Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Topped Baked Potato

Step 1: Potatoes ... Rub the potatoes with oil, and then with salt and pepper; also, and poke a couple of times with a knife. Use whatever method you want to cook the potatoes; oven, grill, or microwave. I used the microwave because I wanted this to be a quick dinner (medium high to high heat for 8-10 minutes until tender). But you can definitely cook them the traditional way in the oven. That is up to you.

Step 2: Filling ... As the potatoes cook, make the filling. Add the broccoli (now I used frozen, right out of the freezer); however, fresh is always better, but again - this is a quick easy dinner. In a medium saute pan, I added the butter along with the broccoli, onion, and red pepper flakes on medium high heat. Cook until crisp tender; it will continue to cook once we make the sauce, so don't over cook it. You don't want the broccoli to be so soft, it falls apart.

Step 3: Next, add the flour, and stir until combined. Then, add the milk and cook until the sauce thickens - about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and slowly add in the monterey jack cheese and parsley, stirring to combine. Then last minute, add the ham, diced cheddar, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Go easy with the salt, because ... both the ham and cheese are salty. Cook just a couple of minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the ham heats through.

Step 4: Serve ...Slice the potato open and lay flat. Break or fluff up the potato a bit with a fork. Then, pour the sauce over the potato. Very very easy. ENJOY!

Step 5: And, have fun with this. Use all vegetables; try asparagus and crab or ham; broccoli and chicken; peas and ham; corn and bacon; tomatoes, olives, onions, chicken, etc. And use a variety of cheeses as well. Remember, with the basic sauce ... you can really have fun and create your own favorite filling.