Crab, Spinach and Cheese Gratin

Preheat oven to 375. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and reserve. Put milk and bay leaves in a small saucepan and bring to just a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Heat butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and let cook whisking constantly until golden,..about 5 minutes ( a roux). Remove bay leaves from milk and whisk in milk into the roux. Cook, whisking until mixture thickens. Stir in cheddar cheese and cook stirring until it melts into the sauce. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Wash spinach thoroughly and place in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Let it steam just until it wilts, Drain and squeeze dry with a clean kitchen towel. Chop spinach and season with salt and ;pepper. Add scallions to spinach. Next layer a pan or casserole dish as follows: spinach, sauce, crab, spinach, sauce, breadcrumbs/cheese mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes until sauce is bubbly and the gratin is hot throughout.,