Potato Nests With Peas Ham And Cream Cheese Recipes

CREAMY HAM, PEA, & POTATO CASSEROLE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Using a whisk, add 1/2 cup of flour and whisk briskly to create a thick paste.
• Slowly add in 2 1/2 cups of milk, whisking continually, until thick and creamy. If sauce is too thick add in more milk until the creamy consistency of gravy.
• Add in 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/2 tsp, coarse black pepper.
• Spray a deep, 4 quart, baking dish, with cooking spray.
• Place 1/3 of the sliced, drained potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Place 1/2 the ham slices or 1 1/2 cups of diced ham on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle half the can of drained peas over the ham.
• Pour 1/3 of the white cream sauce over the top of the layers.
• Repeat the layers again. 1/3 of sliced potatoes, other half of the ham, other half of the can of peas. 1/3 of the cream sauce.
• Top with last layer of potatoes and cream sauce. Ending with cream sauce.
• Sprinkle with Paprika.
• Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for one hour. Remove cover and brown for 10 minutes.
• Serve Immediately.

POTATO NESTS

Steps:

• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with about 4 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F over medium heat.
• Peel the potato and grate it with a mandoline, making strings about 2 millimeters thick. Rinse the potato strings in a strainer under cold running water. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and spread the potato strings on the towels. Top with more paper towels to dry.
• Place the potato strings in a spider strainer, filling the bottom and going up the sides creating a "nest." Place a slotted spoon on top of the strainer to keep the potato strings in place and carefully lower the strainer and spoon together into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt. Continue with the remaining potato strings.