Ham and Noodle Tarts

Let the kids help with these tarts—they feature favorite flavors of ham and cheese, and are kid-sized too.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/4 pound ham, chopped
4 ounces Swiss cheese
3 green onions
1 cup alphabet noodles, or small egg noodles, uncooked
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 36 mini (or 12 regular) muffin pan cups generously. Set aside.
2. Chop ham, cheese and green onions finely; set aside.
3. Cook noodles following label directions, just to the al dente state; drain. Mix drained noodles into ham mixture.
4. Divide mixture among the muffin pan cups. (Bake tarts in 3 batches if there is only 1 pan.)
5. In a medium bowl, beat eggs slightly, stir in half and half, salt and nutmeg. Spoon liquid mixture over the ham mixture in muffin pans, dividing evenly among them.
6. Bake for 35 minutes. Ease out of pan gently, using a sharp knife around the edge if necessary. Transfer to warm serving platter; serve piping hot.

Makes 36 mini tarts or 12 regular tarts.

Make-ahead tip: Tarts may be refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days before serving. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot, about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/12 of recipe; 3 mini tarts or 1 regular tart): Calories: 303 calories; Protein: 18 grams; Fat: 20 grams; Sodium: 465 milligrams; Cholesterol: 215 milligrams; Saturated Fat: 10 grams; Carbohydrates: 12 grams; Fiber: 0 grams.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.