Leftovers!

Do you have a ton of leftover ham?  Here are some delicious ways to use and enjoy it!

Ham

I made some hearty scrambled eggs with ham (I added the ham first to the skillet and allowed it to warm before adding the eggs) and sandwiches, but here are two more creative recipes.

Creamy Spinach, Tortellini, and Ham
Inspired by Tortellini Alfredo

This creamy, cozy combination is flavorful and delicious.

1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
1/2 cup chopped onion
5 Tablespoons butter
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup fully cooked ham
1 3/4 cup half & half
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1) Melt butter in a skillet and cook onion until translucent.  Add spinach, ham, half & half, and cornstarch. Cook until thick and bubbly.  Add Parmesan cheese.

2) Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to directions.  Top tortellini with sauce.  Enjoy!

Sweet Potatoes and Ham Bake with Cinnamon Pecan Crunch
An adventurous spirit is a prerequisite for this recipe.  This satisfying sweet treat is a twist on the traditional dinner.

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided

2 tablespoons orange juice (1/2 an orange juiced)
2 teaspoons vanilla 
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup dried cranberries
6 tablespoons butter, cut up, divided
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix 1/4 cup of the brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon each of the cinnamon and ginger, and salt in large bowl. Add sweet potatoes; toss to coat well.

2. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cranberries. Dot with 2 tablespoons of the butter. Cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, mix flour, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon each cinnamon and ginger in medium bowl. Cut in remaining 4 tablespoons butter with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and stir gently. Sprinkle evenly with pecan topping.

3. Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes longer or until sweet potatoes are tender and topping is lightly browned.