While the dishes your loved when you were a kid may provide the occasional comfort you need, they're not great for every day dining. (If you look back, there was probably a distinct lack of anything leafy and green on your favorite childhood plates.) But you don't have to banish them to your memory bank! With a few simple swaps, those kid-friendly dishes can become just a bit more sophisticated — and good enough to please your adult palate.

(There's always one exception to the rule. This time it's macaroni and cheese. Some things you just don't mess with.)

Salmon Noodle Bake

<p>This veggie-packed version of tuna noodle casserole is loaded with chunks of seafood-counter salmon for a Mediterranean-inspired upgrade that's flavored with leeks, mushrooms, and herbs. </p> <p><strong>Recipe: <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/salmon-noodle-bake-recipe-ghk0111%22 target="_blank">Salmon Noodle Bake</a></strong></p>
Con Poulos

Basic Macaroni and Cheese

Basic Macaroni and Cheese
Levi Brown

Pecorino Chicken Fingers

pecorino chicken fingers
Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Pizza with the Works

Cover pizzas with a slew of mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni for a simple colorful dish that's easy to share.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/recipefinder/pizza-the-works-rbk0510-recipe"target="_new">Get the Recipe!</a></b>
John Kernick

PB and J Sandwich Cookies

<p>If you want a cookie sandwich-themed party, add <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/peanut-butter-jelly-cookies-desserts%22 target="_new">PB and J Sandwich Cookies</a> to the menu. You'll have to make the peanut butter-oatmeal cookies and sweet peanut butter filling in advance, but leave the sandwich creations to the kids.</p><br /> <p>You don't have to limit the filling to peanut butter and jelly. You can offer an assortment of fillings, like different-flavored jams, marshmallow, Nutella, and bananas.</p>
Iain Bagwell

Spaghetti with Artichokes & Lemon-Thyme Garlic Oil

<p>If you can't find frozen artichoke hearts, canned will work as well. Be sure to drain them and pat them dry before using to avoid adding excess liquid to the dish.</p> <p><strong>Recipe:</strong> <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/spaghetti-with-artichokes-and-lemon-thyme-garlic-oil-recipe%22 target="_blank"><strong>Spaghetti with Artichokes and Lemon-Thyme Garlic Oil</strong></a></p>
Jonny Valiant

Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Melted Onions

<p>The rich sweetness of the caramelized onions with the added splash of bourbon will change your boring grilled cheese into a gourmet meal.</p> <p><strong>Recipe: <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/grilled-cheese-bourbon-melted-onions-recipe-rbk0313%22 target="_blank">Grilled Cheese with Bourbon Melted Onions</a></strong></p>
Jonny Valiant

Blueberry Cabernet Cheesecake Popsicles

<p>When you're scrounging in the freezer for a frozen dessert to numb your throat, you'll probably find a lot of unnatural colors and flavors. Skip the neon pops and convince someone to make you these decedent popsicles that will ease your throat and make you feel pampered all at once.</p> <p><strong>Recipe: <a href="http://gogonow.org/recipefinder/blueberry-cabernet-cheesecake-popsicles-recipe-rbk0813%22 target="_blank">Blueberry Cabernet Cheesecake Popsicles</a></strong></p>
Courtesy of Bakers Royale