Substitute fresh smoked peppers such as chipotle chilies to give this dish a distinctive flavor.

INGREDIENTS | SERVES 6

• 2 cups cooked ham
• 1 (10-ounce) package chopped spinach
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms
• 1 small white onion
• ¼ cup canned jalapeño peppers
• ¾ pound Cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese
• ½ cup butter
• 6 tablespoons flour

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Cut the ham into 1-inch pieces. Thaw the spinach and squeeze out the water.

3. Cut the mushrooms into thin slices. Remove the skin from onion and chop into ¼-inch pieces.

4. Drain off the water from the jalapeños. Grate the cheese.

5. Beat the eggs until the whites and yolks are well blended.

6. Mix together all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are blended.

7. Pour into a 9″ × 13″ baking dish. Bake for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.