142.4…Two-Cheese Mac and Cheese

There are a few dishes that I just cannot resist. Mac and Cheese is definitely one of them.

Most recipes are loaded with calories and fat but this one from Cooking Light magazine is not. Still comforting but without all the added baggage!

Two-Cheese Mac and Cheese (Serves 6)

Original Recipe: Cooking Light, September 2013

Ingredients:

• 10 ounce large elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 1/4 cups unsalted chicken stock, divided
• 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 8 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 3 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Set aside.
2. Preheat broiler to high.
3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add garlic to pan; cook 3 minutes or until garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently (do not brown). Stir in 1 cup stock; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute. Combine remaining 1 1/4 cups stock, milk, and flour; stir with a whisk until flour dissolves. Add milk mixture to garlic mixture, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Remove milk mixture from heat; add cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper. Add cooked pasta to milk mixture, tossing to coat. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour pasta mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheddar evenly over pasta mixture. Broil 3 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown. Let stand 5 minutes.

Printable Recipe

I ended up adding a bit more salt and pepper than the recipe called for because I felt it was a little too bland for my tastes. That fixed it right up. It went perfectly with some parmesan chicken (recipe to come) and broccoli. We enjoyed a comforting meal without feeling bad about ourselves afterwards. By the way, the calories per serving of the Two-Cheese Mac and Cheese is 358.

Breakfast this morning was a toasted English muffin with peanut butter and a grapefruit.

I dropped the kids off at school, did some volunteering and accompanied my daughter on her field trip. The kids had half day and my son went to a friend’s house so I took my daughter to McDonald’s for lunch. Our normal “half day of school” spot. I had the grilled chicken McWrap and a side salad with ranch dressing.

We shopped for soccer clothes and cleats then came home. Another new recipe is happening in my kitchen tonight. I’m on a roll!

What is your favorite comfort food?

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