August 23, 2012

Baked Lemon-Basil Pasta


I'll try to get pictures up on this!

In looking through my pantry and trying to figure out dinner, I came up with this recipe.  I'm sure there is something similar out there, but this is what I did and it was highly popular among all who tasted. :)

What You'll Need to feed 2-4 People:
While listening to songs like "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil, you'll want to gather up:
3 cups cooked pasta- something that will hold sauce like shells, rotini or even campanelle pasta
1-2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
1 handful Fresh Basil & Oregano chopped
3 Tablespoons Basil Pesto
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/2 Cup Chopped Artichoke Hearts
Shredded Mozzarella (I had some raw mozzarella that I sliced)
1   1/4  Cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Flour or cornstarch mixed with a 1/4 cup milk set aside
While Pasta is cooking, in a saucepan, mix all other ingredients except the 1 t flour or cornstarch mixed with 1/4 c of your milk.  Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring often.  When starting to simmer, add in rest of milk with the flour/cornstarch in it. This will thicken pretty quickly, so watch it!  It should be a cream sauce, similar to mac & cheese.  
Drain pasta and add the cream sauce stirring only enough to get it mixed.  Pour into an oven-save baking dish (I use my little ramekins. but oven safe bowls will do marvelously!)
Top with cheese and broil until cheese is brown and bubbly.  Serve hot! 

ENJOY! :)

August 14, 2012

Speaking of Salsa....


My mother's Summer Salsa is the best.   SO easy to make!  I hope you enjoy- feel free to leave comments! :)
I'm actually posting this recipe for my little sister who wants it!  Here you go little sis!
-1 Can Fire-roasted tomatoes with garlic
-1 Can "petite diced with chipotle chiles"
-1 bunch of cilantro
-1/2 sweet yellow or white onion
-1 red, orange or yellow sweet bell pepper

Chop all ingredients, add cans and maybe a couple extra tomatoes.   Enjoy!