Fantasy Veggie Dinners -STUART LITTLE

Hopefully a mouse which has had so much excitement in his life will like to settle down for a tasty bite (a cheesy one, of course).

CHEESE AND LEEK PASTA BAKE

100g/ 3½oz fusilli
1 large leek, chopped
1 small onion, chopped finely
75g/ 2¾oz cheddar cheese, grated
25ml /1floz milk
25g/ 1oz butter
25g/ 1oz plain flour
100ml/ 3½floz vegetable stock
100ml/ 3½floz double cream (optional – replace with milk for a lighter meal)
100g/ 3½oz breadcrumbs
1tbsp olive oil

Preheat oven to 200C/ Gas 6
Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pan and fry onion and leek until soft.
Add vegetable stock.
In a separate pan, heat butter and add flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk (and cream if using). Add to leeks.
Add 50g cheese and mix well until melted.
Drain pasta and add to leeks, stirring well.
Place in oven-proof dish and spread breadcrumbs and rest of cheese over the top.
Cook in oven for about 25 minutes.