TRADITIONALLY, a spot is reserved on our Christmas dinner plate for a side order which most times is ham. Apparently, there is leftover ham, so what do you plan to do with it? Throw it away? Are you crazy?

Here is where you are given the opportunity to explore your culinary skills and TEENChef will love to initiate the first idea. This Ham Pasta meal is a pretty easy dish to make because the ham would have already been done and the pasta is not hard to cook. It’s quick and the end result is ‘ham-o-rifically’ tasty. All you will be able to say is YUUUUMMM!!!!

INGREDIENTS

1 oz onion (julienned)

1/2 oz escallion (chopped)

1/2 oz garlic (chopped)

1 fl oz vegetable oil

4 oz smoked ham (diced)

1 oz red sweet pepper ((julienned)

1 oz yellow sweet pepper ((julienned)

1 oz green sweet pepper (julienned)

6 oz penne pasta (cooked)

4 fl oz heavy cream

1 oz grated parmesan cheese (not powdered)

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

METHOD

1 In a pot, allow water to boil, add salt and oil to the water. Cook pasta for about eight to 10 minutes or until it is at the al dente stage (firm to the fork or to the bite). Remove pasta from flame then refresh by adding ice water to stop the cooking process.

2 Drain water from pasta, oil and set aside.

3 In a sauté pot, add one fluid ounce vegetable oil. Add ham and sauté for two minutes over medium flame.

4 Add onion and garlic, sauté for a minute then add the sweet peppers and sauté for another minute.

5 Pour in heavy cream and when it begins to simmer, add pasta and toss then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6 Garnish with chopped escallion and cheese, serve hot.

NB: Do not attempt without parental supervision.

TEENChef wants to hear from you. Feel free to email us at lifestyle.teenage@gmail.com and share a recipe or give us an idea of what you want to see.