Category: Ham
Because of the delicate flavors in this dish, we preferred using a mild baked ham to a smoked one.
1 (1-ounce) slice white bread
3 3/4 cups uncooked extra-broad egg noodles
2 1/2 cups (1 1/2-inch) sliced asparagus
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed ham (about 8 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 450°.
Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1/2 cup.
Cook pasta in boiling water 7 minutes, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus; cook 1 minute. Drain.
Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Place flour, thyme, salt, and pepper in medium bowl; gradually add milk and broth, stirring with a whisk until well-blended. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion; saute 4 minutes. Add milk mixture; cook until thick (about 4 minutes), stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in juice. Combine the pasta mixture, milk mixture, ham, and parsley in large bowl; spoon into a 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
Bake at 450° for 10 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden.
*Could be made ahead and frozen. Thaw in refrigerator then bake until bubbly and topping is golden.
6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
dash pepper
dash cayenne pepper
Hot Ham & Cheese Spread
1 -8 oz. package cream cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3 slices smoked ham, finely chopped
Ritz crackers
Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese and ham until well blended. Spoon into ovenproof crock or bowl. Bake at 350 degrees or until puffed and lightly browned. Serve warm as a spread with crackers.
24 Servings