#FoodieFriday - Healthy and Hearty Mac & Cheese

• 2 cups quinoa
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups 2% milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese + ¼ cup for topping
• 5 grates fresh nutmeg
• ¼ cup whole wheat panko
• Arugula, chopped (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
2. Bring 4 cups of water and 2 cups of quinoa to a boil in a medium pot. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, covered
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt your butter
4. Whisk in your flour and let that cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly
5. Add your milk and whisk together
6. Let this mixture come to a simmer and thicken slightly
7. Remove from the heat, add your cheese, add your nutmeg, and season to taste with salt and pepper
8. When your quinoa is done cooking, add it to the skillet with your sauce and mix together
9. Season to taste with salt and pepper
10. Pour your "mac" and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish
11. In a small bowl, combine the panko and remaining ¼ cup cheese
12. Sprinkle this mixture over your "mac" and cheese, enough to coat the top (you don't need to use all of it)
13. Bake for 10 minutes, turn your oven to broil, and broil for another 5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown
14. Optional garnish - Arugula: I chopped some and topped the mac and cheese with it - we thought it was wonderful!