Recipe: Hoppin' John Squares (using ham, cheese and brown rice)

HOPPIN' JOHN SQUARES

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided use
1 (16 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
1 cup cooked brown rice
3/4 cup diced lean cooked ham
2 large eggs, beaten

Cook bell pepper and onion in butter till tender.

Stir in flour, chili powder and cumin. Stir in milk; cook and stir until bubbly. Remove from heat.

Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese and remaining ingredients. Turn into a well-greased 8x8x2-inch baking pan.

Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 30 minutes or till set.

Top with remaining cheese. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

Makes 6 servings
From: Still Cookin' After 70 Years
Source: Best of the Best from Nevada Cookbook by Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley