Cuisine: Ham

Hot Cuban Dip

Last week, I made Hot Reuben Dip and this week, it's Hot Cuban Dip. It captures all the flavors of the iconic Cuban sandwich in a dip. It's made with a creamy base of cream cheese and mayonnaise, studded with chunks of ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles, and baked until bubbly and golden brown.

By admin

  • Prep: 15 mins

Columbia’s 1905 Salad

Columbia's 1905 Salad is from Florida's oldest restaurant in Tampa, and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the United States, called Columbia Restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1905, but this famous salad wasn't "invented" until 1940 by waiter Tony Noriega. He made it using leftover Spanish and Italian ingredients from the kitchen. The Columbia’s legendary salad is tossed tableside. They are the biggest restaurant consumer of Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire sauce in the country, which is the “secret sauce” in the dressing recipe.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Leek and Potato Soufflé With Ham and Fontina

I made this Leek and Potato Soufflé With Ham and Fontina. We have made Gruyère Cheese and Chive Soufflé for over 32 years. This leek and potato version is less of a soufflé and more of a fluffy potato dish. The leeks and ham elevated the flavor of the potatoes. If you’re afraid of making a soufflé, this is a good place to start. The potatoes make it less delicate, so it’s less likely to fall.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin

We love leeks and I always say, they are under-utilized in the US. This Potato, Ham & Leek Gratin is a classic combination. You can leave out the ham to make it vegetarian. It gets topped with Gruyère cheese. What's not to love? 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Ham Shepherd’s Pie

I made this Ham Shepherd’s Pie because I had some random ingredients in my fridge. If you don't have a leek, use an onion. The recipe can be adapted to what you have on hand. The best part is the cheesy mashed potato topping. What's not to love?

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 - 6 Servings

Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole

I have a terrible habit of putting food in my freezer and then not using it. They other day, we had "nothing" in the fridge to eat, so after rummaging through my freezer I found some ham and made this Cheesy Ham & Potato Casserole. You could make it your own by adding any vegetables you have on hand.

Note to self - I really need to have a running list of what's in my freezer with a use by date!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 25 mins
  • Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Bourbon Orange Ham Glaze

This Bourbon Orange Ham Glaze has orange marmalade, maple syrup, Dijon, Lemon Juice, and of course, Bourbon.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Yields: Makes 1¾ cups

Vaquero Bean Soup

I love using a leftover ham hock to make soup. I also happen to have some Rancho Gordo Vaquero beans. If you don't know about Rancho Gordo, then you need to check them out. You can substitute other beans for this soup, like black beans. I have given you the recipe for 3 cooking methods - Instant Pot (which is what I did), Slow Cooker or stovetop. Before serving, I love adding a splash of sherry vinegar, which brightens it up and add a burst of flavor.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Yields: 10 Servings

Welsh Rarebit

My husband, Eric, made lunch. Instead of making grilled cheese, he made Welsh Rarebit. A dish from Wales made with old cheese melted on toasted bread. Often called Welsh rabbit because it is thought the people of Wales were too poor to eat meat. The following recipe is from the legendary late Cock n' Bull restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. I miss going there! By the way, The Cock n' Bull invented the Moscow Mule Cocktail. Another great place to have Welsh Rarebit is at Fortnum & Mason in London, though Eric’s is just perfect!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Butternut Squash Soup with Cannellini Beans, Ham and Swiss Chard

I made this Butternut Squash Soup with Cannellini Beans, Ham and Swiss Chard with leftover ingredients I had In my fridge. Here are two ways to make it - on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. You could also purée a few cups of it to make it a creamy soup. Serve it with some good crusty bread and a salad. I love butternut squash, which has more potassium than a banana. Its benefits are too many to mention!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings