HAM-BEAN SCALLOP (OAMC)

Steps:

• Line four 8x8x2-inch baking pans with heat-resistant freezer wrap.
• Allow enough extra wrap to fold over top.
• Use one pan for each six servings or one-fourth of the recipe.
• Do not line pans for food to be served without freezing.
• Add beans to boiling water; return to boiling.
• Boil beans 2 minutes;then soak beans 1 hour (or overnight, if preferred).
• Add salt to beans.
• Cook beans slowly until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Drain; save cooking liquid.
• Cook onion and green pepper in fat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in flour and mustard.
• Add enough milk to the reserved bean liquid to make 1 1/2 quarts.
• Add the bean liquid and milk slowly to the vegetable mixture.
• Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Stir in beans, cheese, and ham.
• Pour one-fourth of mixture into each baking pan.
• Pack food tightly to avoid air pockets.
• TO SERVE WITHOUT FREEZING: Preheat oven to 375F.
• (moderate).
• Mix 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs with 1 Tbs melted butter or margarine for each pan which will not be frozen.
• Sprinkle topping over bean mixture in baking pan.
• Bake 30 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.
• TO FREEZE: Cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Complete wrapping by pulling paper up over top of food.
• Put edges of wrap together and fold several times so paper lies directly on top of food.
• Fold ends of freezer wrap over the top and seal with freezer tape.
• Label with name of food, date of freezing, and last date the food should be used for best eating quality (about 6 months).
• Freeze immediately for 10 to 12 hours before removing packages from the pans.
• TO HEAT FROZEN FOOD: Preheat oven to 375F.
• Remove freezer wrap.
• Place food in baking pan.
• Mix 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs with 1 Tbs melted butter or margarine for each pan.
• Sprinkle topping over bean mixture in baking pan.
• Bake 1 1/2 hours or until edges are bubbly, crumbs are lightly browned, and center is hot.