Ham and Cheese Bake

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3/4 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup skim milk
1/4 cup low fat sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onion
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 medium red skinned potatoes, cooked and diced (about 2 cups)
1 cup small broccoli flowerets, cooked
1 cup diced cooked ham

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole with cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup of cheddar, ricotta, milk, sour cream, green onion, parmesan and pepper. Mix well. Add potatoes, broccoli, and ham to the cheese mixture. Stir until thoroughly coated. Spoon potato mixture into prepared casserole and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over top. Cover the casserole tightly with foil, bake until golden brown and heated through, about 10 minutes.

Italian Easter Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 pkg. active dry yeast

1 tsp. salt

2/3 cup warm milk (120-130°F)

2 tbsp. butter, softened

7 eggs

1/2 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped

1/4 cup blanched almonds, chopped

1/2 tsp. anise seed

Vegetable oil

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add milk and butter; beat 2 minutes on medium. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in fruit, nuts and anise seed; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled; about 1 hour.

If desired, dye remaining eggs (Leave the uncooked); lightly rub with oil.

Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each piece into a 24 rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Gently split ropes and tuck eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.