Ah comfort food.  There’s nothing like mac ‘n cheese.  My parents used to make it simply with a brick of Velveeta and milk (which, by the way, I still love).  I was looking for a healthier option and this is my new favorite.  I did make a few modifications, which I’ve noted below.

My son even loved this version! I served it with a big Italian salad.

So, I’ll quickly post and then we are off to the Chicago Air & Water show.  I’ve got the sparkling sangria in the cooler (it’s my “famous” recipe .. with a good story behind it.  It’s in my cookbook but I will also try to take a picture today and post the recipe).   Now if the rain holds… should be a fun day!

Creamy Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese
courtesy of Cooking Light, June 2006

serves: 6 (about 1 1/2 cups each)
WW Points: 6

4 cups uncooked medium elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/4 cups fat-free milk (*** I used 2 c milk, and 1/4 c beer! I’ve added beer to cheese soup and loved it. So, I did here… great flavor!)
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic (*** I used 2 cloves fresh)
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (*** I used reduced-fat sharp cheddar)
*** I added a few dashes of Tabasco sauce
*** I added a few sprinkles of reduced fat blue cheese that I had leftover in the fridge… about 1 tbsp

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts, stirring occasionally. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl; toss well.

~M