Name: Everyday Lighter Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Peas
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 3/8 pound elbow macaroni (about 2 cups); 12 ounces evaporated milk , 2% reduced-fat; 2/3 cup low-fat milk (2 percent); 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder or celery salt (optional); Pinch cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 8 ounces 50 percent light cheddar cheese , grated (about 2 cups); 2 ounces deli-style baked ham , cut into 1/3-inch pieces; 3/4 cup frozen peas

Why This Recipe Works

We found four ways to reduce the fat (and calories) in our macaroni and cheese recipe. We replaced 12 ounces of full-fat cheddar cheese with 8 ounces of low-fat cheddar cheese and substituted 2 percent milk for whole milk. A can of 2 percent evaporated milk added creaminess, and cornstarch replaced the butter roux.

Before You Begin

Don’t be tempted to use either preshredded or nonfat cheddar cheese in this dish—the texture and flavor of the macaroni and cheese will suffer substantially. For best results, choose a low-fat cheddar cheese that is sold in block form and has roughly 50 percent of the fat and calories of regular cheese (we like Cabot brand). It is not necessary to thaw the peas before adding them to the macaroni. This recipe was published in The Best Light Recipe.

Instructions

Bring 2 1/2 quarts water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and the macaroni; cook until the pasta is completely cooked and tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and leave it in the colander; set aside.

Add the evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of the 2 percent milk, mustard, garlic powder (if using), cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the now-empty saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Whisk the cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup milk together, then whisk it into the simmering mixture. Continue to simmer, whisking constantly, until the sauce has thickened and is smooth, about 2 minutes.

Off the heat, gradually whisk in the cheddar until melted and smooth. Stir in the ham, peas, and macaroni, and let the macaroni and cheese sit off the heat until the sauce has thickened slightly, 2 to 5 minutes, before serving.