Linguine Con Verdure

Wash and presoak porcini mushrooms in dry sherry, then chop.

Cook vegetables in salted boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes (only cook peas 1-1/2 minutes, no more). Drain and run under cold water. When cool, cut vegetables, except peas and olives of course, into 1-1/2-inch pieces.

In a saucepan, add 8-1/2 tablespoons butter, add the mushrooms, herbs, and spices and cook for 5 minutes. Add the vegetables and cook another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cream, a pinch of salt, and a generous dash of pepper and bring to a simmer for 3 minutes.

Melt the remaining butter and toss the freshly cooked and drained al dente linguine in the butter until well-coated. Add the vegetable cream mixture and toss well. Add 1/2 the cheese and toss again. Serve immediately with a dash of pepper on top and grated Parmesan to the side. For a tasty and colorful variation, spoon a dollop of hot marinara sauce on the top.