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It's recipes using leftover ham, but I'm not going to talk about what to do with ham as you probably make ham sandwiches, ham salad sandwiches, ham loaf, split pea soup using the ham bone etc.

I am a soup eater and could eat a bowl of soup everyday, winter, spring, fall and even summer on the hottest day. I always make a big batch of whatever kind, share it with the family, (if there's enough to go around) and if there is any left I freeze it for another meal. One of our sons will say, "Soup isn't a full meal!" Well, if you add some cheese and crackers and some type of bread, such as popovers, fruit bread, muffins, of French-bread and add a bowl of fresh fruit, that sounds like a pretty good meal to me. Unless you have made wiener-water soup.

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Let's use ham to make some good tasting meals.

CHEDDAR HAM CHOWDER

2 c. water

2 c. peeled, cubed raw potatoes (I use red potatoes)

1/2 c. sliced carrots

1/2 c. celery

1/4 c. diced onion

1-16 oz. can corn, drained

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

1/4 c. butter

1/4 c. margarine

1/4 c. flour

2 c. milk

2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-1/2 c. cubed ham

In a large saucepan, bring first 8 ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 8-10 minutes or until veggies are just tender. Remove from heat, do not drain. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Add milk all at once; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. (I heat the milk until warm, add it and it thickens more quickly.) Add cheese and stir until melted. Stir into veggie mixture; add ham; heat until hot, stirring occasionally.

Makes 6-8 servings. (2 qts.)

Note: You can add about a cup or more of chopped cabbage with the veggies if you wish! I do.

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HAM PASTA SALAD

1-7 oz. box shell macaroni, cooked and drained

2 c. cubed ham

1 c. chopped green pepper

1 c. tomato (Roma tomatoes are good to use)

1/4 c. diced onion

Dressing:

1/2 c. mayo or salad dressing

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 t. salt

Additional Parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, toss together first 5 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine next 4 ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture and stir to coat. Cover and chill one hour or more. When ready to serve, sprinkle with additional cheese.

Makes 4-6 servings.

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Don't pass up this recipe. They are quick to make and very tasty.

HAM AND CHEESE

CALZONES

2 tubes (10 oz's each) refrigerated pizza crust

1 c. ricotta cheese (can use very well drained small curd cottage cheese)

4-6 oz's sliced pepperoni

2 c. small diced ham - about 1/4 inch square

2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

Additional Parmesan cheese - optional

Sprinkling of dried basil leaves

Meatless spaghetti sauce, warmed

Unroll 1 pizza crust, stretching gently to make a 14x11-inch rectangle. Spread half of the ricotta on half of the dough, lengthwise, to within 1-inch of the edges. Sprinkle with half of the pepperoni, ham and mozzarella. Fold unfilled half over filled half and press together tightly to seal. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining crust and filling ingredients. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with cheese and basil if you wish. Slice into serving size pieces. Serve with spaghetti sauce in individual sauce dishes.

Makes 8 servings.

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Don't you think it's about time for some kind of dessert? I'm talking cake here, and it's easy to make.

I think it's time to have something sweet to serve for coffee with the gals, men or grandchildren stop over for a cup of coffee, tea or a glass of milk.

This is a quick and easy recipe for brownies.

SUGAR-TOPPED BROWNIES

1-3/4 c. flour

1 c. sugar

1/4 c. cocoa (not hot chocolate mix)

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. milk

1/2 c. margarine (not spread)

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 t. vanilla

1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1-1/4 c. real chocolate chips

In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients. Add next 4 ingredients; beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Spread batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.

Makes 15 bars.

Note: If you are serving the brownies to special friends, put a scoop of ice cream on top...vanilla or mint chocolate chip. I use mini-chocolate chops to sprinkle on top, using 1-1/2 c. or more. You could also sprinkle flaked coconut, chopped pecans or walnuts on top.

TFD: Some families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts!

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