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Recipes

Cooking for a Cause: Macaroni & Cheese

Servings: 8 (serving size 2 cups)

CFBNJ Recipe Tip: If your child does not like vegetables, Mac & Cheese serves as a great disguise.

Great veggies to add include:

  • Butternut Squash
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Carrots
  • Avocado

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Calories 390; Total fat 11g (Sat fat 6g, Mono fat 1g, Poly fat 0.5g); Protein 18g; Carb 56g; Fiber 3.5g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 547mg;

INGREDIENTS

  • Cooking spray
  • One 16-ounce box elbow macaroni
  • Two 10-ounce packages frozen pureed winter squash
  • 2 cups low-fat milk
  • 1 1/3 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
  • 2/3 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese (2 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons plain dry bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook the macaroni according the package directions. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk in a large saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta, salt, mustard, and cayenne. Pour this mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine.
  • Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheeses are bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.
  • Enjoy!