Ham and Cheese Ziti

Ham and Cheese Ziti
A crowd pleaser and versatile recipe you can change by using vegetables or cheeses of your choice!

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) ziti
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Directions
Prepare ziti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in the cheeses, garlic powder and pepper; cook and stir until cheese is melted.

Drain ziti; add to sauce mixture. Stir in ham and spinach. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

Found at Taste of Home.

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large pears peeled and sliced
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp ginger
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup warm water

Pour melted butter into a 9 inch square baking pan.  Sprinkle with nuts and brown sugar.  Arrange pears over nuts.  In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and molasses.  Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition.

Spread batter over pears. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.  Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Found at Taste of Home.