Creamed Peas with Mint

From Gourmet July 2003
these aren't creamed peas as you would think. they're just peas with cream on them


1 (1-lb) bag thawed frozen peas or 1 lb shelled fresh green peas (3 1/2 lb in pods)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

If using freshly shelled peas, cook in a 4- to 5-quart saucepan of boiling water (not salted), uncovered, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes, then drain in a colander.
Briskly simmer cream with 1/4 cup mint in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan until slightly thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, 4 to 5 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on and discarding mint.
Cook celery and onion in butter in 4- to 5-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add cooked fresh or thawed frozen peas and cook, stirring, until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in cream, salt, and pepper and briskly simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are well coated, about 1 minute. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons mint and salt to taste.