Keep an eye on the peas…

I don’t know about you but I love nice, plump, sweet peas. Fresh, frozen or canned… they’re like the burst of a melodious choir dancing on my tongue! My older brother, Larry, not only does not like peas but I don’t think any of his six gorgeous kids have ever had them… I’m pretty sure he has forbidden them from his wife, Linda’s grocery list and from his home in general. I remember one time when he was about 8 or 9 years old…



Our cousins had just moved to New York from Albuquerque and were staying with our grandparents until their house was ready. We were all so elated that they moved close to us and spent lots of time there with them. I have so many fond memories of that time; sliding down a banister that I now realize is only about 3 feet long… the sound of my grandfather’s steps approaching as Janet & I pretended to sleep; hiding under the covers of the bed we just broke by jumping on it… picking string beans from the garden for my Aunt Joan to prepare for dinner… and Uncle Billy’s huge dog, Teddy in the yard next door. One memory that stands out in my mind is one of the many times we were all sitting around my grandmother’s kitchen table having dinner; if Grandpa was home that made about 18 people! Money was tight and it was an unspoken rule that we finish every bit of food on our plate. When everyone was just about finished, my mom noticed that the measly 20 peas that she had put on Larry’s plate were still there. She told him that NONE of us were allowed to leave the table until his plate was clean. After many dirty looks shooting his way we all got engrossed in other conversations and soon heard Larry proudly announce, “I’m done!” As we were very anxious to go outside and catch the last bit of daylight before bedtime… we all bolted up from the table in delight! Just then you heard my Aunt Joan bellow, “Hold it! No one moves until Jeremy cleans his plate!!!” Jeremy sat right next to Larry; Jeremy had a measly 20 peas on his plate… Larry had none.


I always wondered if Larry would resign to eating peas if I could find a way to prepare them that would knock his socks off; like this easy recipe below:


Easy Creamy Carbonara


1lb. package of Fettuccini

1 bag of Frozen Peas

2T Olive Oil

1 medium Vidalia Onion (chopped)

½ package of Pre-Cooked Bacon (chopped)

1 stick of Butter

1 pint of Half & Half

½ container of grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste


In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook Fettuccini using package directions until just short of done; pasta should still be a little firm.


While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat; add onion and cook until opaque, then add the bacon. Stir for 3 or 4 minutes then remove from heat.


During the last 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the frozen peas. Drain Fettuccini and peas in a colander. Place butter in the hot pot and top with the pasta & peas. Stir until the entire stick of butter is melted. Pour the onion & bacon mixture into the pasta and peas. Add the Half & Half, stirring constantly and then the grated cheese; the cheese will thicken the liquid. If it’s not thick enough for your liking, just add more cheese. Season with salt & pepper.


Can you say, “Come to mama!!!”? This took longer to write than it takes to cook… you’ll love it! LARRY WOULD TOO!!!