Recipe: Baked Ham, Potato, and Spinach Au Gratin

recipelink.com Chat Room Recipe Swap - 2001-02-10
From: Nancy,.SanFran

Baked Ham, Potato, And Spinach Au Gratin
JO Merrill/Dakotah on the www.eclix.net Food bulletin board
Recipe By : Reader's Digest One Dish Meals

Nonstick cooking spray
or 1/2 teaspoon shortening
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup frozen chopped onions, drained
3 cloves minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 cups low-fat milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
or Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach -- well-drained
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 package refrigerated shredded potatoes (1 pound, 4 ounces)
or frozen hash browns, thawed
1 pound boiled or baked ham (in 1/2-inch cubes)

Spray a 12-by-7-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, or lightly grease using shortening; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the onions and saute 2 to 3 minutes or until pale golden, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and saute 2 to 3 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

Blend in the flour and mustard, then gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and mix in the spinach and pepper.

Arrange half of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread half of the spinach mixture over the potatoes. Scatter the ham pieces on top of the spinach. Top with remaining potatoes and spinach mixture. Cover with foil. Put dish on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake 15 minutes longer or until the potatoes are tender.