Making Tuesday Tasty-Lemon And Chives Pasta

I don't watch Rachael Ray show much but, this was too irresistible not to post! She made a pasta with a lemon butter sauce and fresh farmers market veggies. Right up my alley. I would have loved some cherry or grape tomatoes thrown in here for more color and bite.

Ingredients

Salt

1 pound egg tagliatelle, such as Delverde brand or other thin, wide pasta or egg pasta

1/2 pound thin asparagus, trimmed of tough ends

1/4 to 1/3 pound of thin green beans, a couple of handfuls

1 cup frozen green peas

1 tablespoon EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 tablespoons sweet butter

1/2 cup finely chopped chives

2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 Meyer lemons or 2 ripe organic lemons

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to taste, plus some to pass at table

Pepper

2 cups mache or other baby lettuce

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Cook pasta to al dente according to package, about 7-8 minutes. Slice asparagus in 1-inch pieces on an angle. Cut beans into thirds, also on an angle. Midway through cooking the pasta, add asparagus and beans to water so they cook 3-4 minutes in boiling water with the pasta. Add peas to the pot 1 minute before draining. Reserve about 1/2 cup starchy cooking water just before you drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, heat EVOO in pan and melt butter into it over low to medium-low heat. Add chives and garlic and stir a minute or two. Then add wine and gently reduce a couple of minutes more. Stir in Dijon and lemon juice and turn off heat. Add pasta and remaining starchy water and toss to coat evenly 1-2 minutes. Add some cheese and pepper to taste. Fold in baby lettuce and serve with extra cheese on top.

*recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray show*

Making Tuesday Tasty-Grilled Asparagus w/Lemon and Garlic

My all time favorite vegetable, which is now in season, is asparagus. I know some people shudder at the thought of asparagus and I can only say to that, you don't know what you're missing! A major part in a great asparagus eating experience is, the right preparation. I personally like to toss mine in a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic and roast until tender and a little crispy. I could and have polished off a bundle myself with that combination.

Here's a Paula Deen recipe that has a good take on bringing out the flavors of the asparagus! I would probably do without the lemon zest and go with a good squirt of lemon juice. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, lemon zest all the way!

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Trim asparagus. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, zest and paprika and stir with a fork. Lay asparagus side by side and pierce on 2 wooden skewers to form a raft. Place rafts on the grill and brush with oil mixture. Cook to desired tenderness and season with salt and pepper.

*photo courtesy of Foodnetwork.com*

Making Tuesday Tasty

I'm an asparagus lover. I love it's earthy, distinct flavor that lends itself to many dishes. Most of all I love it made simply. If there's a little real butter or olive oil slathered on it, topped with a little garlic and salt, I'm in heaven.

Here's a simple recipe that kicks the asparagus up a level and compliments it nicely.

Asparagus Wrapped Prosciutto

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon chopped oregano leaves
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves
8 to 12 stalks asparagus, blanched
8 to 12 thin slices prosciutto
1 head lettuce, optional
Tomato wedges, optional
Directions

Mix all ingredients for dressing together and let it set overnight. Do not refrigerate.

Marinate the asparagus in the dressing for 10 minutes.

Wrap 2 to 3 asparagus with prosciutto.

Serve on a bed of lettuce with tomato wedges, if using, and spoon dressing on top.

recipe courtesy of Chicago Chop House

I've Been Tagged Again!

Holly my Sister-in-Law from The Bartlett Bunch and Rebecca from Our Little Family has tagged me to list five random things about myself. Let's see if I can do this without repeating myself from the last tagging. Heh

1. I have no tattoos and only my ears pierced. Besides a belief that I shouldn't do it, I feel like an individual now because there are so many tattooed and pierced people that I'm now almost the minority

2. I never went to college or university or even a trade school because I could never decide or "lock down" what I wanted to do professionally. The only thing I ever wanted to do was be a mom. That's not to say that I wasn't a professional in what I did. I didn't have a child until I was 31 so I had plenty of work to do before then. ;)

3. I love asparagus! ha I love it grilled and roasted or steamed. Add some garlic in there and I'm in heaven. Most people I know aren't fond of it but, it's so versatile to me and so very yummy.

4. I am a Coke addict! No, not the kind you snort. I don't have many addictions but, I can tell you I rarely miss a day when I don't have some, if even just a little. When I do go without it, I miss it. ha!

5. I've been told by more than one person that I'm a great gift giver. Not that I'm super extravagant or anything like that, it's just that I enjoy picking out just the right one. I won't give someone something random unless I barely know them. I take my time window shopping for just the right little gift to cheer someone up and brighten their Birthday or whatever. I'm the same way with cards. If I can't find a card with a sentiment that says what I want it to say, I will fill one out myself with a blank card. I think it's important to make your friends and family feel special and it's always nice to know someone cares enough to think about your like and dislikes. I know I LOVE it when I get a special little gift or card in the mail!