It was Beatrix’s 3rd birthday party at the weekend. It was a really fantastic day, and she enjoyed herself so much. It became a kind of unofficial housewarming too as we’ve only been in the house for a couple of weeks. Yes, we were crazy to have it at home. And to make things worse my back seized up with stress the day before. We almost cancelled but I am so glad we didn’t. My back was much better on the day. It was a wonderful afternoon with friends and family.
Anyway, food-wise, for the kids we kept it simple and served ham and cheese sandwiches with crisps and fruit – then ice lollies for pudding. (Adults had tarts with salads.) We had a load of ham and soft cheese left over. So I whipped up this quicker than quick pasta last night for tea. Everyone loved it. So super simple. (I added a handful of rocket at the last minute for the grown ups. I am seriously over the kids picking out green bits from their food so, even know I am going against what I’ve said before about serving up the kids the same food as us, I didn’t put any in theirs. It’s pointless. They are never going to eat salad leaves.)
It’s a really fresh, light pasta supper that takes just over 10 minutes, the time it takes for the pasta to cook. No cook sauces for the win!
Serves: 3-4 (2 adults, 2 kids)
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 11 minutes
Ingredients:
300g pasta (I used wholewheat fusilli)
3 tablespoons cream cheese
200g frozen peas
Tablespoon of fresh mint (don’t use dried), finely chopped
Few slices of ham, cut into ribbons
Large handful of rocket
Squeeze of lemon
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Put a large pan of water on to boil. Salt it and wait till angrily boiling. Tip in pasta and cook till al dente – 1 minute under the packet instructions. Take out a half mug full of pasta cooking water once almost cooked and drain.
- Keep the heat on low. Add the frozen peas to the pasta. Now a good splash of the water and the cream cheese, stirring all the while, add the lemon juice, mint and ham. Pop the lid on for a minute to let the steam cook the peas. Give it a good stir, season to taste – add rocket for those that want it – and serve.
