Skinny Mac and Cheese

I planned to make a skinny mac and cheese recipe from Skinny Taste, so I emailed myself the recipe- knowing that Joe would be in class with his computer when I was making it and I could use my phone. Well, Joe's Internet does not want to work lately, and it decided to go out just as I was looking for the email!

Easy and delicious

So, I had to go from memory (scary) and invent my own recipe. I got a lot of it right, but created my own measurements and additions (garlic, cayenne, goat cheese, forgot the onions..) It turned out pretty great!

I ate it for lunch today and added ham...it was amaaaaaazing.

Here is the original recipe:

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp light butter

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup minced onion

2 cups skim milk

1 cup fat free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)

8 oz (2 cups) Sargento shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar

salt and fresh pepper to taste

12 oz fresh broccoli florets (I used pre-cut bag)

1/8 cup grated parmesan

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

cooking spray

Directions: Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large, heavy skillet, melt butters. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.