Noodles Florentine

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces whole wheat egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons whole wheat flour
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups fat-free milk
• 2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups diced, low sodium cooked ham
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, cooked and drained
• ¼ cup bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat  oven to 350º F
2. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and pepper; blend to a smoother paste.
5. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened.
6. Add cheese, stirring constantly, until melted.
7. Place half of the noodles in a greased 2 quart, shallow baking dish. Over the noodles, sprinkle a layer of ham and spinach.
8. Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the mixture
9. Repeat with the second layer of noodles, ham, spinach, and remaining cheese sauce.
10. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
11. Bake for 25 minutes.

Yield: 8, 1½ cup servings

Nutritional Analysis: 310 calories, 11 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 680 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 23 g protein.