1 loaf fresh Italian bread
2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz.) pkg. softened cream cheese
2 c. sour cream
1/4 lb. sliced boiled ham, cut into pieces
1 sm. can jalapeno peppers - mild (4 oz.)

Cut off top of bread and hollow out inside of bread - break bread into pieces for dipping. Mix remaining ingredients together - put into hollowed out bread - cover with top. Wrap in heavy duty aluminum foil - bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Serve with bread pieces and (or) Townhouse crackers.

Cheese mixture can be combined the day before and refrigerated overnight. Put into bread when ready to cook.