Masterful Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb macaroni (preferably whole wheat)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4-1/2 cup orange puree (My Take on Sneaky Orange Puree and or Sneaky Chef Make-Ahead White Puree)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated colby cheese (or cheddar cheese)

Crunchy Topping Variation

• 1 cup whole grain cereal flake (like Wheaties or Total)
• 1/4 cup wheat germ, unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, diced into small pieces (or use Smart Balance)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375*F.

2. 2

   Butter a 9" square baking pan.

3. 3

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, until firm and slightly undercooked(8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk the milk with the oange puree and salt.(and white puree if using-if using both use 1/4 cup each). Put half the macaroni into the baking pan and top with half colby(or cheddar) cheese.

5. 5

   Next, layer with the rest of the macaroni, then pour the milk mixture over the top, finishing with the last of the cheese on top.

6. 6

   If using Crunchy Topping Variation, use a rolling pin to gently crush cereal in a sealed plastic bag. Or, you can quickly pulse the cereal in a food processor. Add wheat germ and Parmesan to the bag and shake to mix.

7. 7

   Sprinkle crumb mixture on top of macaroni and cheese and dot with butter.

8. 8

   Bake 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.