Low-Fat Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe was posted by my sister in law Erin! 
Macaroni and cheese is one of my husband's, and subsequently my children's,  favorite meals! When we first got married I got his mom's recipe so that I could make it just the way he liked it! Only problem, is that we couldn't have it too often (in good conscious) because of how much fat there was in it. A few years ago I was watching a Rachel Ray episode and she made a healthier version of macaroni and cheese from her Yum-o cookbook. That is what inspired this recipe!

Low-Fat Macaroni & Cheese

2 tablespoons coconut oil (can sub butter or other oil)

2 tablespoons flour (wheat, white, or oat)

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup medium-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

6-8 cups of your favorite (wheat!!) noodle, cooked

In a medium saucepan, combine coconut oil, flour, salt, and pepper, blending well and creating a rue, over medium-low heat. When rue starts to bubble add chicken broth. Stirring frequently, turn your heat up to medium, stir until mixture thickens and begins to boil. Remove from heat and add your cheeses. Stir until all cheese is melted and incorporated. Pour over your prepared noodles and stir until all noodles are coated with cheese. Enjoy!

This recipe has so much flavor to it! Using the coconut oil gives it a little bit of a nutty flavor, and then with the chicken broth and different cheeses, it makes it SO good! Be creative with this recipe too! Add your favorite cheese blend and make it your own! I've always dreamed of using havarti and making it really gourmet, but alas, my family doesn't go for "different".  Either way, there is so much less guilt when giving your kids something they love, and you know its not contributing to their chances of childhood obesity!! Win-Win!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

* A little cheese tip: When you have a sharper cheese, there is more flavor, reducing the amount of cheese you need to use, which in turn reduces fat and calories!