Breakfast Casserole

This went way too fast at my sons baby blessing to take a picture so you will have to use your imaginations...

8 frozen hash brown patties
1/2 C. butter, melted
1 C. cubed ham
1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
1 C. shredded Swiss cheese
8 eggs
2 C. milk or cream
1/2 tsp salt

Place potato patties in greased 9 x 13 pan, Pour melted butter evenly over the top of the patties and bake at 350 for 20 min. Remove from oven and sprinkle ham and cheese over the top. In large bowl beat eggs. Add milk and salt. Stir. Pour mixture over cheeses and ham. Bake for 30 min.

I have done this with southern style hash browns and cubed lunch meat as well. No matter how you make it, it is delicious! Add fresh fruit and you have a great and easy meal for family gatherings.

Ham & Pea (or Asparagus) Pasta

This yummy pasta is a no-fail at our house. You can also do a ham & asparagus pasta, which is yummy. We usually do peas for kids and because it's super fast. It's a nice change from your typical pasta dinner. You can also cut the recipe in half easily for a smaller family.

Ham & Pea Pasta

1 lb pasta (we like farfalle or mini-penne)
1/4 c butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 lb frozen peas (or fresh asparagus, cut into 1" pieces)
1/2 lb. cooked ham, diced (I use half of a pre-cut package)
1/2 c whipping cream
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta and drain. Set aside. Melt butter and saute onion until soft. Run frozen peas under warm water in a colander for a minute and then add to onions and saute. Add ham, cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and add cooked pasta.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

This recipe comes from the "Fix-it and Forget-it" Cookbook.

6 cups raw potatoes, cut into small cubes.

1 medium onion, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 lb. cooked ham, cubed

4 Tbsp butter

4 Tbsp flour

1 tsp. salt

2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

1. Layer potatoes, onion, 1 tsp. salt, and ham into slow cooker.

2. Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour and 1 tsp. salt. Cook until bubbly. Gradually add milk. Cook until smooth and thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted. Pour over potato-ham mixture, stirring lightly.

3. Cover. Cook on Low 6-7 hours, of High 3-4 hours.

Note: the edges and bottom of your crockpot will burn, but the innards are still very tasty. I just have to plan on soaking the crockpot overnight afterwards to clean it up. I'd welcome any ideas on getting it not to burn...