To post information about the questionable additives in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and suggest that you try to cut down or eliminate eating it, leaves a void for many mac-n-cheese loving folks…our children included. The following recipe, though not flavored or colored like the well-known blue box, definitely fits the bill when you’re craving some comfort food. And it is EASY!! Our kids love it, as do their friends.
A Better Mac and Cheese
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups skim milk (1 or 2% is ok too)
1 tsp dried mustard or 1 Tbl prepared mustard
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt (cottage cheese has a high sodium content so you can omit this)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/4 cup grated onions (you can sub with 2 T chopped dried onion)
1 cup plus extra grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 lb uncooked whole wheat macaroni
2 Tbl grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup bread crumbs
Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a 9 or 10″ square baking pan with a light coating of cooking spray. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper and purée until smooth. In a large bowl combine the puréed mixture with the onions, cheddar cheese, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking pan. Combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake for about 45 minutes until the topping is browned and the center is firm.
