"Hammy Noodles"

So my youngest called this, when I put it in front of him over the weekend.

I wanted something easy to cook, and this filled the bill.

HAMMY PASTA

2 pounds mini penne
1/2 pound frozen or fresh broccoli spears
1/2 pound frozen or fresh cauliflower florets
1 cup frozen or fresh cut corn
3 carrots, sliced
1 stick butter
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/2 pound ham, chopped
2-1/2 cups hot milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cold milk
3 tbsp cornstarch
pepper
parmesan cheese

Bring salted water in a large stockpot to a rollicking boil. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, corn and carrots, then the penne, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes beyond what the package says (about 14 minutes total), stirring frequently. 3 minutes before the pasta's done, put the 2-1/2 cups milk in a measuring cup and microwave until it's almost boiling. Pour the pasta and veggie mix into a colander, and put the pot lid over it to keep it hot.
In the same stock pot, melt the stick of butter, and stir in the ham and garlic. Cook for one minute, add the scallion and tomato and cook a minute longer. Stir the hot milk and cream into the ham mixture. In the same measuring cup, pour 1/2 cup cold milk. Add the cornstarch, and whisk in. Pour into the hot milk mixture, and stir vigorously. Cook until the milk thickens slightly and starts to boil., then remove from the heat and stir the drained pasta in. Serve with pepper and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

This served 7 of us, with plenty of leftovers. Thor loved it, and the little boys loved the leftovers for 2 days' lunches. So you normal folks out there will surely want to cut this recipe in half, or even quarters!