Brian Fukunaga had a request for a dish well suited to these post-holiday times, when a dinner that's simple and comforting is appreciated.

“;I am searching for a good recipe for a creamy casserole featuring cubes of ham and elbow macaroni,”; he wrote. “;Please kokua.”;

That description provides lots of leeway, so I opted for a version that leans toward the healthier side—after all, 'tis the season of good intentions, which will last until that New Year's glow wears off.

This recipe is adapted from one in the February/March issue of Healthy Cooking magazine. It started out as a “;makeover”; recipe for a creamy version of macaroni and cheese.

It uses processed cheese (common name: Velveeta), which is not on my list of favorite products, but it does melt smoothly, so it gives this dish creaminess even with the cutback in fat.

You can make this into a one-dish meal by adding a cup or so of steamed broccoli, peas, spinach or diced tomatoes. Just stir them in at the end.

Now, if you're not dieting you can use the fully fatted versions of all the dairy products. Just be aware: The calorie level will go up to more than 550 per serving.

Ham and Cheese Casserole

2 cups uncooked whole-wheat elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1-1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (8 ounces) fat-free sour cream
1/2 pound low-fat processed cheese spread, cubed, or 8 slices American cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
Minced chives, for garnish

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish or a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and mix until smooth. Add milk and broth, a little at a time, stirring to keep flour from clumping. Bring to boil and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. If lumps remain, strain.

Reduce heat and stir in sour cream, processed cheese, Parmesan, mustard and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted.

Combine macaroni and cheddar cheese in casserole dish. Stir in cream sauce. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Stir in ham. Let sit a few minutes to settle. Sprinkle with chives. Serves 8.

MAHALO VERY MUCH

Thanks to everyone who sent a donation to the Star-Bulletin's Good Neighbor Fund in exchange for a set of the Top 5 “;By Request”; recipes of 2008. We collected more than $3,500 for the charity.

The offer has ended, but look for the 2009 Top 5 offer in December.