Post 15 - Leftover ham pasta

Ok, so the post title makes it sound far less glamorous than it is, but this is a wonderful recipe that I decided to post as, if your family is like my family, you might be having some leftover ham after Easter this coming weekend. I need to give credit to my mother-in-law as this is based on her recipe for Kluski (which I think is just the Polish word for noodle), but don't want to actually call it her recipe as I think I made some of it up as I was cooking from memory and don't want to insult her if it's not as good:-) This is a great "make ahead" and reheat meal!

1. When you bake your ham, reserve all of the pan drippings to use in the sauce for the pasta.


2. Cook and drain 1/2 box of pasta (I used elbows) al dente and set aside.


3. Dice up the tomatoes from a large can of whole, peeled tomatoes, but reserve all of the juices in the can.


4. In a large pot, saute 1 small diced onion and 1 clove of pressed garlic in olive oil.


5. When onions are soft, add pan drippings, 2 cups diced up leftover ham, diced tomatoes in sauce, one small can of tomato sauce, and 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil.


6. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes uncovered.


7. Add the pasta, turn heat to lowest setting, cover, and allow to simmer for 10 more minutes (this allows the pasta to soak up all the flavor from the sauce).


8. Garnish with more fresh basil and Parmesan, if desired.

We tried to grab a shot of Bug's plate, but she couldn't wait...