Pasta, Ham and Cheddar Dinner

4 tablespoons butter [may use Italian 
flavored butter]

4 tablespoons flour

2 and 1/2 cups light cream

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Italian seasoning to taste
--

2 and 1/2 cups cooked pasta

2 and 1/2 cups diced ham**

2 to 3 cups grated Cheddar cheese

minced onion and garlic - optional


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook pasta.

Make sauce: [while pasta cooks]
In a large saucepan, melt the butter, stir in 
flour, and cook, stirring over medium heat until the paste is 
smooth and golden.
Off the heat, pour in the cream and stir.  Reduce heat to low,
add seasonings and simmer, stirring, for 3 minutes, or until 
the sauce begins to thicken.

Stir pasta, ham and 1 and 1/2 cups of the cheese into the sauce.

Butter a 9 x 12 pan or spray with cooking spray.

Pour in mixture. Cover.

Heat in oven about 20 minutes, then add a top layer of 
Cheddar, return to oven uncovered, and broil for the last few minutes,

**pepperoni or beef salami may be used instead of ham