Thursday night is the night the kids selected to cook. It was their idea. Now that the weather is nicer – spring is almost upon us, the boys may have abandoned cooking for playing street hockey…
Thank goodness for their sister!
Tonight I helped her, it’s fun being in the kitchen, just her and I. We had a few leftovers in the fridge that needed to be eaten up. These items inspired us to try our version of Ham & Scalloped Potato Bake. Emma got to slicing the potatoes and onions and layering them in the casserole dish.
We checked out a few recipes to get familiar with the contents of what was needed to pull this off. It’s been a while since I last made this dish. I needed to refresh my memory… besides the potatoes, onions and ham that was needed… those were obvious!
Daddy sliced up a ham that was in the fridge for Emma to layer over the onions and potatoes. I love all-in-one dishes! So easy for the kids to help with and just one dish to wash up! NICE.
After baking it for about an hour and a half, VOILA! Our version of Ham & Scalloped Potatoes. Let me tell you… it was SO freaking fabulous. I can’t wait to have it for lunch!
Here’s what we used: {p.s. I don’t measure when I’m winging it!}
6-8 or so medium sized potatoes; peeled & sliced
1 medium white onion; sliced
Ham; thinly-er sliced {enough to cover two layers in a 9×13 pan}
salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
I had some leftover cream of cauliflower/carrot soup I made the other day {would you like that “winging it” recipe?}, I used that as the sauce between the layers and over the top. I ran out 1/4 way through the top layer so added a can of cream of mushroom soup and about a 1/2 can of heavy cream. I didn’t have any sour cream or else I would have used a 1/2 cup of that. I minced a couple cloves of garlic, salt & pepper to the new soup mix and topped it all off with Parmesan cheese, about a cup worth or close to it. I wanted it covered and didn’t have any other cheese in the house. Sad, I know.
Here’s what we did:
Emma used my handy dandy Mandolin and sliced up the potatoes and onions, with the guard {my hubby used it once without the guard and sliced his finger bad enough for stitches}. Using something like this ensures nice, even cuts so the casserole cooks evenly. She layered the bottom of the casserole dish with potatoes, onions, sliced ham and seasoned with salt & pepper. Added the leftover soup I had, then another layer of potatoes, onions, sliced ham, salt & pepper. Repeat until you reach the top of the dish. I added a final amount of the soup mixture but because I ran out before it was fully covered, made up a quick addition of garlic, salt & pepper, canned mushroom soup & cream concoction. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake:
350F for about 1.5 hrs, until potatoes are no longer firm.
SHE EVEN MADE A PIE…. that’s my girl!!
oooo…I'm coming for dinner!
Rosemary
YUMMY! That looks and sounds SO darn good. I love one dish meals as well, so easy to make and the clean up is awesome.
I love how your family lets the kids have a night to cook. That sounds like something I'll have to start with my little ones. 🙂
Mmmm…I love scalloped potatoes! I love how it is a family affair in your house – so much fun! I hope as my guys grow older they will be interested in helping!
I think I'll pop by for lunch! We love scalloped potatoes too! I usually use an herb creamy gravy…never thought to use soup! Great idea! Wish I had that potato slicer too…
PS-Good job Emma! You're a pro!
What a great idea to get the kids to do the baking. I will have to remember this for when my kids are a bit older. (5,3,and 1 aren't good ages for this lol). This looks like a yummy dish! I pinned it for future reference!
First off, that looks really good and second, I think it's a beautiful thing you are doing. They not only enjoy cooking but, you are teaching them such valuable tools for the future. A pie too! She's spoiling you guys! Hehe, great recipe and perfect for using up leftovers, you wouldn't even know it.
Alright! Love the enthusiasm kids show in the kitchen. Looks super 🙂
Lol Shannon I recognize a few of the tools in your kitchen! The mandoline, the scrapers, it's the company I work for! I love seeing kids in the kitchen. At my cooking presentations for the last 8 years I encourage moms and dads to teach their children to cook, let them have the chance to make decisions in what they want to make. One of the best things we can do as parents. Great job!