Baked Celery With Almonds

Name: Baked Celery With Almonds
Ingredients: 1 bunch celery; 2 cups boiling water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1/2 cup reserved pot liquor; 3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds; 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumb; 1 tablespoon butter, melted

12 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

1 bunch celery
2 cups boiling water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/3 cups milk
1/2 cup reserved pot liquor
3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumb
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1

Wash and cut the celery into 1/2-inch slices including some tender tops. You should have 5 cups of slices. In a large saucepan, simmer the celery in boiling salted water until tender. Drain in a colander *reserving* 1/2 cup of the pot liquor. Discard tops.
2

In the same saucepan, melt the butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper and blend well. Add, stirring, the milk and reserved pot liquor; cook until thickened. Remove from heat.
3

Stir in celery and half of the toasted almonds. Pour into a 1-quart baking dish. Casserole may be made ahead to this pooint; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
4

To finish the casserole: Top with remaining almonds. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Add ten or more minutes to the baking time if the casserole has been refrigerated.