Preparation time: 20 minutes. Baking time: 1 hour. Oven temperature: 350 degrees.

This delicious corn bake is easily assembled and can bake while you take care of other dinner preparations. It lends itself nicely to most meat, poultry or fish entrees.

For 4 servings you will need:

1 c. milk
1 egg, beaten
1 c. cracker crumbs
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 (17 oz.) can creamed corn
1 carrot, grated
2 green onions or 2 tbsp. chopped chives
1 tbsp. butter, melted
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

TIPS: If you wish to prepare your own cracker crumbs, about 20 saltine crackers will provide the 1 cup crumbs. If you do not have a food processor or blender, place crackers between folds of towel and crush them with a rolling pin.

PREPARATION: Combine milk, egg, 2/3 cup of the crumbs, salt and black pepper, mixing well. Add corn, carrots and onions, blend well. Transfer to a buttered 1-quart casserole. Toss melted butter with remaining crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour or until firm. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired, before serving.

Good served with: Baked ham, buttered zucchini and raisin pie for dessert.

For 2 servings: Half of the ingredients. For 8 servings: Double the ingredients. Use a 2-quart casserole.