Nutritionist Column, Cathie Ostrowski, M.S. R.D., L.D.N.

Using Those Easter Leftovers!

Dear Readers,

It is April and Spring has officially arrived. Many families celebrated the Easter holiday with a ham. Gathering for a holiday ham is a great tradition and a great treat. But ham isn’t just for holidays and leftovers can be much more than a ham sandwich. Get creative with your leftovers and turn them into an exciting meal. Don’t forget to buy an extra large ham and try some of the recipes below!

Ham Breakfast

Ham and Scrambled Egg Casserole

2 c. diced ham
6 slices wheat bread, cubed
1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups 1% milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
4 ounces mushroom pieces, drained
1/4 cup green onion, diced

Layer bread in bottom of 9 x 13-inch well-greased baking pan. Sprinkle ham over bread. Add cheese. Beat eggs and mix with remaining ingredients. Pour slowly over cheese. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 325 F. for 45 minutes

Ham with Melon and Wheat Baguettes

Go European for a day! Serve sliced ham, fresh fruit such s cantaloupe and small baguettes for a fantastic breakfast.

Ham, Cheese and Veggie Omelet

Dice ham, green pepper and onions. Heat 1 tbsp canola oil in an omelet pan. Sauté ham and veggies. Add two well mixed eggs. As egg mixture firms, fold in half and sprinkle with shredded cheese. When egg is well cooked, remove from pan.

Ham Lunch

Baby Greens with Ham

Make a salad from baby greens, diced ham, sliced melon and strawberries. Top with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and serve with crusty bread.

Ham and Pasta Salad

½ cup Italian dressing
1 large tomato, chopped
1 medium cucumber , seeded and chopped
½ c.red onion, sliced thin
2 cups diced ham
1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
12 ounces cooked rotini pasta

Combine, toss and chill.

Ham Dinner

Ham and Pinto Beans

Add 1 c. diced ham, 1c. onion and 2 diced fresh tomatoes to 4 cans of cooked pinto beans for a delicious one pot meal.

Ham and Veggie Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Sauté ham, onion, broccoli and summer squash in 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add to one pound of cooked pasta. Add a jar of marinara sauce for a healthy meal.

Ham and Rice Meal

1 Tbsp canola oil
2 cups diced ham
1 medium onion, diced
1 chopped green pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 large can petite diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
8 drops your favorite hot sauce
1 cup white or brown rice

In large saucepan, sauté onion, green pepper and garlic until soft. Add the diced ham for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, chicken broth and hot sauce. Bring to boil, stir in rice. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Make 6 servings. Serve with raw carrots and green peppers.

For more delicious recipes, log on to: www.theotherwhitemeat.org.

Yours in Good Health,

Cathie Ostrowski, MS, RD, LDN

North Carolina Pork Council Nutritionist