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Rotini & Cheese is a variation on Kraft's shells and cheese. It's actually kind of like an upgrade because you get small pieces of dehydrated broccoli in addition to the mac and cheese. Halfway through the cooking process you add the broccoli to the simmering pasta so that it can rehydrate.

The only problem is that whenever I strain the pasta from the water I lose half of the rehydrated broccoli.

Does anyone know a way to keep from losing the broccoli without wasting a ton of time?

Mark Rogers
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One option is to line your strainer with cheesecloth, which will keep just about anything from getting through. Since you're only putting pasta, water, and broccoli through it, uou can rinse and re-use the cheesecloth so it's cost effective.

I buy my cheesecloth in bulk at fabric stores, as it's significantly cheaper there than any food-related store I've ever been to.

stephennmcdonald
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How are you straining it? A fine mesh strainer certainly won't let rehydrated broccoli through. Depending on the size of the florets, if they are very tiny pieces, perhaps a regular strainer might, but I doubt it. If you are trying the crack the lid method I could see more issues. A strainer should be fine.

justkt
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  • I've got some strainers but they have slits, so I'm kind of SOL. Also the bits are tiny so they can go though many strainers. – Mark Rogers Jan 05 '11 at 20:22
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    Interesting, I have quite a few strainers, but don't have any strainers with slits. I'd guess you're using something like this: http://goo.gl/rosrH and would recommend trying to get your hands on something like this: http://goo.gl/YjjkV (which can be used for a lot more than just this application, for example making sauces) – stephennmcdonald Jan 05 '11 at 20:31
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I'd rehydrate the broccoli bits separately. Put the pieces and a bit of water (you'll have to figure out how much) into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Give it 3 minutes on high power, and your bits should be nicely rehydrated by the steaming.

Then just stir that into your pasta after you've already drained it.

If you're committed to making boxed mac and cheese, I'd recommend just getting the plain kind and a bag of frozen broccoli. The broccoli will be bigger, nicer pieces, and you can just thaw it quickly and add it to your finished mac and cheese to warm through.

bikeboy389
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