Favorite Ham Spaghetti & Garlic Cheese Muffins
Ingredients:
1 fully cooked ham steak (2 cups), chopped
8 oz. spaghetti noodles
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrot blend)
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a microwave-safe bowl, cook the vegetables in ¼ cup water, covered in the microwave for 5-6 minutes; until crisp tender.
In salted, boiling water, cook pasta.
While pasta cooks, combine butter and flour in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until a large clump (ball) is formed.
Pour in the milk, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to stir until mixture thickens and is smooth, 5-7 minutes.* Add cheese, remove from heat and stir to incorporate. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss in cooked ham and vegetables. Pour sauce over drained pasta and serve with a garlic cheese muffin!
*The trick to a great white sauce is low and slow! At first it may not appear to un-clump from the “ball stage” but the milk will slowly combine with the butter and flour making an excellent sauce! (Just keep whisking)!
Garlic Cheese Muffins*
Ingredients:
2 cups self-rising flour
1 t. baking powder
1 t. sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup buttermilk
¼ t. salt
¼ T. garlic powder
1/4 stick butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together. Pour in the melted butter and add the chopped onion and ¾ cup of the cheese. Sir in buttermilk and mix just until all ingredients are blended; batter will be lumpy.
Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full and top with additional ¼ cup cheese. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
*This recipe can also be made as garlic cheese bread. Follow same instructions as above. Bake in a greased 8- inch loaf pan and increase bake time to 50-60 minutes.
