My grandfather would occasionally make this for us as a special breakfast treat when I was young; now I serve it as an unusual first course for a fancy dinner or even, occasionally, for dessert. It’s very unexpected—and very delicious. Serve it in small portions, as it is quite rich.
Recipe information
Yield
4 breakfast servings or 6 appetizer or dessert servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the cream, zests, honey, and salt over medium heat, being careful not to let it boil. Cook at a bare simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the pasta well, then add it and the lemon juice to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss to combine.
Step 4
Divide the pasta among 4 to 6 shallow bowls and sprinkle with the hazelnuts. Serve immediately.
Note
Step 5
If using dried pasta, substitute 1 pound dried, cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Add to the cream sauce as above and cook gently in the sauce for another 3 minutes, or until the pasta has absorbed most of the sauce.
