Mac & Cheese Makeover

By California Walnuts
Total Time
45 Mins
Serves
6
Meal
Dinner Lunch

DESCRIPTION

Mac & Cheese with walnuts is the real McCoy! For maximum flavor using minimal saturated fat, be sure to use very sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe.

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
30 Mins
Total Time
45 Mins
Calories
350
Total Fat
17
Polyunsaturated Fat
6
Cholesterol
22
Sodium
370
Carbohydrates
35
Dietary Fiber
5
Protein
16

Ingredients

  • Nonstick spray for the pan
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, low-fat
  • 1/2 pound macaroni, whole-wheat, elbow
  • 1 cup broccoli, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons flour, unbleached, all-purpose
  • 1 teaspoon mustard, dry
  • A big pinch or two garlic powder (optional)
  • Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese (about 3 ounces), sharp, grated, packed
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce), grated
  • A big dash cayenne pepper
  • 2 slices (2 ounces) bread, whole-wheat, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup California walnuts, chopped

Preparation

  1. Spray a 1-quart gratin pan or baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. Set the oven rack high in the oven (highest rung) and preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Heat the milk until it is very hot (fine to do this directly in the measuring cup in a microwave, if the cup is microwave proof.) Do not let the milk boil. When it is hot, set aside near the stove.
  3. Put a pot of lightly salted water to boil. When it reaches a boil, add the macaroni and let it cook until tender. When it is tender, toss in the chopped broccoli and wait about 30 seconds, then drain the entire potful into a colander in a sink.
  4. While the macaroni is cooking, place a medium-large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, and use a narrow, closely-tined whisk to beat in the flour, mustard, and garlic powder. Keep whisking until it forms a thick paste (this will happen within seconds!) and then slowly drizzle in the hot milk, still vigorously whisking, so it becomes smooth as the milk is incorporated. Turn the heat to low, and switch to mixing with a wooden spoon. Keep cooking and stirring until it is velvety, thick, and smooth.
  5. Add the salt, half the cheddar, the Parmesan, and the cayenne, and stir until the cheese is fully blended. Remove from heat. Add the cooked macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce, also adding the remaining cheddar. Stir until all the pasta is well coated. Transfer to the prepared pan, top with the bread crumbs and walnuts, and bake uncovered in the high part of the oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and crisp on top. Serve warm.