Broccoli and Ham Royale

1 cup uncooked rice
1 head fresh broccoli, cut into spears or pieces
    or 2 (10 oz. each) packages frozen broccoli spears or pieces
6 Tbsp. butter
2 onions, chopped fine
3 Tbsp. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 cups milk
4 cups cubed cooked ham
8 oz. processed American cheese slices
2 cups fresh bread crumbs (4 slices bread)

Cook rice in 2 cups salted water.  Spoon into greased 9 x 13 pan or 2 qt. baking dish.  Cook fresh broccoli until just crisp tender and drain well.  Place cooked fresh broccoli or thawed frozen broccoli in a layer over rice.  Melt butter in large frying pan.  Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. butter over bread crumbs.  Set aside.  In remaining butter, sauté onions until soft.  Add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly, then stir in milk and continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens.  Boil 1 minute.  Add ham and heat until bubbly.  Pour over rice and broccoli.  Place cheese slices on top and sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.  If prepared ahead, store in refrigerator before baking.  Bake at 350 degrees 45 to 60 minutes.

Mary Glowiak was the best friend of Donald's mother, Victoria Piotrowski.  One time "Aunt" Mary and Vicky came to visit us.  They spent two weeks at our house during which they made kitchen curtains with place mats and chair cushions to match.  We used them until they fell apart in tatters.  It was so sad to see their handiwork deteriorate, because they reminded us of Grandma and Aunt Mary and their friendship.  By then Grandma Piotrowski had died, and we knew they would never be back to sew more curtains.  This is Mary's recipe.