I was really running with a theme last weekend.  I made marshmellow's, white pizza and then this... more white.
Maybe it's the winter thing.  Truth be told, it's all kinda getting me down.  I know that some friends in Montreal are begging for snow and I'd be happy to oblige.  I really would.  January is the hardest month for me, if only because it's the longest.
Maybe it's the Ham that D cured and roasted - that came out a little too salty (live and learn - we're gonna change the formula next year  - try Nigella's cooking it in coca cola thing) and now we're looking for things to do with it that don't involve eating big hunks of salty ham tout seul.


Maybe it's that anything covered with creamy cheese sauce is appetizing anytime all the time.  I guess when it's white and cheesy you just can't go wrong.  Even better if it's just a little gooey and just a little runny and with just a hint of nutmeg and pepper sauce.
Or Maybe I'm just feeling all weird and 'just-getting-over-the-stomach-flu-ee'.  I think that what I really need to do is go for a good long run.  Feel the wind through my hair (let's clarify that I really meant wind and not blustering cold air), the pacing of my breath and my shoes hitting the pavement.  Maybe I'll just wait until tomorrow when it's not -19 C though....

Either way... this white stuff is celebrating the middle of January, the leftover new year's ham, making it to Valentine's Day and a long weekend.  'Cause Damn... we really need something to celebrate right now.

Ham, Cauliflower and Chard Casserole
serves 4 - 6

3 cups of cooked ham, diced
4 cups cauliflower, cut into large florets
1 med/sm bunch of chard, stems removed and sliced thin
1 med onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp butter
1/3 cup +1 tbsp flour
3 3/4 cup milk, warm
3 cups (about) med/sharp cheddar
2 tbsp Worcestershire
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp salt
2 dashes of nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Have a large 9x13 inch baking dish ready.
Heat a large pot and add in a couple of tbsp of oil.


Add the veggies and saute for about 10 min on medium to low heat.  Add in the diced ham and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a heavy bottomed sauce pan, melt the butter.  Add in the flour and stir together until it's well mixed and bubbling just a little bit.  Slowly, stirring the whole time, add in the warm milk.  Stir with a whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.  Once thickened, add in the cheddar, Worcestershire, soy sauce, mustard, salt and nutmeg.  Stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Place the veggies and ham into the baking dish.  Cover with the cheese sauce.  Sprinkle with parmesan or crushed bread crumbs if you want (that would be nice!).  Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and just turned golden on the top.
Remove from the oven and cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.  Serve with Rice, potato... I don't know... whatever... have it all by itself.