Potato-Ham Bake

 

Asparagus and tarragon enhance the flavor of the classic combination of potatoes and ham. Serve this appealing recipe to a family that loves classic potatoes and ham casserole but is ready for a new tradition.Share this impressive recipe with people who love to try new twists on old favorites.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes, sliced
• 1 8-oz. tub light cream cheese spread with chive and onion
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh tarragon or 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
• 8 oz. cooked boneless ham, cut in bite-sized slices
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed, cut in 2 to 3-inch pieces
• Tarragon sprigs (optional)

  Directions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In medium saucepan cook potatoes, covered, in small amount of lightly salted boiling water 5 to 7 minutes, just until tender. Drain; transfer to bowl and set aside.
  2. 2For sauce, in same saucepan combine cream cheese, milk, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat and whisk until smooth and cheese is melted. Remove from heat; stir in tarragon.
  3. 3Layer potatoes, ham, asparagus, and sauce in 1-1/2-quart baking dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle remaining Parmesan. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Top with tarragon and freshly ground black pepper. Serves 4.

St. Pat's Beef & Veggies

 

This simply prepared beef dinner can be on the table in an hour. New potatoes, carrots, onions, and spinach accompany the boneless rib-eye beefsteak, which can be served with a brown mustard and sour cream sauce. This makes the perfect St. Patrick's Day meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp. coarse-grain brown mustard
• 1-1/2 lb. boneless beef rib-eye steak, 1-1/4- to 1-1/2-inch thick
• 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 4 medium carrots, peeled
• 1 large red onion, peeled, cut in wedges
• 32 oz. reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb. new potatoes; halve if large
• 1 lb. packaged fresh spinach

• Directions

  1. 1Stir together sour cream and mustard; cover and refrigerate. Heat oven to 170 degrees F. Heat 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Coat beef with1 tablespoon oil; season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Brown in hot skillet 4 minutes,turning once. Transfer to platter; set aside.
  2. 2Add remaining oil, carrots, and onion to skillet. Cook and stir 5 minutes, until browned. Add broth and potatoes; bring to boiling. Reduce heat; cook, covered, 15 minutes, until tender. Return beef to skillet. Simmer, covered, 8 minutes for medium (10 minutes for medium-well).
  3. 3Reserving broth in skillet, transfer vegetables and beef to oven-safe platter; keep warm. Simmer broth; add spinach. Cook and toss with tongs 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. 4To serve, ladle broth in bowls; reserve some to drizzle over meat and vegetables. Divide beef and vegetables among plates. Serve with mustard sauce. Makes 4 servings.
  5. 5Salmon Boiled Dinner: Substitute four 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets for the steak. Omit oil and sugar and do not brown salmon, carrots, and onion. Simply bring broth, carrots, onion, and potatoes to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, covered, 15 minutes or until just tender. Season salmon with salt and pepper; add to vegetables and simmer, covered, for 5 to 8 minutes or until just cooked through. Continue with step 4. Once spinach has been added to platter, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the simmering broth; spoon some over each portion of salmon and vegetables. Serve with mustard sauce and lemon wedges.