Tag Archives | pasta

Baked Pasta with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe (and a whole lot of garlic!)

Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Back in J-School (Journalism School, at UNL – Go Huskers!) we were taught the mantra “Don’t bury the lead.” In other words, you should share the most important thing first; then elaborate (or in my case, digress) for those who care to read further. In the world of food blogs, research says the same is true. In this world, the “lead” is the recipe – that’s why you clicked to get here in the first place, right? So, for those that want to go straight to the recipe for Baked Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe… click HERE. For the few family members and friends who will read this out of obligation, bless you. Come on over and I’ll make this for you!

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Capellini Torte {a.k.a. Spaghetti Pie}

capellini torte spaghetti pie

When one of my favorite people on earth received a surprise cancer diagnosis recently, I wanted to DO something.  And not just say “Call me if you need anything” because they don’t call {mostly because they don’t know WHAT they need}.

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Zucchini “Pasta” with Turkey Meatballs {& Spiralizer giveaway!}

 

zucchini pasta turkey meatballs

Husband to me in front of guests: “Honey, why don’t you show everybody your spiralizer?” {Because who doesn’t want a demo of your new kitchen gadget when they’re invited to dinner?} Meanwhile, I secretly cringe, wondering if this question ranks right up there with “Honey, why don’t you pull up the video of Buffy’s dance recital so our friends can watch it?” Continue Reading →

Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli

roasted butternut squash

Sunday night dinners with my sister and her kids are a fun tradition for us, though they’re less frequent now that Niece is off to college {she’s a Nebraska Cornhusker like me!} and Nephew is in high school. Continue Reading →

“Alfredo” Pasta with Chicken, Snap Peas & Peppers

alfredo pasta chicken snap peas pepper

This “Alfredo” Pasta with Chicken, Snap Peas & Peppers never would have made it to the table if I hadn’t over-estimated my family’s affection for raw-vegetables-as-an-appetizer.

One of my only responsibilities for Thanksgiving this year was providing some healthy stuff to snack on while waiting for the big meal. Because I knew there’d be plenty of carbs and fats in our delicious dinner, I opted to go the “purist” route for my assignment.

I’m not sure that Husband, niece and nephew appreciated the beautiful sculpture I made from raw veggies… cauliflower, red and orange bell pepper, cucumber, sugar snap peas and jicama. {C’mon!  We could have played Jenga with that masterpiece!} What they DID have a taste for was the Prima Donna cheese I served. {$$$.} Those kids have great taste, I must say. Continue Reading →

Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

turkey and artichoke stuffed shells

Somehow, a recent discussion with neighbors turned toward disaster-preparedness. I think it started because we were admiring “G.’s” immense wine collection, and figured he would be in charge of “taking the edge off” the stress that comes with such an event. It was determined that “B.” would supply guns and ammo – oh, and he’s got connections to a private plane in a hangar about 2 miles down the road, should we need to get out of Dodge. Continue Reading →

Spaghetti Squash w/ Parmesan & Fresh Herbs

spaghetti squash with parmesan and fresh herbs - plated

I can’t say enough about this humble vegetable. I love pasta, but this squash is a delicious {and nutritious} substitute for noodles in a lot of dishes – including spaghetti and meatballs. And, it easily stands alone as a side dish with little more than some sautéed shallots and seasoning. This Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs is a great example.

If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, or if you just want to have some healthy alternatives to your typical side dishes, you won’t find a more versatile vegetable. Continue Reading →

{Trick Your Children!} Healthier Macaroni & Cheese

macaroni - plated

Moms the world over have devised some very creative ways to get their kids (or husbands) to eat more vegetables.  Today’s adaptation is one of my all-time favorites.

Years ago I discovered a couple of Diane Seed’s wonderful cookbooks.  The recipes are simple and straightforward, but unique.  And the illustrations are delightful.  When I got rid of my cookbook collection this is one I couldn’t part with. One of the first recipes I tried was her “Tagliolini with Creamed Carrots.”  Besides being delicious (and a little bit naughty) it struck me how much this tasted like homemade mac and cheese, and had that out-of-the-box orange color.  Hmmm, what if I used elbow macaroni instead of tagliolini?  Might kids fall for this sneaky way of eating more vegetables?!

Since I forgot to have children (where did those years GO!?) I needed to borrow my “victims.”  So I experimented on my niece and nephew.  While they didn’t believe for one minute that this was mac n’ cheese out-of-a-box, they loved it.  Continue Reading →

{Meatless Monday} Grilled Vegetable Sformato

sformato edited

For my sister’s birthday a few years ago, I gave her a gift certificate to a cooking class that we could do together. Since she’s not a big meat eater, I chose one that focused on great vegetarian dishes. With more and more “experts” talking about the health benefits of cutting back on meat, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to add to my repertoire either.

The class was taught by the wonderful Robin Asbell and held at Cooks of Crocus Hill.   We had a great time, and  over a few glasses of wine, learned to make a bunch of new dishes.  Robin’s “Grilled Vegetable Sformato” was our favorite.

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