1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli, or 1 1/2 c. cooked fresh broccoli
2 c. 1/2-inch celery crescents
1/4 c. butter (1/2 stick)
1 c. shredded American cheese (1/2 lb.)
1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 c. milk

Cook broccoli according to package directions; drain. Cook celery crescents in boiling, salted water only until crisply tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Combine the two vegetables in a buttered 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and blend. Add milk, stirring constantly, and cook until smooth and thickened. Add salt and pepper, pour over vegetables. Cover with cheese and bake in a 350 degree oven about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.

Broccoli supplies the color, celery the crunch for this delicious year-round casserole. Suitable for barbecues and holiday meals too. Make it ahead, heat just before serving.