Ham-and-Egg Pie

This recipe comes from Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book © 1950, published by General Mills. Also see the second recipe which comes from a booklet called “Maine-ly Microwaving,” which was put out by Central Maine Power Company. There is no date in the booklet, but I suspect my mother attended one of those classes they used to teach in the old CMP office there on Main Street about the time microwaves first came out and they passed out this booklet then. I attended some of those classes with her, which was presented by extension agents from the state agricultural department I believe. I’m sure some of you remember those classes. They always gave out delicious samples at the end of the demonstration.

These two recipes are intended for leftover ham which New Englanders traditionally cook for Easter Sunday dinner.

Ham-and-Egg Pie

“This is our family favorite for Easter!” wrote Mrs. Luman P. Cranz of Ira, Ohio, when she sent us the recipe. With creamed asparagus, a pineapple-banana-orange salad, and Hot Cross Buns, it makes a delicious early spring luncheon. (Don’t know about that salad!)

Line deep 8” pie pan with Pastry. In bottom arrange…1 cup cut-up cooked ham (1/2 lb.).

Pour over the ham a mixture of:

6 eggs, slightly beaten

6 tbsp. top milk or cream (top milk came on the top of the milk in old bottles of milk, not available today)

1 tbsp. minced chives or parsley

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

Cover with top crust. Bake until nicely browned. Serve hot.

Temperature: 425 degrees. Time: Bake 20-25 mins. Amount: 6 servings.

From Central Maine Power booklet, “Maine-ly Microwaving”

MW=microwave

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

4 cups sliced potatoes

1 small onion, sliced

½ cup water

2 tbsp. butter or margarine

2 tbsp. flour

1 cup milk

1 tsp. parsley flakes

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. dry mustard

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 cup cubed cooked ham

Paprika

Combine potatoes, onion and water in 11/2-quart casserole. Cover:

MW 8-9 mins. on High or until potatoes are just about tender. Set aside.

Place butter in 4 cup glass measure and MW ½ to 1 min. on High or until melted. Blend in flour. Stir in milk gradually.

Blend in parsley, salt, mustard and pepper:

MW uncovered, 2-3 mins. on High or until mixture boils, stirring once or twice.

Add to potatoes along with ham. Mix lightly. Sprinkle with paprika.

MW uncovered 5-6 mins. on High or until hot and bubbly.