October 2000

low-fat macaroni and cheeseComfort Food

When we think of comfort food, we think of some of the dishes Mom used to make that always tasted so delicious.  Food that made us feel warm and fuzzy, like macaroni and cheese, pot roast and sugar cookies.  While they may not be the healthiest foods for us, they still conjure up memories of Mom, home and hearth.   

Low Fat Macaroni and Cheese

You don’t have to give up one of the classic high fat comfort foods, mac & cheese, for the sake of your heart.  We have rehabbed two different versions of the dish.  One gets baked in the oven and the other, on top of the stove.  Here is the stove-top version with less fat but all of the comfort.  

 

Healthy Recipes

 
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
Yield:  8 side dishes servings
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jewish Hospital Weight Management Center

  

Topping:
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
pinch salt

Macaroni:
1/2 pound (1-1/2 cups dry) elbow macaroni
¼ - 1/2 teaspoons salt (can be omitted to reduce sodium)
1 tablespoon light (5 grams fat per tablespoon) margarine

Sauce:
1/2 cup fat-free egg substitute
1 can (12 ounces) fat-free skimmed evaporated milk
¼  teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
¼  teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
9 ounces shredded low fat (5-6 grams per ounce) sharp cheddar cheese

 

Topping:
Heat oven to 350º.  In small baking pan, combine bread crumbs and salt; spread out into thin layer.  Bake until golden brown and crisp.

Macaroni:
In large saucepan, bring 2 quarts water to a boil.  Add macaroni and salt; cook until almost tender, but a little firm to the bite.  Drain; return to pan.  Add margarine and toss to melt.

Sauce:
In medium bowl, combine egg substitute, milk, red pepper sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard.  Pour egg mixture over cooked macaroni; add cheese.  Stir over medium heat until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.  Top with toasted bread crumbs and serve.

Nutrition Information for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese:
(per side dish serving)
Calories: 261
Sodium: 565 mg
Total Fat: 7 g (25% of calories from fat)
Carbohydrate: 30 g
Cholesterol: 24 mg
Protein: 19 g

Coming next month...

The holidays are almost upon us.  That doesn’t mean 5 extra pounds have to be, too!

Nutrition News
from the Jewish Hospital Cholesterol Center of The Health Alliance
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Updated 06/01/05