, one handful at a time, and stir until melted and combined.
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and cauliflower, stirring to combine. Bake, uncovered, until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool and serve. Store any leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Versatility: Cauliflower takes on the flavors of the dish, blending seamlessly into the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet.
Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Cook Al Dente: Boil the pasta and cauliflower until just tender. Overcooking can lead to mushy mac and cheese after baking.
Cool Before Baking: Let the pasta and cauliflower cool slightly before mixing with the sauce. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
Warm Milk for Sauce: Using warm milk helps create a smoother cheese sauce more quickly and prevents lumps.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your own cheese for
the best melting results.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anticaking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce. Macaroni and cheese is the queen of comfort foods, and with this healthier twist, you can enjoy it more often without the guilt. Celebrate National Macaroni and Cheese Day with this delicious recipe and enjoy the benefits of added cheesy covered veggies in every bite!
In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, for the filling, combine sugar and flour in a bowl. Whisk in cream and eggs. Stir in the rhubarb. Pour over crust and bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set. Cool. For topping, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth; fold in whipping cream (whipped), spread over top. Cover and chill. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.
Congratulations to Georgiann Steinkemp for her recent gift card win!
Deliciously Cheesy with a Healthy Twist: Half pasta, half cauliflower, all comfort!
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You face the possibility of raising your relationship to another level. However, your partner might demand that you make some promises, for which you’re not sure that you’re ready.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) As changes continue, expect things to get a little more hectic at your workplace. An unexpected travel opportunity could open up new career prospects.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Confront the
person who caused your hurt feelings and demand a full explanation for their actions. You’ll not only recover your self-esteem, but you’ll also gain the respect of others.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal problem in the workplace is compounded by someone’s biased interference. Stand your ground, and you’ll soon find allies gathering around you.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You don’t accept disapproval easily. But instead of hiding out
Butterfly Jewelry
In North America, summer, especially late summer, is butterfly season. Multiple generations hatch as caterpillars grow, pupate and emerge to pollinate flowers and lay eggs of their own.
If you would prefer a butterfly that lasts longer, they often appear in decorative arts and jewelry, like this pin or pendant that sold for $594 at New Orleans Auction Galleries. Real-life butterflies are admired for the striking colors and patterns of their wings, but this pin dazzles with gemstones. Its colors come from about 1.72 carats of sapphires. While the name of the stone is synonymous with a brilliant shade of blue, sapphires can come in many other colors, as they do here. About 2.90 carats of diamonds add more sparkle (and value!) to the pin. They are rose-cut, an old shape with irregular facets meant to preserve the original size and shape of the stone. Today, most diamonds in jewelry are brilliant-cut, a style that was developed in the 18th century to create more facets on the stone and reflect more light
Q: A heavy wooden chest was dropped off at our local transfer location and given to us because neighbors know we like odd
pieces of furniture. We had to use a forklift to move it. We think it is a bridal chest from the early 20th century. It is 43 inches high, 78 1/2 inches long and 27 1/2 inches deep. The lid has remnants of painted pasteboard panels heavily decorated with gilding, gesso rabbits and Maltese crosses. The interior is cedar. Does it have any value?
A: Large wooden bridal chests in good condition can sell for a few hundred dollars. Size, provenance and condition, or a wellknown maker, help determine price. Chests that are too heavy to move easily or are in poor condition don’t sell well. The peeling pasteboard panels on your chest would be difficult to restore. A heavy European decorated bridal chest from the second half of the 19th century was up for auction last year. It was in poor condition and listed as “difficult to move.” It didn’t sell, even though the starting bid was listed as $150. You might find someone who enjoys taking on a project, but the weight will
in your den to lick your wounded pride, turn the criticism into a valuable lesson for the future.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A former friend who you thought you’d cut out of your life is still affecting other relationships. Counter their lies with the truth. Your true friends are ready to listen.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) What appears to be an unfair situation might simply be the result of a misunderstanding. If you feel that
something is out of balance, by all means, correct it.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A stalled relationship won’t budge until you make the first move. Your partner offers a surprising explanation about what got it mired down in the first place.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A co-worker shares some startling news, but before you can use it to your advantage, make sure it’s true. The
weekend favors family matters.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19)
Your usual conservative approach to family situations might not work at this time. Keep an open mind about developments, and you might be pleasantly surprised
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Plans might have to be put on hold because of a family member’s problems. Don’t hesitate to get involved. Your help could make all the difference.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Relationships in the home and in the workplace need your careful attention during this period. Be careful not to allow misunderstandings to create problems. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a keen, insightful intellect and enjoy debating your views with others who disagree with you. You also love to solve puzzles -- the harder, the better.
1940, 4 1/2 x 10 inches, $255. Advertising, sign, “We Give Triple-S Blue Stamps,” blue speech bubble, owl on branch, yellow ground, 47 x 34 1/2 inches, $345.
Coca-Cola, sign, “For Extra Fun ... Take More Than One,” woman with two packs of Coke,
Furniture, seat, buggy, painted, green ground, scene on back, young couple, dog, horse and carriage, hilly landscape with house and trees in background, Martha Farham Cahoon, 33 1/2 x 41 x 21 inches, $2,000. For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www. Kovels.com (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc. Kovels.com You won’t see a
Steuben, tazza, flared, four open scrolls around short pedestal base, round foot, George Thompson, c.
Buying all antiques, lures, gasoline & beer signs, gas pumps, oil cans, old rifles & bullets, shell boxes, arrowheads, beadwork, toys, fishing spears, duck & fish decoys, jewelry, crocks, potato baskets, farm items, old cupboards, etc. 952-334-4417 Leave message for Dr. Jerry SAVE THIS AD!!!
Golden Retriever Puppies Purebred, vet checked, shots, dewormed, ready 7/8. $850. Call/Txt 218-244-8259 Labrador/Great Pyrenees Great family dogs! Ready July 27th. Females $500; Males $450. 320-815-7822 Reg. Black Lab Puppies Both parents great hunting & family dogs! $400. 320-309-0828 Melrose, MN German Shepherd Pups AKC reg. 39 years exp. Shots, hips &
