Healthy Mac N Cheese

Broccoli & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Printable Recipe
Serves 2-4 as a main dish, 4-6 as a side

Buy blocks of cheese and grate it yourself. It makes a world of difference! The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as smoothly. Plus, the more calories you burn shredding cheese, the more mac & cheese you can eat.

Ingredients

3 cups frozen baby broccoli florets
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/3 cups milk
4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
salt to taste

Directions

Microwave broccoli florets in a large, microwave safe bowl according to package instructions until tender (usually 4-5 minutes). Drain off any water and set aside.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add elbow macaroni. Boil according to directions until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a paste (roux). Cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking briskly to remove lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until milk mixture thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheese. Add salt to taste.

Add drained macaroni back to pot. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni, add broccoli, and stir to combine. 

Healthiest Chocolate (Is that even possible??)

Chocolate is good for you, but within moderation! This is the perfect chart for those of you who have a major sweet tooth and have the urge to dive in face first too often! It breaks it down between millk, dark and white and explains the benefits of all three. As well as give you the exact bar to buy! Now get your fix for your sweet tooth the healthy way!

See complete Women's Health article here!