French-Style Baked Peas

3 ten-ounce packages frozen peas

1 shallot, or the white part of 2 scallions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt

4 teaspoons sugar

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine in a chunk ( I cubed it )

1 leaf iceberg lettuce, cut into 1/4 inch strips ( I used romaine )

Place the frozen peas in a 2 to 3 quart casserole with a tight-fitting lid. Top with all the other ingredients. Bake covered at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour. (I cooked it for 45 minutes). Stir and serve right in the casserole.

To Make Ahead: Assemble all the ingredients except the lettuce. Store in the freezer until ready to bake. Top with lettuce 1 hour before serving and bake as directed.