Wild Mushroom Noodle Gratin

• 1 lb. extra-broad egg noodles
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 large red pepper, diced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 lb. assorted wild mushrooms, trimmed and sliced
• 4 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheese
• 20 Ritz crackers

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat 3 qt. baking dish with cooking spray. Cook noodles according to package directions until almost tender; drain. In same pot melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add red pepper and shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, 2 Tbsp. parsley, tarragon, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Add half and half and cheese; stir in noodles. Transfer to baking dish.. Melt remaining butter; stir into cracker crumbs. Stir in remaining parsley. Sprinkle over noodles. Bake, until golden, 15-20 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA