The mister was riled up when he came home last night - I knew from the moment he slammed the door. Right before walking into the house the mechanic, who is fixing the brakes on my car, called to tell him how much it would be...the mechanic closes at 6:00 pm and he called at 5:58 pm, thereby guarandamteeing the mister would be in a foul mood upon entry. I hate mechanics. So the mister was pissy, threw the mail on the counter and watched it slide off onto the floor - grabbed himself a glass out of the cupboard and slammed the GLASS door, remarkably it didn't break but I could see an intervention was necessary. I grabbed a plate and dished up this pasta as quickly as I could - foisted it on him and told him to eat. He did. And folks, there was a small miracle. The mister began to soften - right before my eyes. Bite after soothing bite, mean and nasty mister transformed into less mean and nasty mister. I said it was a small miracle. And THAT is the power of Penne Di Parma.
Healing properties. That's all you need to know. If this dish can transform the mister - think of what it can do for you! Crispy bacon, married with sauteed mushroom and garlic....mmmmmm....and then there's cream - just a bit, no need to panic....and Parmesan...lots of Parmesan...all tossed with Penne...okay, panic if you must, but this is worth the extra two miles (or three!) on the treadmill, I promise!
Penne Di Parma - Adpated from Ronzoni Recipes
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms (about 4 oz.)
1/2 milk (I use whole milk)
1/2 cup cream
1/2 package (8 oz.) Penne pasta, cooked, according to package directions
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 lb. bacon
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet to paper towels to drain. When cool, break into small pieces and set aside. Pour grease out of the skillet, but do not wipe skillet clean; add butter, garlic and mushrooms. Cook 3 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, stirring frequently, picking up any bacon bits from the bottom of the pan. Add in the bacon pieces, milk and cream; heat to boiling. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Pour mixture over cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serves 4. (You can substitute the bacon for smoked ham or prosciutto, but bacon is King!)
"God loved flowers and created soil. Man loved flowers and created the vase." ~ Anonymous
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One year ago today: Onion Frittata
