Cran-Rice Pilaf and Ham Steak with Buttered Rum Gravy

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 handful (1/4 pound) broken spaghetti
1 cup white rice
1/2 cup (about a handful) dried sweetened cranberries
4 to 5 cups chicken stock (2 to 3 cups hot, 2 cups at room temp)
1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 ham steaks
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup rum

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the spaghetti and rice, and toast until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add in the dried cranberries, season with salt and ground black pepper and cover with the 2 to 3 cups of hot chicken stock. Stir once, cover and cook until tender, about 15-18 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO. When the pan is hot, add the ham steaks to the skillet and cook until brown, about 2 minutes per side.

While the ham steaks are cooking, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a high-sided, medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add flour to the butter, cook for 1 minute then whisk in remaining 2 cups chicken stock and maple syrup. Add in rum and light. Let the fire burn off and cook until thick, about 2 minutes.

Serve gravy over ham steak and rice with a veggie like steamed sweet snap peas on the side.