Cider Ham with Apples and Yams

1 c. apple cider plus 1 T. apple cider
1 T. Dijon mustard
1 T. chopped, peeled fresh ginger
1/2 t. ground cloves
Yam or sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced
1 lb. lean ham steak
1 apple, peeled, cored, cut into small wedges
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 c. chives or green onion tops

Combine in large skillet 1 cup cider, mustard, ginger and cloves. Simmer. Add yam (or sweet potato) slices. Cover tightly, simmer for 15 minutes. Add ham steak, scoop yam or sweet potato slices over top of ham. Arrange apple wedges over all. Cover and simmer until apples are cooked through and ham is hot, 10 to 15 minutes.

Mix 1 T. cider with cornstarch in small bowl and stir until blended. Remove ham, yams (or sweet potatoes) and apple from skillet, using slotted spoon, and place together on platter. Add a spoonful of hot pan liquid into cornstarch mixture, make a smooth paste, then stir the paste into the remaining liquid in the skillet. Stir over medium heat, until liquid thickens slightly, about 1 minute.

Serve family style on platter with sauce drizzled over the ham, yams and apples or dish up onto four plates and spoon sauce over individual servings.
Serves 4.

Apple Breakfast Lasagna

This is a simple way to start the morning off right, as well as a sneak way to get fruit into your kids. I have mixed this up the night before to save time in the mornings.

1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 packages frozen French toast (9 oz each)
1/2 pound sliced boiled ham
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can apple pie filling
1 cup granola cereal with raisins
Powder sugar for dusting

In a small bowl, blend sour cream and brown sugar. Chill. Place 6 French toast slices in the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch baking pan.

Layer ham, 1 1/2 cups cheese and remaining 6 slices of French toast. Spread apple pie filling on top and sprinkle with granola.

Bake at 350ºF for 25 minutes. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream mixture.

Makes 6 servings.