Jacques Pépin's Penne, Ham and Vegetable casserole

It's April 15 and a cool rainy day here. This month we have had quite a bit going on but only in the planning stages - I'll be glad when some of it is done with.

Next week we have a tree service coming by to take out nine trees. I don't think they want us here getting underfoot as most of these trees are close to the house. Frankly it will be so noisy that we will go off with Loki and find something else to occupy us all day.

We are also in the midst of planning a kitchen and bath remodel, who knew that would be so much work! I'll be sure to take before and after photos.

Getting on to foodie stuff - here is a casserole I won't be able to make when the kitchen is demolished and I don't have access to an oven! The theme at I Heart Cooking Club is Put It On Repeat so here is a casserole from Jacques Pépin.

Comfort food, a nice thing when it's gloomy and rainy.

A one dish meal is perfect as it's easy to store in the fridge and you don't have a load of different dishes and pots. Basically this is a mac and cheese with ham and veggies. I do remember our son liking it first time he tried it seven years ago. That was memorable as our granddaughter was under a year old then....she just celebrated her 7th birthday 😯