Cheddar Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham

You might be asking yourself why i would be posting a recipe in a quilting blog. Well, the answer is simple. Quilters also love to eat! :-)

I made this recipe tonight and it was a big hit. I must say I loved it and I am a very finicky eater!
I wish I had remembered to take a picture of it fresh out of the oven, however I only thought of it when I was eating it.
The recipe came from southern foods about. com. You can check out a picture here and more wonderful recipes.

A perfect dish for a chilly Fall evening.

This recipe was by Diana Rattray About.com guide

Cheddar Potatoes au Gratin with Ham

4 cups diced potatoes
salt
6 tablespoons butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, halved
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
2 cups diced cooked ham
8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 2 cups), divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup soft fresh bread crumbs

Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with water and add about 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and boil gently for about 10 minutes, or until just fork tender. Drain.

In a large saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Remove the garlic and discard. Add onion and cook, stirring, just until onion is softened. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until well blended and bubbly. Add the milk and cook, stirring, until thickened. Add the ham and 6 ounces of the cheese (about 1 1/2 cups). Cook, stirring, until cheese is melted. Stir in the parsley. Gently stir in the potatoes until well coated with the cheese mixture. Turn into a 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved 2 ounces of shredded cheese.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

Serves 4 to 6.

I made a few changes as I made due with what I had on hand. I used garlic and onion salt in place of the real thing. Those of you that really know me, know that I would not have a fresh onion around. :-) I also used 2% shredded cheddar cheese and margarine in place of butter. I also made my own bread crumbs.

I served it with fresh broccoli and rolls. Delicious!

Back to quilting!

Happy Sewing,
Jean