I had a lot of ham left over from Easter dinner and was searching for a new recipe to use it up. I found this recipe for Ham and Cheese Bow Ties and my husband declared it a keeper. Enjoy!





Ham and Cheese Bow Ties

12 ounces farfalle (bow tie) pasta
1/4 cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
6 ounces cooked ham, chopped
Topping
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Saute garlic 30 seconds. Whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until smooth. Pour in milk slowly, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute or until thickened and smooth. Reduce heat and stir in mustard and Colby. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and stir in pasta and ham. Pour into 9 x 13 baking dish.

Combine parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over casserole.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.