Charity's Faux Mac

I LOVE macaroni... just not the fact that it's often on the unhealthy side. With this recipe I can control the ingredients and it's nutritional content!

Equipment:
Saucepot & Spoon (size depends on # of servings)

Ingredients:
4 oz dry pasta (I used Barilla whole grain *On sale for $1 a box*)
2 slices 2% sliced American cheese (I used Kraft *On sale and cheaper than store brand*)
2-4 Tbsp clear chicken broth (I used Kroger store brand- low sodium)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. (Though when using whole grain or whole wheat I usually boil the pasta twice as long-- I'm not much a fan of the grainy texture and this seems to help a lot!)

2. Drain, transfer back to pot and add Chicken broth.

3. Heat until broth is bubbly then add slices of cheese. Stir until they melt. And all done!

** If cheese seems too thin, remove from heat and allow to rest for a few minutes and the cheese will thicken.**

Yield:
2 Servings (Add extra tablespoons of broth and a slice of cheese per serving added)

Notes:
**The photo is of 1 serving on a regular sized salad plate. The fork is average size (It came from a set that belonged to my grandmother, this is only type of fork in the set)**

**When making a rather full meal (Faux Mac goes quite well with sweet potatoes, broccoli, and baked chicken), I add an extra slice of cheese but divide two servings into three so my husband can take some to work with him :)**

Comparison Chart:

Nutrition Facts	Charity’s Faux Mac	%DV*	Velveeta 2% Shells	%DV*
Serving Size	4oz cooked		4oz
Calories	247		330
Calories from fat	35		40
Total Fat	4.5g	7%	4.5g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.5g	7.5%	2g	10%
Cholesterol	10mg	3%	15mg	5%
Sodium	425mg	18%	990mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	43g	14%	58g	19%
Fiber	6g	24%	2g	8%
Sugar	3g		7g
Protein	12g		14g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Velveeta information was found on Kraft's website HERE*

I'm always on the lookout for a better cheese substitute-- one good for me, reasonably priced and tasty-- if you know of any let me know! And If I find any I'll be sure to update too!