Ham & Cheese Casserole

My friend Alicia taught me how to prepare ham steaks in such an easy, delicious way! I layer this dish just like I would when making lasagna.

1 lb. ham steaks

1 cup orange juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 package (12 0z) of yolk free pasta

1 lb. asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces

1/3 cup flour

1/2 stick of butter

1 small onion chopped

2 1/2 cups skim milk

1 cup parmesan cheese

Dash of nutmeg

Salt & Pepper to taste

 Mix orange juice and brown sugar in a small bowl and pour into skillet. Add ham steaks to skillet and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes per side. Let ham rest for 10 minutes and cut into small pieces.

In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta 10 to 12 minutes. The last four minutes, add asparagus. Remove asparagus with slotted spoon and set aside. Drain pasta and set aside.

In another skillet, melt butter, add onions and cook until tender. Whisk in flour. Slowly add milk about 1/2 cup at a time and continue to stir until milk is absorbed. Stir in parmesan cheese. Add in dash of nutmeg, salt and pepper.

In 2 quart baking dish, ladle cheese on bottom. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, asparagus, ham and parmesan cheese. Repeat these steps. For the top layer, poor remaining cheese mixture over noodles. Bake at 375 covered loosely in foil for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes.