A Great Lenten Dish

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

2 1/4 cups low fat milk

1 clove lightly crushed garlic

12 oz. corkscrew pasta

Salt and freshly ground pepper

12 oz. American cheese, chopped

1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

10 oz. frozen peas, thawed

In 4-qt. saucepot, whisk cornstarch and 1/4 cup milk, until smooth; add garlic and slowly whisk in remaining milk. Heat to boiling and cook 2 minutes or until thickened, whisking constantly and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook pasta two minutes less than box directions, drain well. Remove garlic from milk mixture and add cheeses in two batches stirring until smooth. Stir in spinach, peas and pasta, salt and pepper. Cook and stir about two minutes or until pasta is al dente. Compliments of Good Housekeeping.

FOOD "U" -- What veggie has zero fat content? "Carrots"

MAMA JO'S WORDS OF WISDOM: FRIENDSHIP ISN'T ABOUT WHO YOU HAVE KNOWN THE LONGEST ...IT'S ABOUT THOSE WHO CAME AND NEVER LEFT YOUR SIDE.