Friday Food Fun with Straw and Hay

Each Wednesday night at church, we have what's called "Dinner for a Dollar." And everyone takes a turn cooking for about 20 or so people. It's a lot of fun, and you get to try out new stuff!

Well, this past Wednesday, my Trendy Friend from church made dinner for all of us, and it was easy, and deeelish! It was called Straw and Hay, and even the kids loved it. My friend said she got the idea from a blog ... A BLOG!!! Yes, folks ... your ideas are being implemented. Imagine that?!?!? I'll share the recipe with you ... right after this ...

Here are some excellent blog resources for you:

Works for Me Wednesday: Each Wednesday, Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer hosts Works for Me Wednesday, and let me tell you, this little lady has quite a turn-out! In fact, this is one of THE MOST wildly successful weekly editions that I have seen -- ever. Tons and tons (thousands, probably) of tips, tidbits, recipes, menus, etc. have been shared through this weekly edition! And ... she has them all in one neat place, linked by Mister Linky. What could be better? Check it out for some great tips, menus, and recipes.

Menu Plan Monday: Each Monday, Laura from I'm an Organizing Junkie hosts Menu Plan Monday, where women from all over share their menu plans and often, their recipes.

Slow Cooking Thursday: Sandra from The Diary of a SAHM hosts Slow Cooking Thursday, and has links to dozens of recipes for the crock pot ... a great place to go for ideas if you're a busy mom (and really, who isn't?)

Full Bellies, Happy Kids: Stay at Home Mom's Food Blog loaded with recipes, menus, and tips.

Everyday Eats: Jules from Everyday Mommy will occasionally post some of her recipes along with cool tips.

Okay -- now onto the recipe. Hay and Straw is the name of it, and this dish is a cross between a Fettuccine Alfredo and a Pasta Carbonara. It uses ham instead of panceta, and it doesn't use raw eggs, so it's much "safer" than a traditional Carbonara -- especially for children. It reminds me of a Fettuccine Alfredo my mom and grandmother used to make for me that had ham in it.

Anyway, my Trendy Friend told me she found the recipe on Sandra's food blog, but I looked and couldn't find the same recipe, but when I Googled it, I found this one, and it looked very similar to what I saw her do.

A simple version of Hay and Straw -- add it to your Menu Plan for next week!

1 (16-oz.) pkg. linguine
1 T. butter or margarine
2 c. julienned fully cooked ham
3 c. frozen sweet peas, thawed
1½ c. shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp. garlic powder
½ c. heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook linguine according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet and saute ham for three minutes. Add peas and heat through. Drain linguine, transfer to a large serving dish and toss with ham and pea mixture. In a sauce pan, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and cream. Add salt and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste. Toss with pasta mixture. Serve immediately. Yields 8 servings.

Good job, Trendy Friend!!! Good job.