Mac

One of my favorite comfort dishes is macaroni & cheese. I know that if I order this dish at a restaurant, there is no way that it will be low -anything (fat, calories, etc...). Here are a few restaurants in the DC Metro-area that give perfect examples of this:

Central
Hudson
Zola

While it is ok to splurge once in awhile, there is a way to make this yummy treat in a healthy way. You've got two options:

1. Buy a box of Annie's Whole Wheat macaroni and cheese. After you've boiled the water, add the noodles AND frozen chopped broccoli. Once it is all cooked, drain and mix the cheese mixture with soy or skim milk. Add the noodles and broccoli, along with chopped cooked chicken breast, and enjoy!

2. Follow the same directions as Option 1, but instead of using the pre-mixed cheese sauce, you can make your own.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups non-fat milk
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cheddar cheese

Directions: Mix together over medium heat, and mix in cooked pasta. Enjoy!

Lesson learned: You can make ANYTHING healthier, but of course enjoy the originals from time to time - as a treat:)