Easy Three Course Meal

Roasted Ham, Scalloped Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole

© Tanya Martinenko

Feb 23, 2009

Need dinner ideas for an easy three-course meal? Keep it simple yet classic with the following recipes that are perfect for both everyday suppers as well as a special Sunday dinner. Roasted ham, scalloped potatoes and green beans form a delicious comfort food menu sure to be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

Easy Roasted Ham

Ingredients

• 1 10-pound fully-cooked spiral-cut ham
• 1 pound light brown sugar
• 3 cups milk
• 3 20-ounce cans crushed pineapple, drained

Directions

(Prepare ham the night before cooking)

1. Trim visible fat from surface of ham, and place cut-side down in roasting pan.
2. Pour milk over the ham.
3. Use hands to coat ham with brown sugar.
4. Cover brown-sugar layer with crushed pineapple.
5. Cover ham with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
6. The next day, preheat the oven to 350º F (175º C).
7. When oven is ready, place ham, still covered in foil, in oven and cook for 30 minutes.
8. Remove aluminum foil and baste ham with accumulated juices.
9. Continue to roast ham for another 30 minutes, or until heated throughout.
10. Slice ham and serve, retaining any cooking juices to pour over, if desired. (Serves 8 - 10).

Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

• 6 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325º F (160º C).
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted.
3. Blend in flour, salt and pepper.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5. Gradually stir in milk, 1/2 cup at a time.
6. Heat to boiling, stir for one minute.
7. In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, arrange potatoes in 3 layers.
8. Top each layer with 1/3 chopped onions and 1/3 of the sauce.
9. Break remaining tablespoon of butter into pieces and scatter over top layer, along with paprika.
10. Cover and bake until potatoes are tender, about 60-70 minutes.
11. Let stand 5 to 10 minute before serving. (Serves 8).

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked French-cut green beans (or 3 - 15 oz. cans, drained)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
4. Add mushrooms and onion and saute, stirring until mushrooms are browned and onions are tender.
5. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until flour is fully incorporated.
6. Gradually stir in the milk and continue cooking, stirring until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in cheese, sour cream, and green beans.
8. Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. If using, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese.
10. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and browned. (Serves 8).

Wine Pairing for Ham

As ham's primary flavor tends to be salt, it's best to choose softer, more fruit-driven wines to balance out the palette. For red-wine lovers, a light and fruity Pinot Noir would pair nicely; as well as a medium-bodied fruit-forward Merlot. For white wine, the slightly sweet nature of a Gewurztraminer or the spiciness of a Riesling will both complement the meal nicely.

Want to add an appetizer to this dinner menu? Here's a great recipe for Deviled Eggs.

Roasted Ham

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