CREAMY MAC AND CHEESE

If you are like me, a diabetic who loves macaroni and cheese, maybe this recipe will work for you. By using whole-wheat macaroni, this recipe that has 24 grams carbs - 1 gram fiber to 20 grams of protein per serving, becomes workable for most diabetics on an occasional basis. I do not recommend this as an everyday menu item. You can also substitute your favorite low-carb pasta to lower the carb count.

1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3 1/2 cups cooked whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1 3/4 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1 3/4 cups low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Spray a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl, cover and microwave onion on high for 2 minutes or until tender; drain. Add the macaroni, cheddar cheese and parsley.

In a blender or food processor, combine the milk, cottage cheese, mustard, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth. Stir into the macaroni mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: 8 servings
Per Serving of 2/3 cup: 229 calories, 6 g (4 sat) fat, 19mg cholesterol, 491 mg sodium, 24 g carbs, 20 g protein
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 lean meat

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