We are deep into winter and that means comfort food is necessary. I’m craving good old macaroni and cheese, an all-American classic. Make this beloved casserole in a cupcake pan. This will make 12 individual mini servings.

It is a good way to gauge portion control, something we all need, and the recipe will not leave you feeling guilty because nonfat evaporated milk and low fat cheese are used to achieve great flavor and a texture that is velvety and moist. Use a standard, nonstick cupcake pan. Mini macs can also be individually wrapped and frozen for future use. There are so many ways to present them, how about at your bridge lunch, a bridal luncheon, or as a starter to a casual dinner party. The kids will love them too!

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Mini Mac n’ Cheese

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons flour

2 -1/2 cups fat free evaporated milk

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons salt

Grinding black pepper

3 cups grated reduced fat cheddar cheese

1/2-pound elbow or other small macaroni

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a medium size saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and stir in the onion. Cook until the onion is very soft but not brown. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and stir to combine the ingredients well. Slowly pour in the milk and stir over medium heat to combine the ingredients. Add the mustard, salt and pepper and continue to stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not make the sauce too thick. Stir in 2 cups of the cheese and set the sauce aside off the heat and covered.

Cook the elbow macaroni in 6 cups of boiling salted water just until the macaroni is not hard any longer. Do not overcook the macaroni because it will also be baked.

Drain the macaroni in a colander and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the macaroni to combine well. Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop and fill the cupcake pan with the macaroni mixture. Be sure to evenly fill the pan right to the rim.

Place the cupcake pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any spills.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops

Bake for 30 minutes or just until the macaroni and cheese is set.

Turn on the broiler and broil the macaroni and cheese just until the tops are crusty brown.

Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly in the pan before removing them individually with a butter knife.