For 4 servings you will need:

1/2 lb. American cheese
1/2 c. butter
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen vegetable blend containing broccoli, cauliflower & carrots, thawed & drained
1 c. (about 30) crushed butter crackers

Cut cheese into chunks. Place in a microsafe 1-quart casserole dish with 1/4 cup butter.

Microwave at MEDIUM HIGH power (roast) for about 4 minutes or until melted. Stir every 1 1/2 minutes.

Add vegetables to casserole and mix.

Melt remaining butter in a bowl at HIGH power for 30 seconds. Stir in cracker crumbs. Sprinkle buttered crumbs over casserole.

Microwave at MEDIUM HIGH power (roast), uncovered, for about 10 minutes, rotating 1/2 turn after 5 minutes.

Let stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

REMEMBER: If you want to substitute fresh vegetables for the frozen you will need about 2 1/2 cups. The vegetables should be cleaned, cut into pieces, and blanched before adding to the cheese sauce.

When melting the cheese, both in the microwave oven and on the stove, be sure not to over cook or use high heat. Over cooked cheese will be tough, stringy, oily and may crust on the pan.