Nothin' Like Comfort...

...food, I mean :)


On the menu for Thursday was Homemade Cheesy Shells made with 3 cheeses. Mmmmm


Homemade Cheesy Shells
makes 8 servings, 13 pts+/serving

• 1 box medium shells
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 8 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 c. chicken broth
• 1 c. low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 c. shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 tsp dried ground mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• pinch of basil
• pinch of paprika
• dash of black pepper
• 1/2 c. fat free sour cream
• 1/3 c. plain bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp reduced fat grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 medium shallot, diced
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

      Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

      In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside.



      Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, whisk in the flour all at once.



      Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until fully combined. Turn up the heat just a bit. Whisking frequently, bring the sauce up to a boil. As it comes to a boil, whisk almost constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes; until the sauce thickens.

      Reduce heat and whisk in the shredded cheeses. Once the cheeses are fully melted, whisk in the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, paprika, black pepper, and sour cream. Remove from heat.


      Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.


      Pour the shells into a 9x13 casserole dish. Pour the sauce over top of the shells. Be sure to evenly coat all of the shells.

      Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Saute the shallots and garlic just until lightly brown. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the shells and cheese. 


      Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the dish. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes; until the cheese sauce is bubbling and the crust has browned.

      Enjoy!

     Now this isn't exactly a Weight Watchers friendly kind of meal, but we all need some good 'ole comfort food from time to time. And if you've eaten light during the day, this won't bust your points for the day. It is so rich, creamy and delicious that a small portion is more than enough to satisfy your hunger. So for the PointsPlus program, this dish rings in at 13 points per serving. Don't be scared, just remember all things in moderation. :)