Slimmed Down Macaroni and Cheese



1/2 pound dry elbow macaroni, (2 cups)
1 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 sprig fresh parsley
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese, grated (about 8 ounces)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly grated nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the noodles, and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Mix about 1 tablespoon of skim milk with the cornstarch and set aside. Heat the remaining skim milk in a saucepan over medium heat with the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. When fragrant, whisk in the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil over high heat, and simmer until the milk thickens. Remove the herbs and stir in the cheese, until melted. Whisk the butter, mustard, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne into the sauce.
3. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with the cheese sauce and season with salt and black pepper.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis per serving Calories 347
Fat 8 grams Saturated Fat 5 grams
Carbohydrates 44 grams Fiber 1 gram
Protein 23 grams

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