My cute husband was stuck writing a paper again this afternoon, so we hung out at the library. I love looking at all the cookbooks. I found this little gem in the Flat Belly Diet! Family Cookbook.

It reminded me of the baked macaroni & cheese my old roommate, Christine, in the DR used to make. It always smelled so good. This is a lighter version, but still super delicious and comforting.

Crunchy Crust Macaroni & Cheese

TIME: 50 minutes
SERVINGS: 4

 Ingredients:

• 4 oz multigrain elbow macaroni
• 3 Tbsp panko bread crumbs
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 c fat-free milk
• 1/2 c (2 oz) shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with cooking spray.

 2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Set aside.

 3. Combine the bread crumbs and 2 teaspoons of the oil and stir with a fork to evenly coat.

 4. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon oil to a large saucepan. Set over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking, for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese until it melts. Stir in the macaroni. Pour into the baking dish. Top evenly with the crumb mixture.

 5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

 Nutrition Info Per Serving: 328 cal, 14 g pro, 31 g carbs, 17 g fat, 3.5 g sat fat*, 15 mg chol, 480 mg sodium, 2 g fiber

Kevin can’t resist adding some crushed red pepper! The only rule is that he has to taste the dish before pouring it on!

Kevin told me it was his dream in life that they start selling HOT salsa in the big containers. Sadly he can only ever find mild or medium.

I got a sweaty workout in when we got back to the apartment while Kevin finished up his paper. I got tricked into giving up my treadmill and had to ellipitical for 49 minutes before getting my turn. I got in 3.68 miles before Kevin started texting for dinner.

After church today, we enjoyed lunch at the Firebowl Cafe. Our Sunday school group was going to 5 Guys, but I just wasn’t up for it. I’ve never been there, but every Google result on my iPhone was showing “most unhealthy restaurant”, 1050 calorie fries, etc. I just wasn’t feeling it since I had a workout planned for later in the afternoon. Some other time.

Stir Fry My Way! Chicken + Spring Veggie Mix + Fire Sauce + Brown Rice!

I love that the girl at the counter taught me that I could order it without the snowpeas. I HATE PEAS!! That totally made my day. I was in love with this restaurant! She was also helpful with nutrition advice. My kinda girl. Yeah. I was that embarrassing and asked. If I had kids, they’d be morified. But I thought they would have one of those brochures handy. Her reward is that I chose this super awesome hair swingin’ picture for the blog!

With takeout boxes right there. I love it.

The spice was getting to Kevin, but I was a rock star. I’d love to go back sometime and try the pineapple fried rice.

Kevin finally finished his homework so it’s time to hang out!! Hope you had a great weekend!