Clooney + Cold Out = Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

While listening to Rosemary Clooney sing and feeling chilled from the cold temps today, I thought it would be a perfect time to make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.  I know there are a ton of recipes out there, I once was a strict fan of Betty Crocker’s version, but this is my version and my Mini Meringue’s eat it up.  I do understand I call for a few unusual ingredients but they are both worth it!  The first unusual one in the recipe is for Space Aliens (restaurant back home) Garlic Seasoning Goup. It’s a jar of onion powder, garlic salt, celery salt and other seasonings and I love to add it to just about anything.  The other unusual one is the plunger.  I swear every time I peel potatoes it never fails that the garbage disposal gets clogged.  It is not an LOL moment either.

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

7 baker potatoes and a plunger!

Rinse them, peel them, and cut them into bite size chunks.  Place in water pot on stove to boil for 10 minutes to soften them, which helps cut down on cooking time in the oven.  I can only wait so long for this yummy dish so the more shortcuts I can do the better!  J  While potatoes are on the stove boiling, start to curse at the sink because once again it’s clogged. 

In a separate sauce pan put in:

4 tablespoons of butter

1 chopped medium onion

1 cereal spoon of minced garlic

2 tablespoons of Space Alien Garlic Seasoning Goup

Over medium heat, melt the butter and begin to sauté the onions.  Once butter is melted I add in 3 heaping cereal spoons of flour and mix till combined.  If too wet add more flour then but if it’s pretty balled up with no extra moisture in the pan its perfect.  Whisk in 1 pint of half and half a little at a time ,which I find helps the sauce thicken as you go.  Whisk in an additional cup of milk.  Once thickened add 1 lb cubed ham and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.  Drain the potatoes and add to casserole dish then pour the delicious ham & cheese sauce on top and mix well.  Place in a 350 degree preheated oven and cook for an hour and a half.

Anyone want to lick the spoon?!?!  Yummy!!!!