Love Pockets

Step 1

1. Bring milk up to hot and steamy. Whisk in grated white American cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 2

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure you have enough water that your peas are not crowded. Blanch peas in boiling water until they have a smooth texture, not crunchy, fully cooked.

Step 3

3. While peas are cooking, prepare an ice bath. When peas are blanched, strain and place in ice bath.

Step 4

4. Cook the pancetta: crisp in a pan with 1 tbsp. of oil until crispy, stir frequently, set aside.

Step 5

5. Prepare the pasta: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, season with salt until it’s salty like the sea, and cook pasta according to package directions.

Step 6

6. Prepare the breadcrumbs: In a large skillet-- toast panko in the olive oil, stir in the herb, and let cool to room temp and set aside for topping.

Step 7

7. Assemble the pasta: Turn the oven to broil.
• To begin the assembly start with cheese sauce in a large pot. Heat on low.
• Stir in room temperature pasta
• Add crispy pancetta and stir until hot throughout
• Add peas
• Pour pasta and cheese mixture in an oven safe container
• Top with bread crumbs and shredded fontina.
• Brown in the oven on broil until crispy and golden.