Macaroni and Cheese-Homemade

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese can be creamy and delicious yet healthy at the same time! Neufchâtel Cheese and Chicken Broth make it lower in fat and calories and Whole Wheat Pasta offers the benefit of providing essential nutrients.

• 2 cups of Fat Free, Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
• 3 TBS Flour
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Granulated Garlic
• 1/4 tsp. Ground Mustard
• 1/2 tsp. Paprika
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 ounces Neufchâtel Cheese
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 cup Panko or Italian Bread Crumbs
• 1 lb. Whole Wheat Elbow Pasta

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Boil Elbow Pasta Aldente
• Spray a 9X13 pan with Non-Stick Cooking Spray
• Add Chicken Broth, seasonings and flour to a medium saucepan
• Warm ingredients on medium low heat while whisking to mix well
• Add Neufchâtel Cheese and 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese and stir continuously until melted
• In a separate bowl combine 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs and 1 TBS melted Butter
• Place pasta in prepared 9X13 pan and cover with sauce
• Top with remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar Cheese and Bread Crumbs
• Bake uncovered until Cheese is melted and slightly bubbly and Bread Crumbs are golden brown, about 20 minutes

• Neufchâtel Cheese originates in France where it is a soft, unripened cheese that usually comes in the shape of a Heart
• In 1872 a New York dairyman created the first American Cream Cheese as a result of his attempt at creating Neufchâtel Cheese
• American Neufchâtel is about 33% lower in Fat, has slightly more Protein and contains more Moisture
• Low Fat or Light Cream Cheese can be substituted for Neufchâtal Cheese.

"Unlike traditional pastas made of refined durum wheat, or semolina, whole-grain noodles don't lose their bran and germ during processing. Bran, the outer skin of a whole grain, and the germ, or embryo of the grain, carry considerable healthful fats, protein, antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One of these minerals, magnesium, increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, which may help to lower the risk of diabetes, and dietary vitamin E, folate, and fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease. Another thing high-fiber diets might do is drive down harmful glucose, insulin, and fat levels in the blood." ~Dorothy Foltz-Gray

Try this version of Macaroni and Cheese using Penne Pasta and Pumpkin Puree. In addition to Neufchâtel and Cheddar it calls for Gruyere Cheese and uses Cayenne Pepper to spice up the Pumpkin Cheese Sauce.