Savoury Noodle Bake

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons salad oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2-1 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 8 ounces noodles
• 3 cups old cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 1/2-3/4 cup sliced ripe olives, pimento stuffed

Directions

1. 1

   Combine 2 tablespoons butter and salad oil in saucepan over low heat; add onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently until onion begins to brown.

2. 2

   Add tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil and bay leaf and bring to boiling point, stirring gently to avoid breaking up tomatoes.

3. 3

   Simmer about 15 min.; remove from heat and discard bay leaf.

4. 4

   Blend cornstarch and cold water until mixture is smooth; add about 1/2 cup hot tomato mixture and blend thoroughly, then stir it into remaining mixture in saucepan.

5. 5

   Cook over moderately high heat, stirring constantly until thick.

6. 6

   Remove from heat.

7. 7

   Cook noodles, drain, rinse with hot water, then drain again thoroughly.

8. 8

   Toss in a large bowl with remaining butter, and 2 cups cheese; add tomato sauce and olive slices and toss the second time.

9. 9

   Put in a 7-cup baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake in 350 oven for 30 to 45 minutes.