Get Comfortable and enjoy Cheesy Meximac

Today December 5th is the day to take note and recognize comfort foods. Today's weather is perfect to recognize comfy foods. Damp and cool means that we are ready to stay inside, cozy up and enjoy some comfy food. One of our favorite dishes to prepare when the weather outside is like this, we have little to do but relax and enjoy life is macaroni and cheese. This recipe helps spice life up just a bit more. What is your favorite comfy food??

 

 

CHEESY MEXIMAC(Who doesn't like mac and cheese? talk about a comfort food, this is delicious, easy to make, I made it healthier by substituting certain ingredients). ENJOY.

1 1/2 cups milk (I used fat free milk)
16 oz grated pepper Jack cheese
16 oz box rotini pasta (I used elbow macaroni, I use wheat pastas when available too.)
1 tbs each flour and unsalted butter
Pinch chili powder
10 oz can drained Mexican flavored corn
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt (I omitted the salt)
2 trimmed, sliced, green onions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 11x7x2" baking pan with oil or with cooking spray. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook 5 min. Add green onions and cook an additional 2 min. Drain and set aside.
*In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth. Add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper, bring to a simmer. Cook simmering, 4 min. Remove from heat.
*Add half of the cheese to milk mixture, whisk until smooth. Stir in corn, then combine in bowl with pasta and green onions. Pour half into dish, top with half of remaining cheese. Repeat, ending with cheese.
*Bake 25 min. Cool slightly before serving.
MAKES 10 SERVINGS OF MEXIMAC...