I just love seeing my customers smile.  The best compliment of all was when a regular customer leaned in close to me as I was wrapping up her casserole and said, “My family doesn’t know that you make these”.  Nothing could have made me happier!!! Just imagining the smiles around her dinner table as her family oohed and awed … and her smiling and taking the credit for a job well done.   It absolutely made my day!

Delmonico Ham and Potatoes was from my mom.  She swears that it was one of Abraham Lincoln’s absolute favorites.  Who am I to question my mom?  So thanks, Mom, for a GREAT seller.  My customers loved this one.

Delmonico Ham and Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 # cubed ham
• 1 3/4 # cubed cooked potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
• 2 3/4 cups cream sauce (recipe below)

Layer cubed potatoes and ham in a greased casserole.  Pour the cream sauce over the top.  Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden. 

Cream Sauce:

• 6 T butter (not margarine)
• 6 T flour
• 2 1/2 cups light cream or half and half
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a sauce pan.  Add the flour when the butter just starts to brown.  Cook the roux until beautifully golden brown,  stirring constantly.  Slowly add the cream, stirring constantly with a whisk.  Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering how salty the ham is.  Cook slowly until bubbly.  Yummmm.

Serve with fresh green beans and fruit salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.  So pretty.

Enjoy!