ingredients
serves 4 - 6
1 1/2 pound fresh French beans
1 bayleaf
pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 pint milk
1/2 level teaspoon mustard
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon of cream or top of the milk
method
1. Preheat oven to hot, 220°C (425°F).
2. Trim tops and tails from beans and string if necessary. Leave whole and cook in boiling, salted water with bayleaf for 5 - 10 minutes, or until almost tender.
3. Drain well and discard bayleaf, then toss in nutmeg and 1 tablespoon butter.
4. Arrange beans in casserole and keep warm.
5. Melt remaining butter in a saucepan, sprinkle in flour and stir over gentle heat for 2 minutes.
6. Remove pan from heat and gradually blend in milk.
7. Return to heat, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
8. Remove pan from heat and beat in mustard and 7/8 cup cheese until well blended. Season.
9. Stir cream or top of the milk into hot cheese sauce and pour over top of beans. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese.
10. Cook, uncovered, towards top of oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
