Baked Celery with Cheese and Ham

• servings: 6

Ingredients

3 cups celery, cut into julienne strips

3 cups boiled or baked ham, chopped

2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken bouillon

1 cup light cream

Salt

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

Cover celery strips with salted water and cook until tender. Drain.

In a well-greased 2-quart casseole, alternate layers of celery, ham, and grated cheese.

Melt ¼ cup butter. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in chicken bouillon and cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick. Season to taste with salt. Pour sauce over filled casserole.

Sprinkle top with dry bread crumbs.

Drizzle ¼ cup melted butter over top.

Bake in preheated moderate oven (350°F.) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top is browned and mixture is bubbly.