BAKED AVOCADO

BAKED AVOCADO

INGREDIENTS:

	2 Tbsp olive oil
	1 small bell pepper, seeded & finely chopped
	1 clove garlic
	1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped
	1 Tbsp fresh thyme
	Salt & pepper to taste
	2 Tbsp butter
	2 Tbsp flour
	1 cup milk, warm
	1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
	2 large ripe avocados, halved & seed removed
	1/2 tsp lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:  Sauté peppers in olive oil over medium heat (about 5 minutes).  Add the garlic & cook another 2 minutes.  Stir in the tomatoes, thyme, salt & pepper & cook 3 minutes.  Sprinkle avocados with lemon juice & set aside.  Melt the butter in a saucepan, low heat & when melted remove from heat & stir in the flour mix to combine well.  Slowly whisk in the heated milk until you have a smooth sauce.  Add the cheese & allow to melt, stir to make a smooth mixture.  Add the tomatoes to the cheese, stir to combine.  Place avocado halves in an ungreased baking dish, put the tomato mixture into each avocado half mounding it.  Extra tomato mixture should be placed around the avocados.  Bake at 450 F (232.22 C) for 15 minutes, or until browned. 
SERVINGS:  4                                    TIME:  40 minutes