Food:Macaroni and Cheese

A lot of people I know who have a healthy lifestyle tend to avoid foods like Macaroni and Cheese. Here is a version I make that has a lot less fat and calories than most other versions.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese- serves 4.

You will need:

• 2 cups elbow, shell or other bite-size shaped pasta
• 200g bacon strips
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1 can light evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1-3/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup grated Edam or other low fat cheese
• 1/2 cup dried wholemeal breadcrumbs

1. Bring 1 litre of water to boil in large pot and add pasta. Using package directions as a guide, cook until al dente. Drain. To prevent sticking, drain and immediately pour onto a large lipped baking sheet and let cool while preparing sauce.
2. Meanwhile, microwave the evaporated milk and chicken broth in a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup or bowl until hot and steamy (not boiling). Melt butter in the empty pasta pot; whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard, Parmesan and pepper. Turn off heat, stir in half the Edam cheese until melted.
3. Quickly cook the onion and bacon over a high heat until golden brown. You do not need to add any oil if your pan is non-stick.
4. Add drained pasta and bacon to sauce, and stir until everything is well combined over low heat.
5. Place into a non-stick oven dish and top with the remaining Edam cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 180 degrees C.

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 412 | Total Fat: 19.7g | Cholesterol: 57mg

I hope you try this recipe, it is great comfort food!