Archive for the ‘Pasta’ Category

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 »

… some kind of day…

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

I rushed out of the house without breakfast this morning.  I didn’t realize until I was halfway to work, but didn’t stress at all because there’s a cafe in the lobby of my building.  I figured I would just grab a bagel or something.

When I arrived, I parked my car, and enjoyed walking to the building in the rain.  I had an umbrella, and I felt quite sophisticated today.  My hair was doing something nice; I was wearing my favorite coat for the first time this season; and I was wearing my favorite pair of pants which are super comfy but also do very kind things to my body, I think.  And then I stepped in a puddle.  My ankles were soaked, my shoes water-logged.  I’m pretty sure I didn’t look too sophisticated then.  The cafe was closed “due to illness”, and I grumpily made my way to the elevator.  The elevators in our building have mirrors on all four side, and the last thing I need at 8 a.m. is that much Jenny to look at.  Today, I didn’t expect it to be so bad, until I saw that I totally forgot to put on mascara this morning.  That’s right, dark eye liner, no mascara.

The day progressed rather similarly, with huge projects that hurt to think about for too long and a constant balancing act between being critical enough to help people improve and not making them angry.  I was bummed to miss the “5:20 funny” on the radio, even though I was in the car by 5:18.  I also unintentionally made a rather inappropriate gesture at work this evening – thank goodness only my office mate was around and brought it to my attention.

Somewhere in the midst of this day, I decided I needed “comfort food”.  Biscuits, for sure, how about macaroni and cheese too?  And what if there were sausage in the mac ‘n’ cheese?  And some brocoli? And so a meal was conceived.

Nathan Clendenin does not take credit for this photo

Nathan Clendenin will not take credit for this photo

I’m much too ashamed to tell you what is in it.  All I can say is that this was one of the heaviest meals I’ve ever had.  Surprisingly so, too.  I got turkey sausage and whole grain noodles.  It was quite delicious, nonetheless, and definitely hit the spot.  As with anything I make, there turns out to be about 4 times more than I intended, so I’ll be eating the leftovers for days.  Yikes!

... nor this one

... nor this one

Still, it was loads of fun to make, and even more fun to eat.

Posted in Comfort Food, Meat, Pasta, Recipes, Veggies | No Comments »

“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 »