A Mom-Approved Recipe for Mac & Cheese
While writing out your What’s for Dinner? Wednesday recipe, I’m heading back to my hometown for a week of family adventures!
First, I’m going to see my two favorite workout buddies, my sister and niece, in person for the first time since my niece was born back in April. They’re up from their downunder (they live in Australia) for my niece’s first visit, my cousin’s wedding, and so my niece can spend a few years living with me in so her American accent is on point. Well, that’s the plan I’m going to pitch to my sister and brother-in-law at least!
My niece, sister, and I after a Skype PT session!
Even though I should have planned for this trip by working on my packing, I ended up spending very minimal time on that. Instead, I spent time reminiscing about the good ‘ole days growing up in CT with my sister.
I watched Sleeping Beauty for the first time in forever and for this week’s What’s for Dinner? Wednesday healthy recipe idea, I’ve chose a childhood classic – Mac and Cheese!
This recipe for mac ‘n cheese is loosely based on one from Clean Eating Magazine. I’ve beefed it up with not beef, but turkey (I don’t want those Chick-fil-A cows after me!), to make it a more complete meal. Just add some greens in the form of a salad or side veggies and you’ll have yourself some wholesome comfort food from your childhood minus any of your grown up guilt!
If you’re not an A-Lister and missed my ingredients list on Sunday, head HERE so it doesn’t happen again. Then get ready to make your grocery list.
Here’s what you need to serve it to six:
2 1/4 c elbow macaroni
Olive oil cooking spray
1/4 c whole grain brown rice flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 cup skim milk
3 oz light Swiss cheese, grated
5 oz low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp panko crumbs
2 tbsp reduced fat parmesan cheese, grated
1 lb ground turkey
Here’s how to put it all together:
Step One: Setting up the basics. Cook up your macaroni according to package directions. Even though we’re reminiscing about our childhoods, you don’t want to end up recreating Strega Nona….(unless you do and if so, I’m ready to come watch as long as the mess isn’t happening at my house!).
Instead of watching your water boil (it will only take longer!) multitask by cooking up your turkey at the same time. Brown it by spraying a large saucepan with cooking spray and heating it over medium-high heat until it’s done.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and mist an 8-in diameter casserole dish with cooking spray before proceeding to step two.
Step Two: Making it cheesy! It’s time to put the Cheese in Mac ’N Cheese. Start by finding a small bowl and whisking together the flour and milk until no lumps remain (they may be OK for Fergie, but not our sauce!).
Heat a medium sized saucepan on medium high heat and add the milk-flour mixture. Once the milk has warmed up, add your Swiss cheese, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until the cheese has melted. Finally, add your cheddar cheese and stir until all dairy elements are combined. Note: If the cheeses don’t fully combine, you can add them to a food processor to finish the job.
Step Three: Put it in the oven and what do you get…?! No paddy cake, but a yummy mac and cheese!
Before you do that stir your panko breadcrumbs and parmesan together in a small bowl so they can top your macaroni masterpiece. Then transfer our macaroni into the casserole dish and top it with your panko-parm mix. Bake it for 15-20 mins or until the topping is lightly browned.
Finally, mix it all up with your turkey and sriracha, if you’re feeling spicy, and enjoy!
Will you try this recipe? What was your favorite dish as a kid? Share your thoughts and a fun memory in the comments below:
