Crispy Mac & Cheese

by Hidemi Walsh
(Annandale, VA, U.S.A.)

Ingredients
-1 cup Shell Pasta
-2 tablespoons Butter
-2 tablespoons Flour
-1 cup Non-fat Milk
-2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
-1 cup Panko (or Bread Crumbs)
-1 tablespoon Butter (for Panko)
-1 lb Butternut Squash
-1/2 bunch of Spinach
-Salt, pepper

Directions
1.Cook pasta followed by the directions on the package. And drain.
2.Preheat the oven to 390 degrees F.
3.Peel and cut butternut squash into small pieces and boil until tender. Then mash.
4.Chop spinach and place on the plate. Cover and heat in a microwave for about 30 seconds. Drain completely.
5.In a frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add panko. Cook over low heat until panko turns brown. Let it aside.
6.In a sauce pan, put 2 tablespoon of butter and flour and cook over low heat. Add milk gradually. Just before it boils, turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper.
7.Add spinach and mashed butternut squash to the sauce pan. Mix well.
8.Then add 1 cup of cheese and pasta, salt and pepper. Mix well.
9.Transfer to the baking dish. Put the rest of cheese on top and then sprinkle panko. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.