Easy Macaroni & Cheese

This is my favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese by far...and the simplest!  With only 5 ingredients, low fat milk, and no butter what's not to like??  I have tried a zillion macaroni and cheese recipes.  I usually gravitate towards ones that are baked, but this was so delicious and creamy, I loved it just the way it was.  You could always bake it if you would prefer it that way.



Easy Macaroni & Cheese recipe from Cate's World Kitchen

2 cups of dried pasta (I used penne, but you could use elbows, bowties, etc.)

2 cups of 2% milk

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp. dijon mustard

1tsp. salt

Bring the pasta and mik to a simmer on low heat.  Cook on low for around 15-20 minutes, until pasta is tender.  Make sure you stir very frequently, so the milk does not stick to the pan.  Remove from heat.  Stir in salt, dijon, and cheese. 

Pasta Con Broccoli

Anything with pasta and cheese is comforting to me. This was simple, easy, delicious comfort food.

Pasta Con Broccoli adapted from this recipe, originally from The Pasta House Co. in St. Louis

8 oz. penne pasta

1 1/2 cups fat-free half and half

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 minced garlic cloves

1/2 cup canned tomato sauce

2 cups chopped frozen broccoli

salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Boil a large pot of salted water.  Cook the pasta until halfway done (about 5 min. for the penne I used).  Drain pasta and return to pot.  Add half and half, butter, garlic, and tomato sauce.  Bring to a boil and add broccoli, salt and pepper to taste.  Boil for about another 4-5 minutes (on med-high) until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick.  Stir frequently or the sauce will stick to the bottom of the pan.  Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese.

Serves 4.

7 Layer Dip

An old favorite standby....

7 Layer Dip adapted from this recipe from allrecipes.com

1 16 oz. can of fat free refried beans

2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup Mexican Style Shredded Cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Mix refried beans and taco seasoning.  Spread on the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate.  Layer all remaining ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld.  Serve with tortilla chips.