Ham and Pineapple Casserole (Hawaii)

Hawaii's most important fruit crop meets its perfect match with ham in this lovely casserole.

2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
½ cup celery, chopped
2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cubed
¾ cup whole milk
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
2 (8 oz) cans crushed pineapple, drained
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp. sea salt
dash pepper
¼ cup dry breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook noodles according to pkg; drain. In a large skillet, sauté celery in 1 Tbsp. butter until tender. Stir in cream cheese and milk; cook and stir until cheese is melted. Add the noodles, ham, pineapple, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt and pepper.

Transfer to an ungreased 1½ qt baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 4 servings.