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Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

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Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

To wit, these individual mac-and-cheese casseroles call for pungent Parmesan and extra-sharp cheddar, which means the noodles get away with less-than-usual amounts of cheese. Low-fat milk, chicken stock, and olive oil keep the sauce creamy.

Ingredients

Serves 8

  • 6 small vine-ripened tomatoes, (3-inch) , cut into twenty-four 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 5 slices white sandwich bread, with crust
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups low-fat (1 percent) milk
  • 8 ounces (about 2 1/4 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 ounce (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)
  2. Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoon butter with remaining tablespoon oil in amedium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  4. Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cook, stirring, until melted. Pour over macaroni, stirring to combine.
  5. Put eight 4 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch ramekins on a baking sheet. Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin. Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

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