Swiss-Cheese-Creamed Peas

Ingredients

• 2 cups shelled peas or one 10-ounce package frozen peas
• 3/4 cup sliced green onion
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup light cream or milk
• 1/2 cup shredded process Swiss cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
• Light cream or milk (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook fresh peas, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes or till crisp-tender. (Or, cook frozen peas according to package directions.) Drain.
2. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan cook onion in margarine or butter till tender. Stir in flour and salt. Add cream or milk all at once. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cool and stir 1 minute more. Add cheese and lemon peel, stirring till cheese melts. Stir in drained peas. If necessary, stir in additional cream or milk to make of desired consistency.
3. Microwave directions: In a 1-quart casserole micro-cook fresh peas and 2 tablespoons water, covered, on 100% power (high) for 6 to 8 minutes or till crisp-tender. (Or, cook frozen peas according to package microwave directions.) Drain. Set aside. In a 2-cup measure cook onion and margarine or butter, covered with vented plastic wrap, on high for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes or till onion is tender. Stir in flour and salt. Stir in cream. Cook, uncovered, on high for 2 to 4 minutes or till thickened and bubbly, stirring every minute till sauce starts to thicken, then every 30 seconds. Add cheese and lemon peel; stir till cheese melts. Stir in drained peas. If necessary, stir in additional cream or milk to make of desired consistency.