MISS EDNA'S TURNIP CASSEROLE

2 pounds turnips, peeled and thinly sliced
6 ounces bacon, fried, 2 tablespoons drippings reserved
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
Tabasco sauce (to taste)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.

Place turnips in a large saucepan with water to cover; add bacon grease and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, simmer till tender, about 20 minutes; remove from heat. Stir in a dash of Tabasco and crisp, crumbled bacon.

Meanwhile, combine broth and heavy cream in a medium-size saucepan, bring to a low boil over moderate heat. Cook till slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer turnips to prepared casserole and pour cream mixture over top. Season with salt and pepper, spread bread crumbs evenly over the top.

Bake till golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Yield: 6 servings
Source: Crazy for Casseroles by James Villas