1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 can French fried onion rings (3-1/2 ounces) or 1 cup cracker crumbs
Cook carrots in boiling salted water; drain well. Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour. Stir over low heat until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, cooking until thickened. Add cheese and stir in until melted.
Save about 1/3 of the onions or crumbs for topping. Place 1/3 of the carrots in a 2-quart casserole. Cover with about 1/3 of the remaining onions or crumbs. Repeat layers until all are used. Pour sauce over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining onions over top and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer, until heated through.
Makes 4 servings.