everyone loves homemade mac & cheese

I don't know anyone who doesn't take comfort in a warm bowl of some mac & cheese but let's face it, Krafts mac&cheese is NOT going to help you reach your goals. Buuutttt, I'm not asking you give up your cheesy treat-- just change it up a little bit with this homemade option that is healthier and yes, more delicious!  This bowl of mac is made with REAL low-fat cheese, NO extra sodium, NO preservatives, and a more than a serving of your veggies for the day.  So go ahead, enjoy your treat--guilt free! Thanks mom for the recipe :)

INGREDIENTS:
​​(Based on 1.5 box of elbow noodles... I usually make 2-2.5 boxes at a time so I have extra for some meal prep and leftovers)

• ​​2 cups Unsweetened Almond or Cashew milk
• 3 tablespoons of light "I can't believe its not butter" or light Olivio (both found in butter section)
• 1 bag of broccoli florets
• 1 fresh tomato, diced or 1 can of diced tomatoes (I usually chop a fresh tomato unless I'm short on time)
• 1.5 boxes of whole wheat elbow noodles
• 1 block of light or reduced fat yellow cheddar cheese (although you won't be using the entire block for the recipe)
• 1 block of light or reduced fact white cheddar
• Bread Crumbs

​RECIPE:

1. ​​Boil elbows as instructed on box
2. Steam broccoli
3. Chop broccoli & tomatoes into small pieces
4. Chop 3/4 of both blocks of cheese into small cubes (so it is easier to melt)
5. On medium heat- mix milk, butter choice, and cheese chunks until all cheese is melted and mixed
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
7. Mix elbows, tomatoes, broccoli, and cheese mix together and transfer to baking pan
8. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top and bake for 22 minutes

​I like to serve mine with some grilled chicken or grilled turkey so that I also get a good source of lean protein.  I recommend doing the same so that you have a balanced meal.

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