Bacon Mac & Cheese

A friend of mine put this on her blog.  She got it from Cooking Light Magazine.  I made this last night and it was totally delish!  My husband ate more than HALF of the entire casserole! 

It is fairly high in points based on the serving and I know that it can be lightened up even more.  But I think sometimes, its just worth spending a few extra points for the taste.  The "real" cheese really helps the flavor and consistancy!

Bacon Mac & Cheese

Serves: 6
Points: 9

Ingredients

3 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
12 ounces strozzapreti or penne pasta (I actually used elbows)
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk, divided
2 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup milk; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; let stand 4 minutes or until it cools to 155°.
4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, onions, hot sauce, pepper, and bacon; stir. Add pasta; toss.
5. Spoon into a 2-quart broiler-safe dish coated with cooking spray; top with 1/2 cup cheese. Broil 7 minutes. (keep a close eye, because it took less than 7 minutes for me!)

Nutritional Facts

Calories 399;
Fat: 13.8g;
Fiber: 2g;


Weight Watcher Points-9

Crockpot Cheesey Chicken Spaghetti

I have only made this once, and it was tasty but I don't think I really executed it properly. But, I will definitely be trying it again. I believe I got this off of a WW message board, however I there is something on my sheet that references Halfmysize.com (whatever that is... LOL)

Crockpot Cheesey Chicken Spaghetti
Serves: 12
Points: 6

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti, cooked
1 pound Light Velveeta Cheese
12.5 oz can chicken breast, drained and flaked
10 3/4 oz can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
10 3/4 oz can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup, undiluted
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel - I don't think I was able to find these, so I kind of improvised.)
4 oz can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup water
1 small onion, diced
1 medium green pepper, diced
salt & pepper to taste

1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and stir to mix well

3. Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir again just before serving.

Food Finds!

Here are some things that I have come across that are great food finds. They are good substitutions for the real thing. Or just things that I like. These items are now staples in my home. As I find new items I will make additional posts. And remember, everyone's tastes are different. So, you may or may not like these items. These are just suggetions in case you're looking for something new to try.

1) Arnold Sandwich Thins (Multi-Grain) - These are so delicious and the perfect low point substitution for bread. Read more about them here.

2) Laughing Cow Cheese (Lite Soft Cheese Spread) - Each little wedge of cheese is a piece of low point cheesy heaven. Use them on bread or a low-point english muffin. Use them as a dip/spread for celery or carrots. Use them on crackers or even use them to make a fettucine alfredo sauce. Read more about them here.

3) PB2 - My god does this stuff RULE! This is a substitute for high pointed peanut butter! Even reduced-fat peanut butter is high in points. But this stuff, dehydrated peanuts, once rehydrated with water is only 1/4 of the points for the same amount serving as reduced-fat peanut butter. Check it out here. They have even come out with a chocolate/PB2 BLEND! Can't wait to try this out.

4) Morningstar Farms Veggie Sausage Patties - I loved Mc Donald's Sausage Mc Muffins (without the egg) and now I can make my own for WAY less points. You can use these along with a lite english muffin and a slice of 2% cheese. Or do what I do, use a sandwich thin. Either way, these little veggie sausages are very tasty and a good substitution for the real thing.

5) Morningstar Farms Buffalo Wings Veggie Wings - These are very tasty. They make a great sandwich with a slice of cheese, some lettuce and a sandwich thin. Definitely check them out!