TuTu's Cabbage and Cheese

My grandmother made this for me when I was little. It's a great side dish, or you can just eat it by the bowlful.

TuTu's Cabbage and Cheese
medium head of green cabbage
8 oz package of shredded cheese (we like Longhorn Cheddar)
salt and pepper to taste
chunks of leftover ham for boiling water, if available (omit if vegetarian)

Cut cabbage into chunks and place in large oven-safe pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil, with salt and pepper to taste. Add a chunk or two of ham to the boiling water for taste if available. Boil cabbage until soft ~ 15 minutes. Drain off water and remove ham chunks, then place cabbage back in oven-safe pot. Cover with shredded cheese, then bake in oven at 350F until cheese is melty and bubbly ~ 10 minutes. Serves about 8-10 side dishes (more if you use small servings) or 4-6 main meals.