2 cups broccoli flowerets or 1(10-ounce) package frozen cut broccoli, cooked and drained
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham or turkey ham (5 ounces)
1 medium green or sweet red pepper, cut into 3/4-inch squares (1 cup)
1 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cubed American cheese (4 ounces)
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs (1 slice)
1 tablespoon margarine, melted
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. In a 2-quart casserole combine macaroni, broccoli, ham, and green or red pepper; set aside. In a small saucepan stir together milk, cornstarch, and pepper. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cheese; stir until melted. Stir sauce into mixture in casserole. Combine bread crumbs and margarine; sprinkle atop mixture in casserole. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and bread crumbs are lightly browned.
Microwave directions:
Prepare as above, except use a microwave-safe casserole and do not sprinkle bread crumbs over macaroni mixture before cooking. Microwave macaroni mixture, covered, on 100% power (high) for 5 to 8 minutes or until hot, stirring once. Top with bread crumb mixture. Cook, uncovered, on high 1 minute more.
Makes 4 servings.