Vegetables Au Gratin

I am just going to say I love this recipe. It is easy, quick and has so many substitution options that you can use basically everything. All measurements can be fudged a bit one way or the other. I don't actually own measuring cups so... I am kinda guesstimating on all the numbers.

Serves 6-8 (these are smaller portions, you will get less if you are like most American's and are used to Super Sized food)
Preheat oven: 350 F.
About 20 minutes actually cooking and another 20 minutes baking.


Need:

• 1.5 pounds (4 cups) of cooked veggies (I have been known to use raw but I like crunch. Esp good are broccoli, carrots, cabbage, green beans, zucchini and cauliflower. I have also used corn, dandelion leaves, spinach, sauerkraut and potatoes in smaller amounts.)
• 1/2 cup corn flakes/bread crumbs/croûtons
• 3 T. of olive oil, butter, some other cooking oil...
• 1/3 cup chopped onion (I like to use more)
• 3 T. flour
• 1 t. salt
• 1/8 t pepper
• 1.5 cups milk (or use some form of stock and dried milk)
• 1 cup of grated cheese (I have used Velvetta to Chedder and even Swiss... use whatever you have!)
  

Directions:

• Saute chopped onion and cooking oil in saucepan over low heat.
• After sauted to your satisfaction add flour, salt and pepper.
• Continue cooking, stirring continually until bubbly and add milk.
• Continue stirring until smooth and add cheese.
• Stir until melted and then stir in veggies.
• Put into pan for baking cover in bread crumbs (Note: you can stop here and freeze for later!)
• Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until bubbling.

Other options:

• Add cooked ham, beef, chicken or some other meat (I have been known to use corned beef hash)
• Add a cup of cooked rice.

Spice/herb options:

• 1 t. Parsley
  
• 1/2 t. of curry
• 1/2 t. ground allspice

As I said before. You can really omit any one thing (except for the veggies...) and this recipe really does turn out fine. So use what you have on hand and if you find you are out of cheese (been there!) don't run and get it, just cook it and be done!

Anyway check out the RECIPE SWAP for more recipes!