-
1
Core Cabbage.
-
2
IN a large sauce pan or stock pot cover cabbage with water and season with salt and cook til tender.
-
3
approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
-
4
DRAIN and RESERVE liquid.
-
5
Cool cabbage.
-
6
Combine rice, chicken, ham, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper and mix well.
-
7
Set aside.
-
8
Cut a piece of cheesecloth big enough to hold cabbage and dampen it.
-
9
Lay it out flat and lay Cabbage on the cheesecloth.
-
10
With the cored out part UP.
-
11
start from outer layer and pull each leaf down and separate.
-
12
You want it to remain whole -- and when all leaves are separated it will look like like an opened flower.
-
13
Now starting at the center.
-
14
fill spaces between leaves with rice and meat mixture keeping the cabbage whole.
-
15
Gently returning the cabbage back to it's round shape.
-
16
(It won't be tight and round.
-
17
it will look like a stuffed flower ).
-
18
When all leaves are stuffed pull up opposite sides of the cheesecloth and tie tightly.
-
19
Pull up opposides of other two sides of cheesecloth and tie tightly.
-
20
TWIST the cabbage so the cheesecloth is tightly bound.
-
21
Tie the top of the knot with twine to hold it.
-
22
Return to pan with 1 cup of reserved broth, COVER and simmer for 20 minutes.
-
23
(It won't burn) While this is cooking again make Cheese Sauce.
-
24
Cheese Sauce:.
-
25
In a small saucepan melt 2 T butter or margarine.
-
26
Blend in 2 T flour, 1/4 tsp salt and a dash of pepper.
-
27
Add 1 1/4 cups milk and cook stirring constantly til mixture is thickened and bubbly.
-
28
STir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp American Cheese.
-
29
Heat til cheese is melted.
-
30
To serve:.
-
31
Remove cabbage from pot and drain.
-
32
Put cabbage on a plate and untie the cheesecloth and lay cheesecloth out.
-
33
Put another plate.
-
34
over the top and turn it over so the core part of the cabbage is on the bottom.
-
35
You should have a smooth top.
-
36
Remove Cheesecloth and cut into wedges and serve with cheese sauce.
-
37
By the way -- you can substitute corned beef for the chicken for St.Patricks Day too.