Fennel and Ham Pasta
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I love fennel. LOVE it, adore that aniseed vibe, but we do like it finely sliced. I used my mandolin. This was half necessity because it delivers beautifully uniform, thinnest of thin slices and it was half therapy.
A few months ago, I nearly lost my thumb to a mandolin. Well, when I say I nearly lost my thumb, what I mean is that Ian had to administer first aid – and it involved steristrips. He lectured me as well, but huh. Whatever.
So eventually the flap of necrotic thumb flesh sorted itself out (too graphic for a cooking blog? Be brave), but the emotional scars remained. Be cautious dear friend as you brandish your mandolin. It has no brain and will not swerve to one side when you offer it a digit. PTSD (post-traumatic sore digit) is no laughing matter. The last thing you need when operating a mandolin is shaky hands.
Nice recipe though – put all thoughts of repulsive injury from your mind and have a look.
