Mezzi Paccheri with Spring Peas & Candied Bacon
About 5 years ago, I found myself in a predicament ((I imagine most moms find themselves in)). Dinnertime was upon us and there I was – AGAIN begging my kids to eat something green. This time the something green was peas. All four were mid-refusals when I decided to demonstrate the “proper pea-eating method”.
This method contradicts almost ALL of the normal mandatory table manners and for that reason each kid tried peas that night. Not only did they try peas, they ate every available pea AND have continued to do so — to this very day.
I bet you are wondering “what IS this proper pea-eating method??”
It requires ::
- shoveling as many peas possible onto your spoon
- eating with your mouth open
- forcing peas to the back molars
- chomping hard ((mouth still open))
- listening for that pea-popping sound
- seeing who can make the loudest pop
So let’s talk about this recipe :: this one is a double-feature! Popping peas AND candied bacon ((two of the kids favorites)) tossed with tubular pasta and a delicious ((easy to make)) cream sauce.
A little lemon zest, a hefty shaving of parmesan cheese & some fresh chopped chives and dinner is served.
Let the pea-popping begin!
- 1 lb mezza ((or your favorite pasta)), cooked according to package instructions
- 2 c heavy cream
- 1 t Dijon mustard
- 6 oz shredded sharp white cheddar
- 6 oz shredded parmesan
- 1/2 - 1 t granulated sugar
- 1 14 oz bag frozen peas, thawed & drained*
- 8 strips of candied bacon, chopped**
- zest of one lemon
- 4 T chopped fresh chives
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a large skillet, bring cream & sugar to boil. As the cream begins to thicken, whisk in shredded cheese, continuing to stir until completely incorporated. Add sugar in1/2 t increments to taste ((you are looking to take the sharp edge off of the sauce, not sweeten the sauce)). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in pasta, peas, candied bacon & 2T of chopped chives. Stir to coat, allowing peas to become warm.
- Serve and garnish with lemon zest, additional parmesan cheese & remaining chives.
- Serves 6
- *To thaw frozen peas, simply pour them into a glass bowl and run hot tap water over them for 1-2 minutes. Drain and follow remaining directions.
- **Follow recipe for candied bacon linked in the body of this post.