Oh Yummy!

I had baked a bone-in ham last week for split pea soup and the following is the recipe I used in an effort to use some of the leftover ham. The recipe actually calls for a ham steak cut into pieces, but obviously whatever ham you have will work fine.

Ham, Potato and Cheddar Cheese Gratin

2 cups water

1 ham steak, 1.5lbs, trim of fat and cut into 1-1 1/2 inch squares. (again, I just used leftover ham)

3.5lbs baking potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (I used red potatoes & left the skins on)

3 cups milk (I used 1.5 cups non-fat milk and 1.5 cups whole)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

6 tablespoons all purpose flour

1/2lb extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2lb smoked cheddar cheese, shredded (I just used all sharp cheese since I was too cheap to buy the smoked)

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the ham and simmer for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and drain well. Set aside.

Oil a 9x13 baking dish. Distribute one-fourth of the potatoes evenly over the botton of the prepared dish. Distribute one-third of the ham evenly over the potatoes. Top with half of the remaining potatoes and then all of the remaining ham. Top with all the remaining potatoes, laying the slices attractively (haha!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (I did 400 degrees cause I was in a hurry.)

Pour the milk into a saucepan and place over medium heat, warm until small bubbles appear at the edges of the pan. Remove from heat. (I heated my milk in the microwave for 4 minutes).

In another saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. (Do not brown.) Gradually stir in the hot milk and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheeses, mustard, cayenne pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return the pan to low heat and stir just until the cheese melts, 1-2 minutes.

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and ham. Bake uncovered, until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown, about 1 hour.

Oh this is SO yummy- we were licking the bowl! Enjoy!