I do not like to cook often at all. I much prefer going out to eat but we only go out twice a week for dinner and at least once a week for lunch. But I am a terrific cook. I can say this with modesty because I'm not much good at anything else, except listening to friends problems and listening well and giving good advice.
Anyway, this is definitely not a food blog. But a recipe I've developed myself and recently taken in to friends in our ward who are sick and have absolutely raved about it. To me it's just a simple recipe for my favorite food pasta but I'm going to share the recipe.
I fly by the seat of my pants usually in creating a new recipe. I'm also picky, picky, picky about food. I use the best ingredients and do NOT economize on essentials. I believe this makes a world of difference in taste.
Pasta Primavera, which translates to Pasta Spring, meaning fresh vegetables. I love pasta. I use rigate penne for this dish.
For two people:
If you want chicken in it, take one chicken breast, sprinkle it with black pepper and Mrs. Dash seasoning and roast it in the oven just until it starts to darken in its juices. That will be the best time to pull it out. It will have a sweet roasted flavor. I may sometimes spread a tiny bit of butter over it but there's no need. Let it cool before cutting it into small bite-size pieces. Then set it aside while preparing the other stuff. I have never, ever boiled a chicken. I can't imagine doing it because of the gross smell. I've always roasted chicken breasts in the oven with Mrs. Dash, which makes all the difference in the world for a piece of chicken breast.
2 cups of penne pasta, salted lightly in pan. Cook until al dente. Set aside for a few minutes.
Topping:
Sliced red onion
Sliced yellow bell pepper
I toss in some California veggies—broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, just one or two handfuls
Chicken you've set aside
Fresh cut up tomato, one roma does it for 2 or 4 people
Peas, a handful of frozen
I throw all the stuff for the topping in a sautè pan with 1/2 stick of butter or more if needed.
This is what the vegetables will look like sautèing in butter.
Closer view. See how some are browning a bit. Just be careful not to burn. Keep tossing until the vegetables carmalize in the butter. This makes a tremendous difference.
And what they look like when ready to serve. Now you'll take the penne pasta and drain it, put it in a pan adding one whole cube of butter, some heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. I don't measure anything because as you start adding the whipping cream and stir it in you'll see how it looks. Just enough to cover the pasta but enough to not let it be dry. Put some on plates and then spoon the sauteed vegetables/chicken, if you want chicken, over each plate of pasta and serve. It's a wonderful meal and so incredibly simple. I can throw it together in 15-20 minutes. Friends and family will love it and it quite impressive to see on a plate. French bread if you want also. Just remember to saute in the butter to carmalize the vegetables and they just start turning brown. The sweeter they'll be, I promise.
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Isn't this a beautiful shot of the sky through a beautiful umbrella?
This is gorgeous! I really do like stripes.
A pretty bracelet.
Squeeeeal!!! How tiny can things get? Adorable!
A caravan or camper with all the accoutrements needed. Well, except for maybe a chef to cook all the meals. ;-)
Loved this photo of the table setting.
I have no idea where this is or even WHAT it is but it looks like some sort of living quarters.
Adorable entry. This is one I'd like to have.
We took some old windows out of a storage shed we had once and I saved them. Imagine my surprise when Love Bunny burned them in a wood pile! I was NOT happy, trust me.
A beautiful shot of a sky, castle and private beach.
Gorgeous vine/climbing roses.
One of my top favorite flowers.
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Useless Information:
First year sales of famous products, proving you shouldn't give up if you've come up with an idea:
VW Beetle: 330
Wite-Out: 1,200 bottles
Cuisinart food processor: 8
Remington typewriter: 8
Scrabble: 532
Coca-Cola: 25 bottles
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