You Had a Tough Day

Whew it's tough to come off of a three day weekend.

You had a really stressful day at work.

And tonight you want a little good ol' fashioned comfort food.

Something you can go home and put some sweats on ... and then sit in front TV and enjoy.

Ooooo a nice bowl of mac and cheese!

You want something a little nicer than the box stuff (even though it too is pretty tasty!)

BUT, you don't want all the fat and calories of the traditional recipe.

I'm reading a book called Naturally Thin by Bethany Frankel at the recommendation of a friend of mine who thinks the gal sounds a lot like me with regards to the way I eat. So of course I had to get a copy - and I agree!

In it, she has about 30 recipes too, so I've decided to try a few of them this week. This mac and cheese recipe is from her book - barely altered - and boy is it good stuff. It's so flavorful you won't need to eat the entire pan to be satisfied!

So the next time you have a hard day and want some comfort food, grab your sweats and get ready to veg. You have the perfect recipe for a flavorful mac and cheese that will have you feeling better in no time.

Until our next meal,
Rebecca

Ingredients:

Zesty, Healthy Mac and Cheese

• 12 Oz Mini Pasta Shells (Even delicious with whole wheat pasta!)
• 1 Cup Soy Milk
• 1 Cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, Shredded
• 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
• 1 Small Box Frozen Butternut Squash, Thawed
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tsp Ground Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 Tsp Chili Powder
• 2 Tbs Bread Crumbs
• 2 Tbs Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese (Optional for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Boil the pasta shells according to the package.
3. In another saucepan, combine soy milk, parmesan, cheddar, and butternut squash over medium heat until melted and combined.
4. Remove from heat and add salt, mustard, pepper, Worcestershire, and chili powder. (Taste and add additional salt and pepper as desired.)
5. Drain pasta and combine with cheese sauce.
6. Place in a shallow baking dish sprayed with cooking spray, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and additional cheese.
7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until slightly browned.

Best when served hot!