Shelly's Recipe

CRAB AU GRATIN SPREAD

Category: Spreads - Hot

2 tbsp plus 1 tsp butter, divided
3 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
1 can (6 oz) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 2/3 cup chopped imitation crabmeat
1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1 1/2 tsp snipped chives
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp dry bread crumbs
Assorted crackers

In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Stir in the flour, salt and paprika until smooth. Gradually add cream, milk and wine or broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the crab, mushrooms and chives; heat through. Stir in cheese just until melted.

Transfer to a greased shallow 1 quart baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over crab mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with crackers. Yield: about 2 cups.