CZECH HAM AND NOODLE CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. bacon fat
4 tbsp. butter
1 cup onions, chopped fine
2 1/2 cups coarse ground ham, smoked shoulder

1 package wide-egg noodles, cooked al dente
6 eggs
3 cups of whole milk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Procedure:

Saute the onions and ham in bacon fat and butter until crispy, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Cook wide egg noodles 1 minute less than package instruction, drain and cool under cold running water.

Butter a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.

Combine the ham mixture with the noodles and mix well.

Beat 6 eggs with 3 cups of whole milk, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. white pepper and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg.

Pour egg mixture over noodle mixture, let sit for 30 minutes, stirring 4-5 times.

Combine 2 cups bread crumbs (chop fresh white bread in food processor to make bread crumbs) with 4 tbsp. melted butter and mix until well blended.

Pour ham, noodle and egg mixture into casserole and top with bread crumb mixture.

Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Serve and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.