Peas, Cheese, and Ham Pasta

Contributed by Claranita Ernstrom

This has been a favorite with my family for many years. I adapted it to the cheeses that are mentioned and sometimes add other vegetables.

4 main dish servings or 8 (or more) side dish servings.

Ingredients:

1-8 oz package of either Farfalle (Bowties) or Wheel Pasta

1/4 cup butter

1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp white pepper

1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

1 1/2 cups half and half

1 cup shredded asiago cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1-10 oz package frozen peas
1-4 oz package of sliced cooked ham, cut into small strips.

Directions:

• Prepare pasta as directed, then drain and keep 1/2 cup of water.
• Keep warm until sauce is ready (it is best to prepare the sauce and have it ready to put into the pasta as soon as it is done).
• In separate pan, melt the butter and add the flour.
• Stir until this mixture is smooth then add the salt and pepper.
• Gradually stir in the half and half.
• Stir in both cheeses, peas, and ham into the sauce and immediately stir into the pasta OR you add the sauce to the pasta and THEN stir cheese, peas, and ham into the pasta with the sauce.
• If needed add the some of the water to thin the sauce.