Smoked Ham and Pinto “Pandowdy”

A little bit of the infamous “cut-in” crust of a New England Pandowdy, but with the substantial heartiness of a cobbler topping makes this a filling meal. Quick, simple and loads of flavor, this dish reminds me of a Minnesotan Hot Pot.

Quick Biscuit Topping, recipe below

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/2 cup minced green bell pepper

1/2 cup minced onion

1(15-ounce)can pinto beans, drained *

8 ounces smoked ham, diced

1 1/2 cups(about 6 ounces)shredded Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1(15-ounce)can cream-style corn

2-3 tablespoons heavy, light or half-and-half cream

For the Quick Biscuit Topping, combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, mixing well. Add 4 tablespoons cold butter or margarine and rub it in with your fingertips so that the butter feels and looks like little pebbles. Add 3/4 cup milk and 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Incorporate everything evenly and empty out onto a well-floured work surface. Knead for a couple minutes until no longer sticky and roll it out large enough to cover the 2 quart baking dish you will be using in this recipe. Brush cream over the top and leave on counter while continuing with recipe.

Preheat oven to 400-degrees F. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat. Add peppers and onions, stirring well. Cook 2 minutes. Add pinto beans, ham, cheese, Worcestershire sauce and cream-style corn, blending well. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish and bake 20 minutes.

Slice rack out from oven and lift prepared biscuit topping to place on casserole, cream-brushed side facing up. Return rack and continue baking until biscuit is browned, another 20 minutes.

Remove from oven to cut biscuit topping into casserole. Serve hot.

* Any type of beans works great here, especially lima.

Makes 4 good-sized servings

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