Creamy Celery Casserole

Name: Creamy Celery Casserole
Ingredients: 3 cups sliced celery; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half; 3/4 cup slivered almonds; 3 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs; Parmesan cheese

7 ingredients

3 steps

Ingredients

3 cups sliced celery
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
3/4 cup slivered almonds
3 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese

Directions

1

Place celery in a medium saucepan; cover with salted water, and lay celery leaves on top. Bring to a boil; cook 10 minutes or until tender. Discard leaves, and drain celery, reserving 3/4 cup liquid; set aside.
2

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Gradually add half-and- half and celery liquid; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and bubbly.
3

Place a layer of celery in a lightly greased 2 1/2-quart casserole. Spoon half the sauce over celery; sprinkle with half the almonds. Repeat layers. Top with breadcrumbs, sprinkle with cheese, and dot with remaining butter. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.