Archive for the ‘Italian’ Category

Fish Made Tasty

Friday, February 19th, 2010

I’m not usually a fan of fish. My mom, who is an awesome cook, always fixed it the same way. I never thought of it as something I’d want to experiment with. However, this week when I ran low on food again (this is a theme with me since I try not to spend too much on groceries), I decided to try using some tilapia fillets we had in our freezer. We had a roommate move out in the summer who left behind all sorts of food, particularly fish and shrimp. She moved to Wilmington, where I guess she’ll get better seafood.

Anyway, this is what I made:

  • 3 small tilapia fillets
  • 1 onion
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
  • 2-3 T pesto
  • 1 T olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • Mozzarella cheese
Tilapia Pasta

Tilapia Pasta

I sautéed the onion and mushrooms in olive oil, then added in the fillets.  I was amazed at how fast fish cooks!  I’m used to working with chicken or ground beef. Next I mixed in pesto and squeezed lemon juice over everything. Meanwhile I boiled the spaghetti, which I added to the frying pan so it could cook with the sauté for a while (I learned this trick from The Splendid Table).  Wow, it was good!  I served it with mozzarella cheese melted on top.

Posted in Italian, Recipes, Seafood | No Comments »

Sausage Week – part 2

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

This post is long, perhaps too long, and I hope you’ll make it to the end. Trust me; it’s worth it.  I spent the past weekend in Charlotte with Quentin’s family.  My trip was not without a food adventure or two.  Pictures will come.  I promise.  In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe for Sausage Week. I also hope you prepare for Thanksgiving with these mini pumpkin pies. You can make them in typical pie fashion, but they’re not nearly as much fun.

Italian Sausage Paninis

These were absolutely delicious! Italian sausage, sauteed red peppers and onions, spinach, and provolone. I love food!

Italian Sausage Panini

Photo by Nathan Clendenin

Posted in Italian, Meat, Recipes, Sandwiches, Veggies | No Comments »

Blind Date

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Our favorite pasta recipe went out last night.  It seemed only fitting that sausage would be the highlight.  I browned the sausage and then placed on a paper towel lined plate.  I then cooked the onions and garlic in the same pan.  The recipe went on as usual, only I added broccoli and sundried tomatoes when I dumped in the pasta.  The tomatoes were plumped up nicely, and the broccoli cooked perfectly.  I threw in the sausage at the last minute.

Photo by Nathan Clendenin

Photo by Nathan Clendenin

All in all, a success.  No extra seasoning… no fuss.  I highly recommend it.

Posted in Italian, Meat, Pasta, Recipes, Veggies | 1 Comment »

“Open Relationship” Pasta

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

This is one of my favorite recipes, and I was absolutely floored when I realized the other day that I had never made it for my roommates.  Over two months, and never this super easy, totally versatile pasta recipe?  I repeat recipes like it’s my job, so this was quite the surprise.

Pesto Asparagus Pasta

Photo by Nathan Clendenin

The Pesto Asparagus Pasta was delicious, but it was only the “flavor of the week”. That’s what makes this pasta so special. This basic recipe yields delicious, flavorful, creamy pasta that can be changed according to your mood. Toss in whatever vegetables are in your fridge, throw in your favorite seasoning blend, be a bit more creative and try your own ideas. … because this pasta likes to keep her options open.

Recipe for “Open Relationship” Pasta

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ground black pepper
  • crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 c. white wine (optional)
  • 2 c. chicken broth
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/2 lb. pasta
  • 1-2 T. lemon juice
  • 1/2 c. parmesan cheese

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat in large skillet.  Add black and red pepper.  Stir in wine, and cook until the liquid is almost all gone.  Stir in chicken broth, milk, and pasta.  (This is when I usually add the seasoning.)  Cover and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer until pasta is tender.  (I wait until the last possible moment to add any veggies, and as much as I hate doing dishes, I even spring for the extra pan to cook the vegetables in to ensure they are tender, but not mushy.)  Stir in lemon juice and parmesan cheese.

*Note that the entire recipe is very vague.  It’s meant to be adjusted according to your preferences.  I like spicier pasta, so I usually go a little heavy on the black pepper.  If that’s not your style, don’t.  It’s up to you.

Posted in Italian, Pasta, Recipes, Veggies | 1 Comment »