Carmelized Ham & Swiss Buns

     Found this in the Dec. 2013 issue of Taste of Home magazine.  Ham & cheese sandwiches made from the leftover ham were a holiday tradition when I was a youngster.  I have loved them ever since & this recipe takes them up a notch (or two!), so I'll definitely be trying these.

     You can make this ahead and bake it quickly when company arrives.  Ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar make for one delicious combo!

Carmelized Ham & Swiss Buns

1 pkg. (12 oz.) Hawaiian sweet rolls, split
1/2 C horseradish sauc
12 slices spiral glazed ham OR whatever ham you have on hand, including deli ham
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
1/2 C butter, cubed
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Spread roll bottoms with horseradish sauce.  Layer with ham and cheese; replace tops.  Arrange in a single layer in a greased 9" square baking pan.

In a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat.  Add onions; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until tender.  Stir in brown sugar, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder.  Pour over rolls.  Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bakes, covered, 25 minutes.  Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Makes 1 dozen

Ham and Cheese Muffins

    Yes, I'm still working my way through my new cookbook.  If I were you, I'd look up "Mad about Muffins"  by Dot Vartan.  You won't regret it. 

    This week, I'll be making the following recipe.  I'll likely serve these muffins for breakfast, with a hard boiled egg or two and fresh fruit would really round the meal out.  OR one could serve these for lunch or dinner alongside a salad.

Ham and Cheese Muffins

1 egg
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 C sour cream (I will be using LIGHT sour cream--use whatever you prefer)
1 Tbsp. corn oil
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 1/3 C sifted all-purpose flour (again, SIFTED flour!?  Don't these people know how much I detest sifting?  Oh well....)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C diced cooked ham
1/2 C shredded Swiss cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl, lightly beat the egg.  Add the sugar, sour cream, corn oil and mustard.  Mix well.  Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistured.  Gently stir in the hat and cheese.  Fill greased muffin tins (or use paper liners).  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are brown.

Makes 1 dozen muffins