What's Cooking Wednesday...Mac & Cheese!

Liam is a very healthy eater. I know lots of parents probably say that about their kids when they really eat microwave dinners and brownies for breakfast every day, but I'm telling the truth! Liam's favorite snack is apples. We take him to McDonald's occasionally and the kid is more excited for the apples than he is for the toy! He's not even really aware they serve the apples with caramel there, he just loves those apples! He also regularly snacks on raw broccoli and carrots, and then asks for more broccoli! I know! Who's kid is this?! In other words, I don't have to find creative ways to get him to eat healthy foods. I like the Deceptively Delicious cookbook, though, because it gives me a way to make foods we already eat a little healthier. This recipe is Aaron's favorite, and we're having it for dinner tonight!

Jessica Seinfeld's Macaroni & Cheese (with butternut squash)

from the Deceptively Delicious cookbook

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

Nonstick cooking spray

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup nonfat skim milk
1/2 cup butternut squash (or cauliflower puree)
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
4 ounces (almost 1/4 cup) reduced-fat or nonfat cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander.

While the macaroni is cooking, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the oil, then the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vegetable puree, Cheddar, cream cheese and seasonings and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the macaroni and serve warm.

Hmmmm...this isn't neon orange like regular mac & cheese...

But hey, I'll give it a go!

A little hot, but good!