Baked Ham and Cheese with Mushrooms

2 Tablespoons butter, margerine or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mushrooms
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 cups milk
3 large eggs 
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Mozzarella
1 cup diced, boiled or baked ham
6 slices firm textured whole wheat or white bread, 
cut in 1/2 inch cubes [4 cups]

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt butter in a 10" nonstick skillet over moderate heat.
Add onion and garlic, and saute, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes, 
or until slightly softened.
Add mushrooms and saute stirring occasionally for 3 minutes, 
or until limp.
Mix in pepper and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has 
evaporated, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Combine milk, eggs, mustard, cottage cheese, and 1/3 cup of 
Parmesan cheese or Mozzarella in medium sized bowl.
Fold in ham, bread cubes, and skillet mixture.
Transfer all to lightly greased 9"x9"x2" baking dish, and sprinkle
with the remaining cheese.
Cover with foil, and bake 30 minutes or until bubbling.
Uncover, transfer to broiler, and broil 4" from heat for 
1 - 2 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Serves 4.