Zippy Baked Carrots

NEED:
5 cups sliced carrots, cut 1/4 inch thick, divided
6 slices Swiss cheese, divided
SAUCE:
1 small onion, minced
4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 cups milk
TOPPING:
1 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

On stove top or in a microwave oven, blanch the carrots in covered dish until tender-crisp. Layer half of the carrots in shallow 2-qt. baking pan; cover with half of the cheese. Repeat layers. To make sauce, saute onion in butter for 2 minutes; blend in flour and seasonings. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add milk all at once; cook, stirring, until thickened. Pour sauce over carrot-cheese layers. Combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over all. Top with bacon.
Oven at 350 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!