Cheesy Ham and Tot Cups

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 slices of ham, about 200 grams
• 3 cups of shredded potatoes (to make tots)
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (Cheddar or a blend of your choice)
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup of butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper or seasoning of choice
• Oil for frying the tots

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Shred the potatoes into small pieces and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, drain and pat dry.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix well.
4. Heat enough oil in a frying pan to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, fry the potato tots until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. In a separate pan, cook the ham slices until slightly warmed through. Then, cut or shred into smaller pieces.
6. In a baking dish, layer the ham, followed by the cheese and green onions. Top with the fried tots.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tots are warmed through.
8. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce (if desired).

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming equal distribution of ingredients)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 (depending on the type and amount of cheese used)
• Fat: Moderate to high depending on the type of cheese used
• Carbohydrates: Moderate due to the potatoes and ham
• Protein: High due to the ham and cheese

Dish Characteristics:

• A combination of classic American flavors: ham, cheese, and potatoes.
• Crispy tots provide a unique and satisfying texture.
• Can be customized with different types of cheese and dipping sauces.

User Comments:

1. "Love the combination of flavors! The tots were crispy and delicious."
2. "Great dish for a party or a family gathering. Everyone loved it!"
3. "The dish was very filling and satisfying. The cheese and ham were a great combination."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
• You can use pre-shredded potatoes to save time if desired. However, homemade tots will provide a better texture and taste.