Old- Fashioned Fish Bake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F Generously grease an ovenproof casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
2. 2
   Lay in the fish, skin side down.
3. 3
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter, add leeks and cook gently until the leeks begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. 4
   Stir in the flour and cook until smooth, another 1 to 2 minutes.
5. 5
   Whisk in the milk and cream, add the bay leaf and parsley, and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
6. 6
   When sauce is smooth, remove from heat and spoon over the fish.
7. 7
   Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
8. 8
   Remove from oven,discard the bay leaf, sprinkle cheese over the fish and place under the broiler until browned.
9. 9
   Garnish with parsley sprigs.
10. 10
    Serve with boiled potatoes and a fresh green vegetable or salad.
11. 11
    Variations:.
12. 12
    For a fish bake with spinach, layer 1 pound of fresh spinach, steamed for 1 to 2 minutes in 2 tablespoons of water, over the haddock and cook as above.
13. 13
    For a fish bake with potato crust, bake as above for 15 minutes, omit the grated cheese, add a layer of mashed potatoes and return to oven for final 10 minutes.
14. 14
    Place under the broiler until browned.