Smoky Peas & Potatoes

My mom's signature recipe! At home, this was often made for us - and for company. A nice side dish featuring two favorite veggies - with a SCRUMPTIOUS smoke flavor! You won't be disappointed! Prep time includes stove-top cook time. This doesn't get baked - just stove to table! ENJOY!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs small red potatoes
• 1 1⁄2 lbs fresh peas (or frozen)
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 1 2⁄3 cups milk
• 6  ounces  smoked cheese, of your choice (or regular cheese and liquid smoke)
• 10 -15  slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
•  liquid smoke (optional)

Directions

1. Scrub potatoes.
2. Peel off narrow strip around the center of each potato.
3. Cook in boiling salt water 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain potatoes.
5. Cook peas in salt water until tender (8-15 minutes).
6. Drain peas.
7. In small saucepan, melt butter.
8. Stir in flour& milk.
9. Cook& stir until thick, smooth, and bubbly.
10. Cut cheese into small pieces (we like cheddar, sharp cheddar, or colby when we can't find smoked cheese), and add to sauce.
11. (If you haven't found smoked cheese, add 2 T liquid smoke) Cook& stir over low heat until smooth.
12. Add 1/2 of crumbled bacon to the mixture.
13. Combine potatoes& peas in a casserole dish.
14. Pour 1/2- 3/4 of sauce over peas& potatoes.
15. Sprinkle with remaining bacon.
16. Serve remaining sauce with the casserole.