Ham and Cheese Surprise Pancake

We needed something for lunch today.

I had ham, cheese, and of course bread and tortillas, but I wasn't up for the grilled ham and cheese sammie or ham and cheese quesadilla.

I've always thought a savory Surprise Pancake would be yummy.  Our usual one is of the sweet and maple syrupy variety.

This recipe made a 10 inch cast iron skillet full and fed 5 kids and one mom.  It was thoroughly gobbled by every member and some had an extra sliver.  It was that good.

In hindsight, I would add some chives, green onion, or an herb like tarragon or thyme.  Sauteed onion would be good, too.  Bacon could replace the ham, or even sausage.  Lots of options here.

Serve it for lunch with a green salad and/or some fresh fruit.  And a glass of white wine if it's that kind of lunch.  Don't rule it out as a dinner, either.

Ham and Cheese Surprise Pancake

1 1/4 cups unbleached flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups milk

5 large eggs

2 tsp dijon mustard

8 ounces grated cheese (swiss, cheddar, parm, co-jack, whatever)

6 ounces ham, diced

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

Heat oven to 400.

In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk and mustard, mix well.  Add flour and salt and whisk until most of the lumps are gone.  Stir in half of the cheese and ham.  Let mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Put butter and oil in a 10 inch cast iron skillet.  Heat in the 400 degree oven for 5 minutes, then take pan out and swirl to grease the sides as well.  Pour in the mixture and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven, sprinkle on the rest of the cheese and ham and bake for 5 minutes more.

Cut into wedges and serve!