Leftover Ham from the Big Day?

Donna and sweet daughter Sam

By "special request" from my friend Donna, here are 2 recipes that are easy, quick and really, really good for leftover ham.  You know, the kind that you served for Thanksgiving or maybe on the menu for Christmas.  The thing is, TRY REALLY HARD NOT TO USE A HONEY HAM!  Around here, we don't care for the "over the top" sweetness of those hams.  I always purchase a spiral cut ham and bake it myself with my own glaze which has more citrus/molasses flavor.  When I make these two dishes, I trim off the glazed edges of the ham and use the meat.  By the way, my guys think this soup is one of the VERY BEST that I make, so.....Enjoy!

Aunt Jimmy's Ham Spread

3 c. finely chopped cooked ham

1 hard boiled egg, chopped

1/4 c. finely chopped celery

2 teaspoons grated onion

1 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

3/4 c. mayonnaise

1 squirt of prepared mustard

Mix together until well blended.  I serve this on crackers, toast or on the side of a nice green salad.  You can also add other veggies if you like or some cooked pasta.  It's not fancy but is really good for a snack/lunch and is a good way to use up your ham.

Luscious Ham and Potato Soup

3 1/2 c. peeled and diced potatoes

1/3 c. diced celery
1/3 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 c. finely chopped carrot
1 c. diced cooked ham
3 1/4 chicken broth

1 T. fresh lemon juice (brightens the flavor of the veggies)
salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a dutch oven and bring to a boil.  Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. 

5 T. butter
5 T. all-purpose flour
1 c. milk

1 c. half and half

Melt butter in a separate pot.  Add flour and cook for approximately 5 minutes.  Slowly whisk in milk and half and half.  When mixture has thickened, gently pour into the ham and potato pot.  Mix all ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes.  Garnish with grated cheese, chives, bacon or whatever you like.

Donna, A Southern Soul and "T"

I hope you'll like and enjoy if not both, at least one of these recipes.  I always get a little smile of enjoyment when I get extra mileage from an "original" dish.

Donna, thanks for the request....and to Tracy, thanks for a great after Thanksgiving evening!