COMFORT FOOD

   

                                                 CHEESY PASTA AND HAM

We are,like most of the country still in winters icy grip,none of the snow,and there has been plenty,has settled as in some areas but the perishing wind is still whistling through the keyholes and howling down the chimney pots day and night.

Snuggled down with my hot water bottle last night I was very snug indeed,however,the occasional trip to the loo is sufficient to freeze the toes right off your feet ;and it takes ages to thaw them out again.

Now is the time to forget diets,New Years resolutions and enjoy a warming hearty meal which will hell to combat the chill.

CHEESY PAST AND HAM SUPPER

1 pack of fresh penne

1 ltr milk

1 bay leaf

16 peppercorns

1 clove of garlic crushed

6 oz strong cheddar

4 oz Cheshire cheese

2 oz butter

3table spoons of plain flour

4 oz ham

put the milk into a large saucepan and add the bay leaf,garlic and peppercorns, bring nearly to the boil then remove from the heat cover and leave for at least thirty minutes.

Pour the infused milk through a sieve in to a jug,discard the bay leaf etc.

Put the butter in to the saucepan and melt,stir in the flour and cook until it begins to bubble then whisk in the milk a little at a time. Bring to the boil stirring constantly then reduce the heat and continue to stir for a further three minutes.

Fill a large saucepan with water,bring to the boil and add the pasta with a a little olive oil and a pinch of salt cook according to the packet instructions.

While the pasta cooks fry the ham gently in a little oil. Drain the pasta and then add the ham,mix well them pour in to a large flat dish ,pour on the cheeses sauce and top with slices of the Cheshire cheeses. Grill until golden brown and bubbling. Then serve with a salad and some garlic bread.

If you like you can add a little fried onion to the ham,bacon may also be used in this dish.

This amount gives four large or six smaller portions.