Gasparilla Cookbook: Recipe Two

Cheese Onion Bake

6 cups thinly sliced onion rings (about 6 medium onions)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup enriched flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate
2 cups shredded sharp processed American cheese (1/2 pound)

Place onion rings in 1 1/2-quart casserole.  Melt butter in saucepan; blend in flour.  Gradually stir in milk.  Cook, stirring constantly, until thick.  Stir in salt, pepper, monosodium glutamate and cheese.  Pour over onions.  Bake uncovered in 325 degree oven about 35 minutes.  Serves 4 to 6.
(The Gasparilla Cookbook, submitted by Mrs. Alonzo Regar)

I used Vidalia onions and omitted the MSG.  Also, I cooked longer than 35 minutes until casserole was bubbly and lightly brown on top (closer to 50 minutes to an hour).  Really enjoyed this recipe.  The Vidalia onions are so mild and sweet when cooked.

The Gasparilla Cookbook was originally published in 1961 when married women were identified by their husbands names.  And, according to the 50th anniversary edition that I received for Christmas, it was only the fifth cookbook published by a Junior League organization.  It was highlighted in the Tampa-St. Pete booth at the World's Fair in the late 1960s, and Jackie Kennedy was pictured carrying a copy when she attended the fair.