creamy baked macaroni and cheese.

3 c. whole wheat macaroni, cooked according to the package, drained

1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 c. cottage cheese

1/2 c. sour cream (or plain yogurt)

4 oz cream cheese

1 t. salt

1/2 to 1 t. pepper

1/2 t. paprika

1/2 c. bread crumbs* (homemade or store bought)

2 to 3 T melted butter

Cook whole wheat macaroni of your choice in salted, boiling water.  Follow directions on package for amount of water, salt and cooking time.  Drain.  In a bowl, mix together cheddar, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper and paprika.  Add drained macaroni to cheese mixture and stir to combine.  Spray bottom of an oven safe dish with cooking spray.  Add macaroni and cheese to the dish.  In another bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter.  Sprinkle over top the macaroni and cheese.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

*To make homemade bread crumbs, using dried out bread works well.  Bake a few pieces of dried out bread in the oven for 10 minutes.  Flip the bread after 5 minutes.  Let cool.  Use a food processor (or magic bullet) to make bread crumbs by pulsing a few times.  

xx.

val