Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

• 6 cups potato slices, thin sliced (1/4 inch)
• 2 cups ham, any cooked ham
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups milk, regular milk or 2% milk
• 2 cups cheese, cheddar cheese, or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Wash, peel and cut potatoes thin (about 1/4 inch) or use a mandolin slicer. Add them to a bowl and add chopped cooked ham. Season with salt and pepper and give them a good toss.

In large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter on medium heat. Stir in flour gradually and whisk until smooth. Add grated cheese too and whisk. Gradually add milk and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and add some of the dried herbs too. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preheat oven to 375F/ 190C. Prepare 13x9 inch baking dish and grease it with butter. Add half the potato and ham mix to the baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with half of the sauce. Add the other half potato mix to the tray and pour over the remaining sauce, making sure that the whole area is covered by the sauce.

Cover with foil and bake at 375F for about 70 minutes or until potatoes are tender (check with a fork). Remove from oven, remove the foil, sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top, add a bit more dried herbs and bake, uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.