Pepper confetti macaroni and cheese

PEPPER CONFETTI MACARONI AND CHEESE

Serves 6.

Note: To keep calories lower, use skim milk. From "Bold & Heathy Flavors," by Steven Raichlen.

• 8 oz. macaroni or rigatoni

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 green bell pepper (or 2 ancho chiles for more spice)

• 1/4 c. flour

• 3 c. milk (see Note)

• 1 to 11/2 c. crumbled feta cheese (or other strong-flavored cheese)

• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill (or 1 tbsp. dried)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Dash cayenne pepper

• Dash freshly grated nutmeg

• Vegetable spray oil

• 1/2 c. toasted bread crumbs

Bring 4 quarts lightly salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Cook macaroni until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain macaroni in a colander, rinse with cold water to cool, and drain well. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Meanwhile, prepare sauce: Heat olive oil in large sauté pan. Add onion, garlic and peppers, and cook over medium heat until vegetables are soft and aromatic, but not brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more.

Stir in milk and bring to a boil, stirring steadily. Simmer sauce until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in cheese, dill, mustard, salt and pepper, and cayenne and nutmeg to taste. Sauce should be highly seasoned.