Skinny Kale and Bacon Mac and Cheese

The last few months I have finally been able to attend the Foodbloggers of LA meetings. They have a solid and quite large group of bloggers. It has been fun to meet some of the other local bloggers who share my love of food.

This month the theme was Kalepalooza so I made Skinny White Cheddar Kale and Bacon Mac and Cheese. I reduced the original recipe of 623 calories and  27.8 grams of fat to 380 calories and 11.7 grams of fat (Calorie Count.com)

Priscilla of She’s Cookin hosted a Kalepalooza meeting. We had Chef Garrett Nishimori from Cut `n Clean Greens
give us a demonstration on kale. We learned about Cut N Clean and the values of the company. I love learning more about the local growers.

Saturday morning was crazy. I was up at 6 am to help my sister-in-law with Olivia’s 9th birthday breakfast. She had a sleepover and they were so cute! She made a cinnamon roll cake and had bright rink icing with sprinkles. I took the printables I made for the Good Morning Breakfast and tweaked them a bit.

I ran home to make the mac and cheese and that is where it got crazy. I accidentally started a grease fire. Crazy! That was a few intense moments. All is ok, but I was shaking for several hours!

I set out to healthify this dish and it was very satisfying. Here is what I did:

• Substitute whole grain penne for the macaroni
• Reduce the butter
• Substitute fat free milk for whole milk
• Reduced bacon
• Increased kale

This month I have begun making the change from regular pasta to whole wheat or multi grain and have been extremely satisfied with the taste. It increases your fiber intake which is great for your waistline. It also provides protein, magnesium, minerals and antioxidants. Cooking Light has an article highlighting all the benefits.

This is a great way to add kale to your families diet. The kids will never know.

For more Skinny recipes visit Skinny Chick Recipes.

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Yield: 9 servings

Skinny Kale and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Print

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Whole Grain Penne [248809]
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 teaspoons flour
• 3 cups fat free milk
• 8 ounces Cracker Barrel 2% milk sharp white cheddar, grated
• 1 ounce parmesan, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• dash cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt, or according to personal preference
• 3 slices center cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 5 ounces fresh kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Cook pasta one to two minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large French or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil. Saute the onion for 3 - 5 minutes over medium heat, or until tender and golden. Add the garlic and saute and additional minute or two, until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat till golden. Slowly whisk in the milk while cooking over medium heat.
3. Stir in the white cheddar and parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy. Add the hot sauce, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a slow simmer, and then stir in the pasta, bacon, and kale.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 3 1/2 quart oven safe casserole dish. Mix together panko crumbs and 1 teaspoon olive oil, sprinkle pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the top with the crumbs. Bake at 375 degrees F on the center rack in the oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

6.0 dietary fiber, 20 grams protein

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 11.9gUnsaturated Fat: 0g

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