Ham and Pea Pasta Bake

This is the first time I've made a proper white sauce that was thick and unctuous. Before all my white sauce were very thin and never seemed to thicken properly, the key is using much more flour and butter than you think you need!

Ham and Pea Pasta Bake (from Simply Delicious)
(Serves 4-6)

150g butter, cubed
125g flour
750ml-1l milk
pinch of nutmeg
white pepper and salt to taste

300g macaroni
4-5 slices chopped left-over ham
200g frozen peas
100g cheddar cheese, grated

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour. Slowly pour in the milk whilst continuously whisking to get rid of any lumps. Lower the heat and allow the sauce to cook for 10 minutes. Add the nutmeg and season to taste.

While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente adding the peas for the last 3-4 mins.

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C.

Combine the cooked pasta, gammon and peas with the white sauce then mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the cheddar.

Place in the oven and allow to bake for 15-20 mins until the top is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 mins then serve.