How to Make Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Ingredients:

¾ Pound of small red potatoes or any boiling (not baking) potato

1 Jalapeno (optional for those who like it spicy hot)

½ Cup diced ham

2 Tablespoons butter

½ Sweet onion (yellow, white and red are ok, too)

 ½ Cup fiesta blend shredded cheese

1 quart of water to boil the potatoes

Instructions:

Clean the eyes and tough spots off the potatoes then cut into ¼ inch thick slices. This step is critical because it will allow the potatoes to boil faster.

Light your propane stove according to the directions and put it on the highest setting. Pour water into a large sauce pan and place over the flame. When the water just starts to boil, carefully add the potatoes to the water and cover the pan. Boil until the potatoes are cooked but not too soft. After ten minutes, test them with a fork. If the fork can’t easily pierce a potato slice cook longer. If the fork pierces the potato slice but the slice is form enough not to break apart, remove from heat and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. NOTE: Gas stoves can be finicky so you may have to lower the heat to keep it from boiling over and raise the heat to return it to a gentle boil.

Prepare the other ingredients while the potatoes boil. Cut the onion into thin slivers. Slice the jalapeno in half and remove the core and seeds and mince the onion. Use a glove or knife and fork if you don’t want the jalapeno to burn your fingers. Dice the ham steak.

Test the taters with a fork. If they’re done firm, remove from heat, drain the hot water and rinse with cool clean water. 

Light the other burner on your stove and put on medium heat. Place your frying pan over the flame and preheat for a minute. Coat the bottom of the pan with butter. Add ham, onion and jalapeno and lightly saute. Stir in the second tablespoon of butter. After ten minutes, just as the onions start to appear translucent, they’re done.

Gently stir as much of the potatoes into the sauteed vegetables as you like. Then gently stir in the cheese. When all the ingredients are heated up and the cheese melts, it’s done. Salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat, turn off burners.