3-15…Spaghetti w Brussels sprouts, bacon, and sun dried tomatoes.

My favorite part of grocery shopping is walking slowly by the fresh produce, confronting the challenge to not buy more than I can use.  On my last trip I could not pass up the Brussels sprouts.  I originally planned to roast them and serve on the side of a rib eye steak, but something clicked in my head this afternoon, and I knew they would find their way into a new pasta dish.

INGREDIENTS:

Spaghetti

Brussels sprouts, halved and quartered

Bacon, chopped

Olive oil

Garlic and onion

Sun dried tomatoes

Dry basil, thyme, oregano

Red wine vinegar

Celery

Chicken broth

PROCESS:

Marinate the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasoning for about 30 mintues before cooking in skillet over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and cook until the B S is soft and beginning to char.  Remove and keep warm.

  

Cook the bacon, drain, and mix into the B S and keep warm.  While the pasta is cooking sauté the garlic, onion, and celery in oll, then add the B S and bacon and about ¼ to 1/3 cup of broth and simmer until the broth is reduced.

Add the pasta to the pan, mix well, and drizzle with olive oil, adding some pasta water if necessary.

COMMENTS:

If you like Brussels sprouts you will love this dish.  The bacon and sun dried tomatoes go perfectly with this weird but delicious vegetable.

3-14…FETTUCCINE W CHEESE AND BUTTER AND A BIT OF HEAVEN

OK, so for some folks it’s nothing more than Mac & cheese, but this is unlike any mac & cheese you have ever had.

I was feeling lazy tonight, and considered going out for dinner until I realized I was too lazy to change out of my work clothes, so I came up with one of the simplest pasta dishes I knew.  Now, almost an hour later, I am sitting here patting myself of the back for exercising such good judgement.

INGREDIENTS:

Al Dente Land and sea fettuccine

Mascarpone cheese

Butter

Blue cheese…just a small amount so it doesn’t overpower the rest

Romano cheese, gratted

Fresh parsley

Bacon

PROCESS:

While the pasta is cooking, chop and cook the bacon and set aside to drain.

In a serving bowl add the cheeses and butter.  Add the pasta with small amount of pasta water and mix until all the cheese is melted.  Mix in the parsley and bacon and sit down to an incredible pasta experience.

COMMENTS:

If I were into writing about pairing I would suggest pairing this with a second helping.