Susan from Food Blogga
This recipe helps you lose the fat but keep the flavor of traditional mac n' cheese.
Makes 4 servings
1 head orange cauliflower (white can be substituted)
1/2 pound small pasta such as gemelli, elbows, or shells
2 tablespoons Smart Balance butter substitute
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups skim milk, plus 1/2 cup for pureeing cauliflower
1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese, plus 1/2 cup for sprinkling on top
a generous amount salt and several cranks of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fajita or Mexican spices, optional
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter substitute
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring
a large saucepan of water to a boil. Trim cauliflower and break into
small florets. Boil until tender, 10-15 minutes. Drain. Place in a
blender or processor with 1/2 cup milk and puree until thick and
smooth. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to directions until al dente.
For
the sauce, melt 2 tablespoons Smart Balance in a medium saucepan over
medium heat. Add flour and whisk briskly. Gradually add 2 cups milk,
whisking continuously, until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and simmer
for 3 minutes, or until thick and bubbly. Add the pureed cauliflower, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and
a generous amount of salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and
remove from heat. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until
well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining
1/2 cup cheddar evenly over the top.
For the buttered breadcrumbs, melt 1 tablespoon Smart Balance butter
substitute in a small skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and
toss until coated with butter. Sprinkle even over the top of the
cheddar. Or, if you prefer, set crumbs aside, and use as a garnish just
before serving.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.