Worms Au Gratin

Worms Au Gratin

To make worms:
4 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups egg noodles
8 ounces spaghetti, broken into short pieces
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups American cheese -- grated
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

To make dirt:
2 whole-wheat bread slices -- toasted
1 tablespoon butter or margarine -- melted
1/4 teaspoon salt

To prepare worms: Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add the salt. Heat over medium to high heat until the water comes to a rapid boil. Add the egg noodles and spaghetti (worms) and allow the water to come to a boil again. Lower the heat and cook the worms on a slow boil, uncovered, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and pour them into a large bowl. Toss with butter or margarine and the grated cheese.

Grease the inside of a casserole dish with the vegetable oil. Pour the cooked worms into the dish and set aside. To prepare the dirt: In a small bowl, crumble the toasted bread into tiny crumbs. Mix melted butter and salt with the crumbs to create dirt. Sprinkle dirt over worms and place under the broiler for 5 minutes.

Serves 5.