New Recipe & Antibiotics

No, its not a recipe that requires antibiotics silly!  But unfortunately, Hanna requires the antibiotics because she has another ear infection.  Poor little thing has had a rough few days with seeing Dr.'s and being poked and prodded.  At least this time they gave me ear drops to help relieve the pain.

Still have been totally stressed, still haven't binged. Yay.  I did find a total indulge recipe, that is actually healthy!  Mac & Cheese, yum yum!  If you haven't tried any of Jessica Seinfeld's recipe's you need to get on that.  I have her cookbook and so far I have loved ever recipe that I have made from it.

Macaroni & Cheese from "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld

1 1/2 Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni
1 Cup non-fat (skim) Milk
1/2 Cup Canned navy beans or chickpeas or white beans, rinsed, drained, and pureed
Nonstick Cooking Spray
1 1/2 Cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 Teaspoon Paprika
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to package directions until al dente.  Drain in a colander
While the macaroni is cooking, combine the milk and beans in a food processor and process until pureed.
Coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and set it over medium heat.  Add the bean mixture to the pan and cook, stirring until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the cheese and cook until melted and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes longer.  Stir in salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.  Stir in the macaroni and serve warm.

I added 2 Tablespoons corn starch because the milk and bean mixture seemed a little runny, and it gave it the perfect consistency of regular mac & cheese.  I also used the Barilla Plus protein Elbow Macaroni and I couldn't tell the difference between that or regular pasta.

Check out the nutrition facts on this bad boy:
Calories: 250
Fat: 6g
Carb: 33
Fiber: 4
Protein: 16

Weight Watchers Points: 6 per serving/8 servings

I suggest using this as a side dish and not the main dish or you may want to eat too much, its that good.  I paired it with a 4 oz piece of chicken.  Here's what it looked like:

It was sooooooo good.  I know my plate is missing a veggie, but I got distracted by a sad baby and had to eat fast.  The seasoning on top of the chicken is chipotle seasoning, which is a staple in my seasoning cupboard.  One of the best things about this recipe is that I had pretty much every ingredient in my house already so I didn't have to spend anymore than I already had.  That's a good meal to me!

Me and my husband are really cracking down on our budget and because of that I  have to find budget friendly recipe's that aren't gong to break the bank.

Do you find eating healthier is more expensive?


Do you have a food budget, or just go willy nilly?