Macaroni and Cheese Made with Whole Wheat Pasta

Made-from-scratch macaroni and cheese is oh so creamy and delicious, isn't it? Unfortunately, the traditional version is loaded with fat and not necessarily the best choice for most diets today. This version of an old favorite uses whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta, low-fat Cheddar, low-fat milk, and homemade whole-wheat bread crumbs to make a healthier, yet still delicious, macaroni and cheese.

INGREDIENTS
8 ounces whole-wheat elbow macaroni or ziti noodles
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
5 ounces shredded low-fat Cheddar (use block cheese and your grater)
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 Tablespoons whole-wheat bread crumbs (make your own - see process below)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
9'x9' baking dish
no stick spray

STEPS:
1. Preheat your ovento 375 degrees.
2. Spray your 9"x9" baking dish with no stick spray and set aside.
3. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package directions. Drain the water, return the pasta to the pot, cover it, and set it aside.
4. Put the flour in another saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup of the low-fat milk until it's smooth. Whisk in the other 2 1/2 cups low-fat milk. Cook the mixture over low heat, whisking often so the flour doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Do this for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove the mixture from the heat. Add the shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, sea salt, ground pepper, nutmeg, red pepper (if desired), and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Stir the mixture until the Cheddar is melted and the mixture has a smooth consistency.
6. Pour the cheesey mixture over the cooked macaroni. Stir to mix and then transfer all to the baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix your whole-wheat bread crumbs, paprika and the other 2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and sauce.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbling. (Every oven is different, so check it at 25 minutes.)
9. Serve this healthy and creamy comfort food with a fresh salad green mix and you have a full meal!

WHOLE-WHEAT BREAD CRUMBS
It is so easy to make your own at home, so don't spend money on them! Just toast several pieces of whole-wheat bread in your toaster until they are dark brown. Crumble into pieces and using the pulsing action on your blender, turn them into bread crumbs. Make a lot and freeze them until you need them again.