Broccoli Mac & Cheese

Broccoli Mac & Cheese

What toddler doesn't love Mac & Cheese?  Of course... mine.  He wouldn't touch this.  My sister and I on the other hand scarfed it down.  I think this is a kid friendly recipe... just not my kid.  He also doesn't eat chocolate, so I am not really taking his opinion too seriously :)

Ingredients:
12 oz GF elbow macaroni
1 tbsp butter  (I used all I Can't Believe it's Not Butter, and had no problem)
1 tbsp light butter
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup minced onion
2 cups skim milk (I use Lactaid free)
1 cup fat free chicken broth (I use Shop Rite or Wegmans brand)
8 oz (2 cups) shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar(make sure it is not dusted with flour)
salt and fresh pepper to taste
12 oz fresh broccoli florets (I used frozen)
1/8 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup seasoned GF bread crumbs
cooking spray

Directions:
Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large, heavy skillet, melt butters. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk and chicken broth and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper. 

Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes (very few) to get the breadcrumbs golden