Kid Friendly

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup light cream or half and half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 1⁄2 pounds fresh OCI Cod Fillets, or frozen fillets thoroughly defrosted

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use 1 tablespoon of the butter to evenly grease the bottom and sides of a shallow 2-quart baking dish. In a large heavy saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over moderate heat. Add the onions and, stirring frequently, cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft but not brown.

Stir in the flour and blend well. Then, whisking the mixture constantly, pour in the cream in a thin stream and continue to cook and stir over moderate heat until the sauce comes to a boil and is thick and smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper and 1 cup of the grated cheese. When the cheese has completely melted, stir in the lemon juice.

Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and cut each of them into 2 or 3 pieces. Pour a thin layer of the sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover the sauce with half the fish fillets. Cover the fillets with another thin layer of sauce. Lay the remaining fillets on top and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over all. Sprinkle the remaining 1⁄2 cup of grated cheese over the top. Bake the fish for about 25 minutes or until the sauce is hot and bubbling.

If you wish, you may slide the dish under the broiler for a minute or so to brown the top lightly. Serve directly from the baking dish.

SERVINGS: 4