Ontario Apple Mac & Cheese Bake

4-6 servings

Ontario Apple Mac & Cheese Bake

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Ingredients

Filling
• 3/4 lb (350 g) lean ground turkey (approximately one small package)
• 6 tbsp (90 mL) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) sweet red onion, minced
• 2 tsp (10 mL)ground cumin
• 1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne pepper (optional)
• pinch of salt & black pepper
• 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat or spelt macaroni noodles
• 2 large, sweet Ontario red apples, cored and cubed
Sauce
• 1 tsp (5 mL) powdered mustard
• 1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) skim milk
• 3/4 cup (175 mL) light ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (250 mL) shredded aged white cheddar
• pinch of salt
Crust
• 1 cup (250 mL) ground cornmeal

Instructions

1. Before you begin: Preheat oven on Broil at 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of olive oil, onion, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium to high heat and add turkey mixture. Cook until turkey is completely browned, cover and remove from heat.
3. Bring 4 cups (1 L) of salted water to boil, add macaroni. Cook as per directions on the package.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine mustard, cayenne, milk, ricotta, cheddar cheese and salt.
5. Strain cooked macaroni and pour into a 9 x 13 inch (22.5 x 32.5 cm) baking dish. Mix in cooked turkey and apples. Pour sauce over the entire pasta mixture, followed by a drizzling of 4 tbsp (60 mL) of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly and generously with cornmeal. Broil for 15 minutes or until top is crisp and golden brown.

Notes