Let them eat pasta

The Boyfriend recently pointed out to me that we hardly ever ate pasta. Before I could open my mouth to protest I realised that he was actually right. I was stunned (and remained silent). I love pasta, yet I rarely make it, at least I haven't in the past few weeks or months, even - had I, in a desire not just to resort to pasta when pressed for ideas for dinner started to literally neglect it altogether? What a mistake, or shall I say, sin?! Pasta is so versatile, lending itself to so many different dishes and it's simply so good - really, how can you go wrong with pasta! I pledged pennance and have made pasta more often, hence the numerous pasta posts of late. The Boyfriend is happy and so am I. The maccheroni with cheese sauce, ham and peas is something like a family recipe, my grandmother used to make it and passed the recipe on to my mother, who gave it to me. It's quite quick to make and true comfort food, great for restoring your spirits after a hard day at work.

Maccheroni and cheese à la Grossmama (serves 2)

• 160g maccheroni or other tube-shaped pasta
• 50g cooked ham, diced
• 80g frozen peas
• 30g butter
• 30g flour
• 1.5dl milk
• 1.5 dl light stock
• 2 tablespoons grated cheese
• salt, pepper, nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 200°. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water. While it is cooking, heat the butter in a saucepan until bubbly. Add the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the milk and stock, whisking constantly in order to prevent clumps from forming. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add the peas and cook until they are done, then stir in half the cheese and ham. Drain the pasta, mix with the sauce and put in an oven-proof dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes.