it's no secret that we're big on pasta, with white sauce pastas being my favorites. i've been making a variation of this with whatever i have in the house - sometimes with leftover chicken or bacon instead of pancetta, once i added the lemon zest and juice as suggested by the original recipe (didn't care for it as much), and of course, you can also add a glug of white wine to the cream before simmering if that's your thing.

the original recipe called for proscuitto, which is yummy but we prefer pancetta. (the difference between the two is a bit like bacon compared to canadian bacon...aka ham.) i think pancetta, being more bacon-esque lends itself better to this pasta.

adapted from martha stewart

| ingredients |

1 box fettuccine, pictured (you can also sub bucatini)
1 package frozen peas
1 tbsp butter
1 package (4 ounces) chopped pancetta
2/3 cup heavy cream
optional: 1/4 cup of white wine
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
parsley (for serving)

| method |

in a large pot, boil the fettuccine and cook according to package directions. in the last minute or so of cooking, add the frozen peas. reserve 1 cup of pasta water and strain the pasta and peas in a colander - set aside.

meanwhile, in a large skilled over medium heat - melt the butter and cook the pancetta until slightly browned. add the cream and wine (if using) and bring to a simmer for a couple minutes, stirring until you notice the alcohol smell recede. simmer sauce until thickened, then remove from heat and add in the parmesan stirring until smooth.

season with salt and pepper to taste. add the peas and cooked pasta and stir, using the reserved pasta water to thin if needed.

serve topped with a little extra parm and parsley.

2015 saw a shift in how i prioritize what's important. i think one of the biggest realizations i've had this year is that despite all the well-intentioned goal setting, sometimes the most vital capability is to be open to changes in the plans you set for yourself. in short: life will move those goalposts on you, and flexibility is the key to remaining positive and happy.

this year i've also come to appreciate a new side of setting resolutions; over the years the list of things i resolve to be around the new year has become shorter and more trivial. while i'd love to claim it's the result of gangbusters personal growth, i have a sneaking suspicion it has a lot more to do with learning to appreciate and value the things i've become, rather than focus sharply on the qualities i'm lacking.

that being said, here's what i'm looking at in the way of improvements for 2016:

1. spend more time with macarons, goldfish crackers and vegetables. [not all at the same time.]

2. spend less time at target and homegoods. because i'm officially out of room to store things.

3. listen to the fitbit, and it's list of demands for a healthier life. [i.e., more water.]

4. quit crawling into bed to "just watch netflix for a little bit", then promptly falling asleep with my face unwashed.

5. go somewhere on vacation that isn't home. and las vegas doesn't count.

6. stop leaving dishes in the sink. cleaning them isn't any easier in the morning.

7. be less lazy when it comes to taking photos and writing.

8. life is short, splurge more often on the good stuff we ingest and touch on a daily basis.

9. be a little to a lot less goal-oriented. stop looking forward long enough to appreciate what i've achieved so far, and what we have presently.

and finally...one last look back. it's bittersweet to be kissing a great year goodbye, but i'm also so excited to see what 2016 may bring. here are a few of my favorite shots to recap the year: