Fall Vegetable Gratin (Low Fat) - 3 Ww Points

Ingredients

• 2 large leeks (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprout
• vegetable oil cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups sliced carrots, peeled and sliced on the diagonal 1/4 inch thick
• 1/4 cup water

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon light butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups nonfat milk
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning (salt free)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornflake crumbs

Directions

1. 1

   Trim roots, outer leaves, and tops from the leeks, leaving 6 inches or so of the base. Split each leek in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, drain. Repeat. Set aside.

2. 2

   Wash brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water, and remove any discolored leaves. Cut off root ends, and cut sprouts in half.

3. 3

   Wash and peel carrots trimming off ends. Cut into 1/4 inch pices making coins or cut on a the diagonal for oblong pieces. Set aside.

4. 4

   Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; add oil. Place over medium heat until hot. Add leeks and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add sprouts, carrot, and water; cover and cook 15 minutes. Spoon vegetable mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; set aside.

5. 5

   While vegetables are cooking warm milk in a small saucepan. Place milk in pitcher. (I find this warming creates a smoother sauce, but you may skip it if you are short on time.) Melt butter in the same saucepan over medium-low heat, stir in flour. It will form more lumps than paste - that's low fat cooking. Add in 1/4 cup of milk and vigorously whisk to blend the flour and remove lumps. Gradually add the remaining milk, stirring each with a wire whisk until well blended. Increase heat to medium, cooking for about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in lemon-pepper blend and Parmesan. Pour sauce over vegetable mixture. (Cover and chill mixture now, if desired.).

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Before baking, sprinkle cornflake crumbs over vegetable mixture. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

7. 7

   If you are cooking a cold gratin, bake 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and bake additional 20 minutes.