Country Chef Reader

During the holidays when we're eating so many sweet, rich and exotic foods, it's sometimes grounding to sit down to a comforting meal and nothing says "kick back and take it easy" like macaroni & cheese. 3-Cheese Mac & Cheese is a smooth and creamy blend of cheese and pasta with a just-right buttery crunch topping; add some diced ham to create a main dish that's sure to bring calm and contentment to a hectic season.





3-Cheese Mac & Cheese
1 8-ounce package elbow macaroni
1 8-ounce package 2 % shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup small curd low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ground pepper to taste
1 1/4 cups dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with hot water. Preheat oven to 350°.

Stir together cooked macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Fold into 9" x 13" buttered glass baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle crumbs over macaroni mixture.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Yield: 6 servings

Cook's Note: To make this a main dish, just add 1 1/2 cups diced ham when macaroni is mixed with cheese. Baking time remains 35 to 40 minutes.
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Quote
Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas. ~Johnny Carson
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Labels: creamy cheese, creamy pasta, mac cheese, macaroni cheese