• Rachels Pesto

    August 3, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Ingredients:

    • Bag of fresh spinach (about 6 oz.)
    • 1 garlic clove
    • Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese (about 1-inch x 2-inch piece, cut into 3 or 4 pieces)
    • Handful of nuts (about 1/2 c. – I generally use pecans, but you can use any nut you like)
    • 2 large handfuls of fresh basil
    • Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 TBSP)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1 lb. pasta
    • Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 c.) to thin
    • Add ins: tomatoes, mozzarella, grilled chicken, parmesan etc.

    Directions:

    1. Add the spinach, garlic clove, parmesan cheese, and nuts to a standard sized food processor and process until you have enough space to add the basil. If you can’t fit all the spinach in at once, process what you can until you have space to add the remaining spinach. 
    2. Add the basil and the salt and pepper and process until everything is finely chopped (no large pieces of parmesan cheese remain and nuts are chopped). 
    3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil.  Add enough olive oil so that pesto mixture is just coming together.  The consistency is not sauce like at this point (more like finely chopped ingredients) and it should be quite thick with no visible amounts of oil.
    4. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    5. Meanwhile cook your pasta.  Once pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 c. pasta water (to ensure you have enough), and add the pasta to a large bowl.
    6. Add the thick pesto to the top of the pasta and add 1/4 c. reserved pasta water to the top of the pesto.  The pasta water thins the pesto.  Begin tossing the pesto in the pasta.  If the pesto is still too thick, you can add more reserved pasta water (start with 1/8 c. at a time).
    7. Once all combined add tomatoes, mozzarella, and/or chicken, if using, and top the with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

    Rachel’s Pesto:

  • Pesto Pasta

    January 19, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Chef Vince Pianalto.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 c. (1.5 oz.) fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
    • 3/4 c. Italian parsley leaves, lightly packed
    • 1/4 c. pine nuts or toasted walnuts
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1/2 lemon, juiced
    • 1/2 c. olive oil
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1 c. Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
    • 2 TBSP salt for potato/green bean/pasta water
    • 3 medium (about 12 oz.) Yukon gold potatoes, cut in 1 inch cubes
    • 12 oz. green beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
    • 1 lb. dried fettuccine (can use fresh)
    • Reserved 1/2 c. pasta water, optional see below

    Directions:

    1. Pesto: In a food processer add the basil through the Parmesan cheese and pulse, scraping down the sides with a spatula until the herbs are tiny specks. Add pesto to a serving bowl.
    2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the 2 TBSP salt.
    3. If using fresh pasta: Add the potatoes and green beans to the boiling water and bring back to a boil. Once the water is boiling again, add the fresh pasta and stir so it does not stick together. Boil, stirring frequently until pasta is al dente.
    4. If using dried pasta: Add the potatoes, green beans, and pasta to the boiling water and stir immediately so the pasta doesn’t stick together. Boil, stirring frequently until pasta is al dente.
    5. Option 1: Reserve 1/2 c. of the pasta cooking water and then drain the potatoes, green beans, and pasta. Add the reserved pasta cooking water to the pesto and stir to combine, and then add the potatoes, green beans, and pasta and stir to combine. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.
    6. Option 2: Scoop the potatoes, green beans, and pasta out of the cooking water and add to the pesto and stir to combine (equates to adding 1/2 c. reserved pasta water). Top with additional Parmesan cheese.

    Pesto Pasta:

  • Risotto Alla Vodka

    January 15, 2024 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Caro Chambers.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 c. olive oil
    • 4 shallots, thinly sliced
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
    • 6 oz. tomato paste
    • 1/3 c. vodka
    • 2 c. half and half (can use fat free)
    • 5 c. chicken or vegetable broth
    • 2 c. Arborio rice
    • Salt, to taste
    • 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/3 c. basil, chiffonade

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350F.
    2. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over low to medium heat and then add the shallots and pinch of salt; cook until shallots are soft and lightly golden brown, about 7 minutes. Then add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of oil.
    3. Add the tomato paste and stir it in until it starts to stick to the Dutch oven, about 1 to 2 minutes; then deglaze the Dutch oven with the vodka and scrape up all of the stuck bits from the bottom of the Dutch oven. When the vodka has evaporated after 1 minute, stir in the half and half, 3 c. of the broth, and the rice.
    4. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover and transfer to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
    5. After 40 minutes, remove Dutch oven from the oven, stir in 1 c. of remaining broth along with the Parmesan cheese, and stir to combine. Add more broth until you reach your perfect risotto consistency.
    6. Serve topped with basil.

    Risotto Alla Vodka:

  • Simple Skillet Pasta

    November 12, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Ingredients:

    • 3 TBSP olive oil
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 – 1 tsp. crushed red pepper, to taste
    • 1 tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning
    • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/4 tsp. sugar, add more to taste
    • 3 1/2 c. water
    • 16 oz. penne
    • 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil
    • Burrata
    • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

    Directions:

    1. Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes; then add the crushed red pepper and oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Bring to gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
    2. Stir in water and penne, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to vigorous simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring often, until pasta is nearly al dente, about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, tossing gently, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thickened, 4 to 7 minutes; if sauce becomes too thick, add extra water as needed. Off heat, stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste and top with burrata.
    3. Top individual portions with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese.

    Simple Skillet Pasta:

  • Orzo Puttanesca

    October 11, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe from Chef Tom Walton.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
    • 1/2 tsp. oregano
    • Salt, to taste
    • 10 oz. grape/cherry tomatoes
    • 2 TBSP capers in brine
    • 1/3 c. Kalamata olives, sliced
    • 1 c. dried orzo
    • 1 14 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
    • 2 1/4 c. chicken broth
    • 6 oz. roasted red peppers, sliced
    • 1/2 c. parsley, chopped
    • 3/4 c. crumbled feta

    Directions:

    1. Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat, then add the olive oil, onion, garlic, chili flakes, oregano, and salt and cook stirring for 3 minutes to soften the onion; then add the tomatoes, capers, olives, orzo, and garbanzo beans and cook stirring for 2 more minutes.
    2. Add the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer; then turn the heat down to low and cook, stirring, often for 3-4 minutes.
    3. After 3-4 minutes, add the red peppers and place the lid on the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes or until creamy and the orzo has soaked up all the liquid and softened.
    4. Top with parsley and feta.

    Orzo Puttanesca:

  • Eggplant and Tomato Pasta Sauce

    October 11, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from The Genetic Chef.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c. olive oil
    • 1 eggplant about 1 – 1 ½ lbs. unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
    • 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
    • Crushed red pepper, optional to taste
    • 2 lbs. plum tomatoes chopped about 8-10 (or 28 oz. crushed tomatoes or whole tomatoes)
    • 2 tsp. dried oregano
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pepper, to taste
    • Sugar, to taste
    • Fresh basil, chiffonade
    • Serve over pasta with parmesan cheese, Kalamata olives, capers, and/or burrata

    Directions:

    1. In a large skillet, over medium high heat, heat the olive oil and add the eggplant. Sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
    2. Sauté until the eggplant gets a little color and softens just a bit. This should take at least 5 minutes. Give them a stir here and there, then cover and let them stew for about 5 minutes.
    3. Uncover and stir. You’ll notice the eggplant released some of the oil it had absorbed. Add the garlic (and crushed red pepper if using) and stir until fragrant. Then add the tomatoes, oregano, and some salt and pepper to your taste.
    4. Stir and let cook uncovered for about 5 minutes or so to allow the tomatoes to break down a bit. The tomatoes should have “melted” and created a sauce.
    5. Taste and adjust seasoning and add fresh basil.
    6. Serve sauce over pasta with parmesan cheese, Kalamata olives, capers, and/or burrata.

    Eggplant and Tomato Pasta Sauce:

  • Flame Roasted Tomato Pasta

    September 4, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Our creation.

    Ingredients:

    • 24 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes
    • Olive oil
    • Salt
    • 1 lb. of pasta (reserve 1/2 c. pasta water)
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper or to taste
    • 2 TBSP – 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese to taste
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 1/2 – 1 c. basil, chopped
    • 8 oz. burrata

    Directions:

    1. Add your cast iron pan to the Ooni and heat your Ooni until hot. If you don’t have an Ooni you can roast the tomatoes in the oven at 425F for 15-20 minutes, or until desired doneness.
    2. Add the tomatoes to a bowl and toss liberally with olive oil and salt. Once the cast iron pan has reached 500F, remove the pan and add the tomatoes; cook the tomatoes until charred, or until desired doneness. You can do them in batches.
    3. Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving 1/2 c. of pasta water.
    4. While the pasta cooks, heat a small skillet with 1-2 TBSP of olive oil and saute garlic for 2 minutes; then add the crushed red pepper and toss to combine, and then remove from the heat.
    5. When the pasta is done, add pasta to a large serving bowl; then add the sauted garlic and toss to combine; then add the parmesan cheese and 1/4 c. of pasta water (reserve the remaining pasta water if you want to add more); then add the flame roasted tomatoes and lemon zest and toss to combine. Top with the basil and burrata (break up the burrata into large chunks.

    Flame Roasted Tomato Pasta:


  • Calabrian Chili Pasta

    July 28, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Dash of Savory.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. thin spaghetti, cooked al dente
    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 TBSP butter
    • 1/4 c. Calabrian chili peppers, about 10 peppers, stems removed and sliced
    • 1 sweet onion, chopped
    • 10.5 oz. cherry tomatoes
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2/3 c. white wine, chicken broth, or water
    • 8 oz. tomato sauce
    • 2 c. baby spinach
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Fresh basil, chopped
    • Parmesan cheese

    Directions:

    1. Cook pasta al dente according to package; drain and set aside.
    2. Meanwhile, in a skillet heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chilis, onion, and tomatoes to the skillet and then season with salt and pepper and saute over medium high heat until tomatoes are bursting, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    3. Turn heat down and deglaze pan with wine, broth, or water and simmer for 3 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Then stir in tomato sauce; then turn off heat and add spinach and toss until wilted and then add cooked pasta and toss to coat the pasta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    4. Add basil and parmesan cheese and serve.

    Calabrian Chili Pasta:

  • Sloppy Lasagna

    April 5, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Ingredients:

    • 32 oz. favorite pasta sauce (Rao’s Arrabbiata), save 1/2 c. for topping
    • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 c. parmesan cheese
    • 3 c. + mozzarella cheese, divided
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1/2 box lasagna noodles, broken into 2 inch pieces

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly spray a 8X8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
    2. In a large bowl add the pasta sauce (minus 1/2 c.), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and 1 c. of shredded mozzarella cheese, and mix to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    3. Meanwhile boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions (cook until al dente.) Drain well then and pour into the bowl with the sauce and mix to combine.
    4. Pour the coated lasagna noodles onto the prepared baking dish, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Add as much cheese as you want.
    5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese is light brown and bubbly.
    6. Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
    7. With the remaining 1/2 c. sauce, heat in small saucepan and add additional sauce as desired (or top chicken cutlets with the sauce).

    Sloppy Lasagna:

  • The Best Minestrone Soup

    March 7, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Ambitious Kitchen.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 stalks celery, diced
    • 2 large carrots, sliced
    • 1 zucchini, diced
    • 1 medium (or 2 small) yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½ inch cubes (about 1 cup diced potatoes)
    • 2 (14 oz.) can fire roasted tomatoes, crushed/blitzed in food processor
    • 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
    • 6 c. vegetable broth
    • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, optional
    • 3/4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • 12 oz. green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
    • 6 oz. spinach
    • Pasta: elbow noodles, small shells or fusilli, cooked separately
    • Freshly grated parmesan for serving

    Directions:

    1. Add olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and place over medium high heat. Add in diced onion, celery, sliced carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until onions soften.
    2. Next add in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Cover and cook on medium low for 10-15 minutes.
    3. Next add the green beans to the soup and simmer uncovered for 8-12 minutes or until green beans are tender. Once green beans are tender, add spinach and simmer until spinach has wilted.
    4. Meanwhile cook pasta in a separate pot, and drain when al dente.
    5. Add pasta to a bowl and ladle soup over the pasta. Top with parmesan cheese.
    6. Leftovers are amazing. The soup thickens, so add additional broth to your liking (I added 2 additional cups for the leftovers).

    The Best Minestrone Soup:

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