Creamed Corn Casserole

•   Nonstick cooking spray
• 2  16-ounce packages  frozen whole kernel corn
• 2  cups  chopped red and/or green sweet pepper
• 1  cup  chopped onion (1 large)
• 1  tablespoon  butter or margarine
• 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper
• 1  10.75-ounce can  condensed cream of celery soup
• 1  8-ounce tub  cream cheese spread with chive and onion or cream cheese spread with garden vegetables
• 1/4  cup  milk

Directions

1. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray; set aside. Place corn in a colander and thaw by running under cool water; drain. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan cook sweet pepper and onion in 1 tablespoon hot butter until tender. Stir in corn and black pepper. In a medium bowl whisk together soup, cream cheese spread, and milk. Stir soup mixture into corn mixture. Transfer to prepared casserole.
3. Bake, covered, in a 375 degree F oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until heated through, stirring once.
4. Makes 12 servings
5. Slow cooker directions: Do not thaw corn and omit butter. In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine frozen corn, sweet peppers, onion, and black pepper. In a medium bowl whisk together celery soup, cream cheese, and milk. Pour over mixture in cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours. Stir before serving.