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In the Kitchen
Childhood memories served up in a delicious dish of pasta

Photo: Kayleigh Van Vliet Baig

Eating meals from when I was a kid always makes me feel nostalgic. A favorite of mine was always pasta with peas, ham and cream topped with a pile of Parmesan cheese.

This was a dish you’d find my dad cooking on his night off. Working two jobs left little time for cooking a meal for the family. This is probably the reason behind all of the dinners made of pasta, easy to cook and it can make any kid happy.

I’m pretty sure I’d ask for this any day and any time. Just thinking about it brings me back to being a kid, trying to fit every pea on my fork with those thick noodles.

As an adult, I find it great for feeding friends and family or even for making a quick meal for two. If you’re not a ham eater no worries, a good turkey bacon can fool anyone. Serve alongside a nice crusty loaf of bread for soaking up the extra sauce and you’ll have one table full of happy bellies.

Dad’s Tagliatelle with Peas, Ham & Cream

1 16 oz package of dried or fresh tagliatelle pasta
1 shallot, minced
4 ounces of cooked thick cut ham, or substitute with cooked turkey bacon, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons olive oil
Freshly grated Parmesan for serving
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook following the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Strain and return to pot.

While the pasta cooks make the sauce. Heat the oil in a deep skillet in medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until softened. Add the cream, peas and ham. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pour over the pasta along with the reserved cooking liquid. Toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately along with freshly grated Parmesan.