Creamy Spinach & Ham Bake Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Spinach & Ham Bake:

• 1 lb (450 g) chopped spinach
• 2 sticks of celery, diced
• 2 or 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 8 oz (225 g) cooked ham, chopped finely
• 2 or 3 sprigs of parsley, chopped finely
• 2 or 3 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 1 oz (28 g) butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ¾ pint (400 ml) milk
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• 2 egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons double cream

Method for Creamy Spinach & Ham Bake:

1. Put the washed and drained spinach in a bowl with the celery, garlic, ham and parsley. Remove leaves from the thyme and add to the bowl with pepper to taste. Mix well.
2. Heat the butter in a heavy-based pan, add the flour a cook for about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the the milk and bring slowly to the boil, stirring constantly. Add a pinch of nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste and then simmer for 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Mix the egg yolk and cream together and stir slowly into the sauce, then fold in the spinach and ham mixture.
4. Pour into a buttered dish, level the surface, cover and bake in a pre-heated oven at Gas Mark 3 (170°C/325°F) for 25 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Serve with salad and crusty bread. This Creamy Spinach & Ham Bake Recipe makes enough for 4 people.