Pasta salad with ham and apples

Ingredients for 3 servings:

• 200 g pasta (croissants)
• 250 g ham, cut into 2 cm julienne strips
• 250 g apples, cut into 2 cm long julienne strips
• 2 peppers, red and green, mild, cut into small cubes
• 150 g gherkins, halved, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion(s), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 eggs, hard-boiled, cut into fine cubes (optional)
• 1 bunch of chives, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 5 tbsp cream
• 1 tsp mustard, hot
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp sweet paprika powder
• some salt and pepper
• 1 pinch(s) of sugar
• 4 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Rest time approx. 1 hour; Total time approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain well. Combine the pasta, ham, apples, peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, eggs (optional), and chives in a large bowl. Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and cream together thoroughly. Combine the lemon juice with the sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the mayonnaise, mix, and thin with the milk (season with salt and pepper if desired). Then pour the sauce over the salad, mix thoroughly, and let it cool, covered, for a while. Mix again before serving and sprinkle with the parsley.