SPICY HAM AND TOMATO MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Set oven to 375 degrees.
• Butter a 3-quart casserole dish or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• In a large heavy saucepan melt the butter and cook the onion, garlic, jalapenos, coriander and cumin over low heat, stirring until the onion has softened.
• Stir in flour and cook stirring for 3 minutes.
• Add in half and half cream and/or milk; bring to a boil, whisking until mixture thickens (about 2 minutes).
• Add in well-drained tomatoes; simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add in cayenne, salt and pepper.
• In a large bowl, mix together cooked macaroni, and tomato/cream mixture.
• Add in the chopped cooked ham.
• Stir in the cheddar cheese to combine.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the casserole.
• Bake on the second-lowest oven rack for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.