So because we are such copycats, my brother experimented on his own version of the recipe at home, and the result? He nailed it! From that time on, this has always been the star pasta of family parties in Manila and San Diego (well either the carbonara or the baked macaroni -- another family recipe that I will share soon!)
What you need:
- 500 grams of pasta (I prefer linguine, fettuccine or plain 'ol spaghetti)
- 8 cloves of garlic, chopped VERY finely (the chopper is your friend honey)
- around 6 strips of bacon, cubed
- 1/2 cup ham, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh button mushrooms, quartered
- 1 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1 big can of evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- chopped parsley
- herbs: pinch of basil, italian seasoning and oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
How it's done:
Cook pasta according to instructions and then set aside.
Heat up a wok, or a saucepan.
Add bacon and cook until a little crispy. Put bacon to the side of the saucepan and then add garlic.
Saute garlic for around 2 minutes, and then add the ham and then the mushrooms.
Add the whipping cream and then the evaporated milk.
Simmer for 5 minutes, and then add the cheeses.
Stir constantly until cheese melts.
Note: If sauce is too thin for you, add more cheese :)
Season with salt and pepper and then add herbs.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve sauce over pasta and top with more grated parmesan cheese!
Kam's Tips:
- Healthier option: Substitute bacon with chicken, ham with turkey ham and then add asparagus!
- When in Manila, I use 1 tetra-pack of Nestle All Purpose Cream instead of the whipping cream.
- I have friends who used 1 can of Cream of Mushroom instead of cream, if you do this, omit the salt.
Kitchen Gadgets Used:
- Hate chopping? I use a mini-chopper. They are so helpful, I actually have two! One for baking and one for cooking.
Just keep on cooking...and sharing your favorite dishes.....love it.....
ReplyDelete