Friday, August 28, 2009

Summer Pasta Primavera

I love this recipe! It is light but filling. Clint says it is girl food but loves it w/ salmon or grilled chicken. It makes a ton so cut in half if using just for 1 family. Recipe from Giada De Laurentiis.
Ingredients:
3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
2 med. zucchini or 1 large zucchini cut into thin strips
2 yellow squash, cut into thin strips
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 C. olive oil
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. dried Italian herbs
1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 C. grated Parmesan
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

On a large heavy baking sheet, toss all of the vegetables w/ the oil, salt, pepper and dried herbs to coat. Transfer half of the vegetable mixture to another heavy large baking sheet and arrange evenly over the baking sheets. Bake until the carrots are tender and the vegetables begin to brown, stirring after the first 10 minutes, about 20 minutes total.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 C. of the cooking liquid.

Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixture in a large bowl to combine. Toss with the cherry tomatoes and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta with salt & pepper, to taste. Sprinkle w/ the Parmesan and serve immediately.

Molten Chocolate Cake

I've tried to make this cake before w/ no luck. However this recipe I've made 3 times and each time it is perfect! So easy and it is done in no time! It is from Tasty Kitchen by a gal named brandielle. It is rich but oh so yummy!
Cake Ingredients:
-4 pieces (squares) semi-sweet baking choc. (4 oz. choc.)
-1/2 C butter
-1 C. powdered sugar
-2 whole eggs
-2 whole egg yolks
-6 Tbsp flour
Whipped Cream: (i just used ice cream)
-2 C. real whipping cream
-2 Tbsp. sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray 4 custard cups w/ Pam and place on cookie sheet. Microwave chocolate with butter in bowl on high for about 1 minute, until butter is melted. Whisk until chocolate is also melted.
Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide between cups. Bake 13-14 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand for 1 minute. Combine sugar and heave cream and whip until stiff. Invert cakes on dishes and top w/ whipped cream.
-I only bake mine about 10 minutes and let them sit for about 5 or so. They've turned out perfect each time and I just eat them right out of the ramkin. Oh YUM!