Let’s Cook!

Linda Hoskins

One of my favorite dishes to make for potlucks or parties is Best Ham Sandwiches. The sandwiches are ideal for lunch when you have company because you can make them ahead of time. They also are a great finger food for parties. I have printed that recipe before, and I will be sharing it again in case you didn’t see it before or save it. But first, I have a variation of that recipe. I found this in a magazine, and tried it recently. It is a zestier version of the ham sandwich recipe. My husband declared this one a winner, and says he prefers this new one. It calls for horseradish, and I will tell you that it adds a great flavor. The horseradish adds a zip without being too strong. Please note, this calls for horseradish sauce, not the prepared horseradish.  

     

Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns

     makes 1 dozen 

1 pkg Hawaiian sweet rolls

1/2 cup horseradish sauce

3/4 lb. deli ham

6 slices Swiss cheese, halved

1/2 cup butter, cubed

2 Tbsp finely chopped onion

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard

2 tsp poppy seeds

1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Arrange bottom halves of rolls in a greased 9×9 square baking dish. Spread the cut side of rolls with the horseradish sauce. Layer with ham and cheese. Cover with tops of rolls.

In a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, cook and stir until tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire and garlic powder. Mis well. Pour over rolls. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer until golden brown.

Here is the version I have printed before. It would be fun to make both versions for a crowd, and see which one is most popular. 

Best Ham Sandwiches

2 pkg Hawaiian rolls

1 1/2 lbs Virginia baked ham

12 slices Swiss cheese

1 stick butter

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp poppy seeds

Place the bottom half of the rolls in two 9×13 cake pans.  Place about 2 slices of ham on each roll. Cut Swiss cheese in quarters, place two squares of cheese on each roll. Cover with roll tops. Melt butter, add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Brush onto sandwich tops. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour or overnight. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake for a few more minutes. 

If you have a recipe to share, please send to letscook!@heraldpubs.com (don’t forget that exclamation mark), or mail to Mascoutah Herald, PO Box C, Mascoutah IL 62258. Thanks, and as I like to say Happy Cooking!