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I'm assuming that many of you have already decided what you're serving for dinner or brunch if you are entertaining. After your Easter celebration, if there is leftover ham, there are several ways of using it besides making sandwiches. I'm not saying that sandwiches aren't a good way to use it, but there are many ways to make a meal using leftovers.

That's what's it's about today....using leftover ham. Let's start with a slow cooker recipe.

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HAM AND HASH BROWNS
1 – 28 oz. pkg. frozen O'Brien hash brown potatoes
2 c. cubed ham
1 – 2 oz. jar diced pimientos, drained
1 can cream of cheddar soup, undiluted
¾ c. milk
¼ t. pepper

In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, ham and pimientos. In a bowl, combine soup, milk and pepper, mixing well; pour over potato mixture mixture. Cover and cook on low, 7-8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Makes 4 servings.

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RICE, HAM & PINEAPPLE
2 c. cooked rice (about ¾ c. uncooked)
2 c. cubed, ham
1 – 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained
½ c. packed brown sugar
1 T. lemon juice
1 t. ground mustard

In a bowl, combine all ingredients; spoon into a greased 2-1/2 qt. baking dish or 9 x 9-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Makes 4 servings.

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HAM MAC & CHEESE

1 – 7-1/4 oz. pkg. macaroni and cheese dinner mix
Crumb mixture:
¾ c. soft bread crumbs
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. minced fresh parsley
1 T. butter, melted
Filling:
1 c. cubed ham
1 c. (8 oz.) cottage cheese
½ c. sour cream
2 T. sliced green onion
1 T. diced pimientos, optional
¼ t. salt
¼ t. ground mustard

Prepare the macaroni dinner mix according to pkg. directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley and butter; set aside.

In a large bowl;  combine mac and cheese, sour cream, onions, cottage cheese, one cup ham and pimientos  (if you wish), salt and mustard; mix well, Turn this and cup of ham, into a greased 1-1/2 qt. baking dish or 8 x 8 in. baking pan. Sprinkle with crumb mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until heated through. Makes 4 servings.

After all of these salty recipes, let's have a dessert without ham and cheese!

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LOW FAT BROWNIES

½ c. egg substitute (or 4 egg whites)
1 -14 oz. can fat-free condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1 t. vanilla
1-1/3 c. flour
1-1/4 c. sugar
¾ c. baking cocoa
1 t. baking powder
½ t. salt

In a mixing bowl, beat egg substitute (or 4 egg whites) for one minute or until frothy and slightly thickened. Stir in milk and vanilla. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt; mix well. Add to egg mixture and mix well.

Pour into a 9 x 13-in. baking pan coated with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degree 18-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Makes 24 servings.

Nutritional Values: One brownie equals 120 calories, 1 g. fat, (trace of saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 85 g sodium, 27 g. carbs., 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Thought for the Day: May your Easter celebration be one of thankfulness for the blessings we receive daily.

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