Virginia Fettuccine Alfredo

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Ingredients

1. 2 pounds dried fettuccine
2. 3 cups heavy cream
3. 1/4 pound country ham, thinly sliced and cut into thin strips
4. Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
5. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6. 1 tablespoon olive oil
7. 6 pounds Swiss chard, stems reserved for another use, leaves cut into 1-inch strips
8. 4 large garlic cloves, minced
9. 2 large shallots, minced
10. Salt and freshly ground pepper
11. 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (3 ounces)
12. 3 tablespoons snipped chives

1. Cook the fettuccine in a large stockpot of boiling salted water until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add in the country ham, stirring to separate the strips; add the nutmeg.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter in the olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the Swiss chard leaves by the handful and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and shallots and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain the fettuccine and return it to the pot. Add the ham, cream, Swiss chard and Parmesan cheese and toss to mix. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a large warmed bowl. Sprinkle with the chives and serve at once.