Preheat oven to 325°F. Clean and cut carrots into large pieces. Cook them in boiling water until soft. Drain well and mash. Saute onions over medium-high heat in the 1 tablespoon butter or margarine until very soft. In a large bowl, combine carrots, onions, 1/2 cup butter or margarine, egg, salt, pepper and garlic. Mix well. Spray an 8-by-8-inch Pyrex dish with nonstick spray. Place carrot mixture in dish and top with crackers and cheese. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. From the Sacramento Bee 7/23/97.