Baked Celery With Cheese and Ham

Adapted from the Woman's Day Encyclopedia of Cookery.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  cups celery, julienned
•  salt water
• 3  cups  chopped ham
• 2  cups  grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  cup chicken broth
• 1  cup  light cream
•  salt
• 1⁄4 cup  dry breadcrumbs (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cover celery with salted water, bring to a boil, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain well.
4. Layer celery, ham and cheese in a well-greased 2-quart casserole.
5. Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat.
6. Stir in flour.
7. Gradually stir in broth and cream.
8. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and thick.
9. Add salt and pour mixture over mixture in casserole.
10. Top with bread crumbs.
11. Bake until top is browned and mixture is bubbly, 25-30 minutes.