APPLE AND GRUYERE CHEESE MACARONI
WITH SMITHFIELD HAM

2 tbsp. butter (unsalted)
4 apples (peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes), Fuji or golden delicious
1/2 cup Smithfield ham, diced
5 cups half and half
1 cup gruyere cheese (grated), divided use
8 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan on medium to hot heat, melt butter, add apples and ham and saute for 2-3 minutes.

Add half-and-half and bring to a boil. Add 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese and bring to a boil again. Reduce to a simmer and whisk until cheese has melted and starts to make a sauce.

Add cooked macaroni and toss until coated well. Pour into a casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese on top.

Brown under broiler. Serve hot.

Servings: 4