Representative Bill Barrett’s Hearty Ham and Vegetable Casserole

What’s Cookin’ with the Republicans, p. 134

1(20-ounce) package frozen cauliflower florets

1 (20-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets

4 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

3 cups milk

6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups chopped ham

3 cups fresh bread crumbs

4 tablespoons melted butter

Cook cauliflower and broccoli in salted water until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in 1 quart saucepan. Stir in flour and blend well. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add cheddar, Parmesan, and salt, and stir over low heat until cheese melts.

Place vegetables in ungreased 4 quart casserole dish and sprinkle with chopped ham. 

One ham steak gave me just the right amount of meat.

Pour cheese sauce over all. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter and make a border of buttered bread crumbs around edge of casserole. 

It took the better part of a loaf to get this amount of bread crumbs.

Bake uncovered at 350F for 20-30 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.

All done!

My vegetable ratios were off because frozen veggies don't come in these sizes anymore so I had to make do.

My Rating: 4/5 "The veggies and ham go well together. My only qualm (and this is very out of character for me to say) is that there's a little too much cheese. The other ingredients overwhelmed by it. But all you cheese-lovers out there might think it's a real treat!"