Lighter Macaroni and Cheese

These individual Mac-and-cheese casseroles call for pungent Parmesan and extra-sharp cheddar, which means the noodles get away with less-than-usual amounts of cheese, Low-fat milk, chicken stock and olive oil keep the sauce creamy. This is a fantastic recipe from Martha Stewart!!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 6  small  vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 24 - 1/4 inch thick slices (3-inch)
• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for sprinkling
•  coarse  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 5  slices  white bread, with crusts
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  lb elbow macaroni
• 2  cups  chicken stock (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
• 5  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1  pinch  freshly grated nutmeg
• 1  pinch cayenne pepper
• 2  cups 1% low-fat milk
• 8  ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated (abut 2 1/4 cups)
• 1  ounce parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 1/2 cup)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F Spread tomatoes in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle each sheet with 1 Tbsp oil; sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoons thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tomatoes have softened, about 20 minutes. (Leave oven on).
2. Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Melt 1 tablespoons butter with remaining tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toss to coat, Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook pasta until almost al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
4. Whisk 1/2 cup stock into the flour in a medium bowl; set aside. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, remaining 1/2 tsp, thyme, and 1 teaspoons salt. Add milk and remaining 1 1/2 cups stock. Whisk in flour mixture. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce to a simmer. Cook 8 minutes, whisking frequently. Add cheeses; cool, stirring until melted. Pour over macaaroni, stirring to combine.
5. Put eight 4 1/2 x 1 1/4 inch ramekins on a baking sheet, Put 2 tomato slices in bottom of each ramekin, Divide macaroni mixture evenly among ramekins. Top each with a tomato slice. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme sprigs. Bake until bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes.