Easy Ham Tetrazzini

I LOVE to make elaborate meals that take time and all fresh ingredients...when I can. Being gone 4 afternoons of the week taking kids to sports stuff means I need faster meals. My kids RAVED about this. My 9 year old said he's never tasted anything so delicious (except ice cream, of course). It's not the best dish I've ever had but tasty ham tossed into creamy noodles is definitely a tongue pleaser. Serves 6.

Easy Ham Tetrazzini

8 oz spaghetti noodles
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp chopped onion
8 oz package mushrooms, quartered
1 10.75-oz can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c water
1/2 c shredded cheese
2 c diced ham
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 c sliced almonds, toasted, optional*

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion with thyme leaves until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook one minute more, stirring frequently.
3. Add mushroom soup, water and cheese; stir until cheese melts. Stir in ham and parsley. Cook until heated through. Sprinkle with roasted almonds, if desired.

* To toast almonds, heat small skillet over medium heat. Add almonds and shake skillet gently back and forth so they don't burn. Use a spatula to turn, or jerk pan quickly forward then backward (if you feel comfortable with that). Repeat until almonds turn light brown.