Apple Mac and Cheese Bake
Improve your focus and sense of calm while indulging in a healthy rendition of a classic comfort food. This apple mac and cheese bake incorporates turkey, ricotta cheese and whole grain pasta to create a healthy medley of brain boosting foods.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Chef Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley. To reheat in oven add 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) of skim milk per serving to moisten.
Variety Tip: *For best results use local Ambrosia, Empire, Gala, or Cortland apples.
Ingredients
| Filling | ||
| 3/4 lb | lean ground turkey (approximately one small package) | 350 g |
| 6 tbsp | extra virgin olive oil, divided | 90 mL |
| 1/4 cup | sweet red onion, minced | 50 mL |
| 2 tsp | ground cumin | 10 mL |
| 1 tsp | cayenne pepper (optional) | 5 mL |
| pinch of salt & black pepper | ||
| 2 cups | whole wheat or spelt macaroni noodles | 500 mL |
| 2 | large, sweet red apples, cored and cubed* | 2 |
| Sauce | ||
| 1 tsp | powdered mustard | 5 mL |
| 1 tsp | cayenne pepper (optional) | 5 mL |
| 1/2 cup | skim milk | 125 mL |
| 3/4 cup | light ricotta cheese | 175 mL |
| 1 cup | shredded aged white cheddar | 250 mL |
| pinch of salt | ||
| Crust | ||
| 1 cup | ground cornmeal | 250 mL |
Directions
See video for using leftover turkey in this recipe.
Before you begin: Preheat oven on Broil at 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of olive oil, onion, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium to high heat and add turkey mixture. Cook until turkey is completely browned, cover and remove from heat.
Bring 4 cups (1 L) of salted water to boil, add macaroni. Cook as per directions on the package.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine mustard, cayenne, milk, ricotta, cheddar cheese and salt.
Strain cooked macaroni and pour into a 9 x 13 inch (22.5 x 32.5 cm) baking dish. Mix in cooked turkey and apples. Pour sauce over the entire pasta mixture, followed by a drizzling of 4 tbsp (60 mL) of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly and generously with cornmeal. Broil for 15 minutes or until top is crisp and golden brown.
Per Serving:
(1/6 recipe): 559 calories, 27 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 266 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrates, 9 g fibre, 26 g protein. % RDI: 22% calcium, 15% iron, 2% vitamin A, 8% vitamin C.
