Become a hero with your kids when you serve this creamy, stove-top combination of cheese, ham, and macaroni. Better yet, invite your kids to help you make it. Serve with apple slices.

Cheesy Ham and Macaroni

1 cup loose pack frozen green peas

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
7 ounces macaroni, cooked according to directions, drained
1 1/2 cups fully-cooked ham

1. Thaw the frozen peas in a sieve with cold running water, drain well; set aside.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Stir in milk or other liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute or until thickened.
4. Stir in cheeses, salt and pepper. Add macaroni, ham and peas and cook, stirring just until heated through. Serve hot.

Serves 6.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Pork: The Other White Meat.