Scrumptious Macaroni and Cheese Soup

This dish is so delicious and such a refreshing break from the cold weather of winter (although here in sunny San Diego we aren't really fighting the freeze!). As soon as I saw this in Food Network Magazine, I knew it was meant to be... But, as always, I had to make some little changes to make it tastier for J and me!

This bowl of pure comfort food is half the calories of plain old mac and cheese which means you can enjoy TWICE as much! 

Here's a little note for you: this meal takes hardly any time to make (like less than 20 minutes) as long as you are good about multitasking in the kitchen... I paid really close attention and BOOM turned out quick and perfectly delicious!

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 box elbow macaroni
• Cooking spray
• Cubed french toast (I got the whole wheat kind, absolutely delicious)
• Fresh ground pepper
• Salt
• 1/2 bunch of green onion
• 1 carrot, grated (I buy the pre-grated stuff)
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups low fat milk
• 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese 

Directions:

1. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450f. 
2. Bring a medium saucepan to a boil with salted water. 
3. Cut the french bread into small cubes. 
4. Add the macaroni as soon as the water comes to a boil. 
5. Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the bread in a single layer. 
6. Season the cubes with salt and pepper and slip into the oven. 
7. Bake the bread until golden brown, about 5 minutes. 
8. Chop green onions and grate the carrots. 
9. Mist a saucepan with cooking spray and add the veggies. 
10. Cook over medium-high heat about 5 minutes. 
11. Add the flour and cook for two minutes, stirring. 
12. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil, until thickened. (I used a whisk to break up the little flour balls that managed to float around) 
13. Add the milk, cheeses, and macaroni. 
14. Stir until the cheeses melt. 
15. Season with pepper. 
16. Top the soup with the little toasts. 
17. Enjoy!