Finding happiness with onions and beans

Tonight I decided to borrow a page from the pasta edition of La Cucina Italiana; it is a recipe for onions and white wine, something I have in abundance.  I added my own twist with the addition of white beans and toasted ciabatta bread crumbs.

INGREDIENTS:

Al Dente Pasta's fiesta fettucine
Onion, cut into thin slices
Olive oil
Toasted bread crumbs...optional
Garlic
Parsley (I used cilantro because we had no parsley)
Dry white wine

PROCESS:

Toast the bread crumbs, but don't burn them like you know who did.  In a deep skillet add the wine and onions (I used 1/2 an onion and 1 cup of white wine for the 2 of us) and cook over high heat until the wine is gone, then reduce heat and cook until the onions are soft.  Add olive oil and garlic plus the white beans (I used navy beans but cannellini will also work.), herbs, and simmer while the pasta cooks.

Add the pasta plus some pasta water, mix well, and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the bread crumbs.

COMMENTS:

A delightful dish with a delightful flavor, thanks to the onions and wine.  The next time I do this, and there will definitely be a next time, I will use a whole onion.  For 4-6 people I would use 2 o3 onions.

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.

2-29...Leap year pasta

If tonight's dinner tastes as good as it smells while in progress...we will be in piggy heaven.

INGREDIENTS:

Al Dente fettucinne
Baby broccoli
Chicken breasts
Sundried cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped
Celery
Roasted brussels sprouts (leftover from a previous feast)
Garlic and shallots
Olive oil
Dry basil and oregano
Sweet Vermouth (I love cooking with this)

PROCESS:

Brown the chicken, remove, cut into bite size pieces and set aside.  In olive oil saute the garlic, shallots, and celery until soft, then add the chicken, broccoli, sun dried tomatoes, brussels sprouts,  and wine  and simmer covered over low -medium heat.

 

Add the pasta to the pan and mix well.  Serve with grated parmigiano or romano cheese and enjoy.

COMMENTS"

If I wasn't such a humble guy I would brag.  But of course I cannot do that.  It would be out of character for me to say...this was so ________ good!