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The holidays are just around the corner and soon we will be celebrating a new year.  

So much to do and so little time, however one thing we can do is make cooking a little simpler.

I found this fabulous pasta recipe in the new York Times and I love it---------- so quick and easy!

Penne with Brussels Sprouts, Chile and Pancetta

TOTAL TIME
20 minutes

Ingredients

  • Sea salt
  • 8 ounces penne
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
  • 3 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 1 large rosemary sprig
  • 6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 1 jalapeño or Serrano chile, thinly sliced (or substitute 1 large pinch crushed red pepper flakes)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • Fresh lemon juice, for serving
  • Freshly grated pecorino cheese (optional)

Preparation

1.
Bring large pot heavily salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until pasta is just al dente (do not overcook).
2.
Meanwhile, heat large sauté pan over high heat and add the olive oil. When oil is hot, add the pancetta and rosemary, and sauté until the fat on the pancetta starts to turn translucent and very lightly brown, about 1 minute. Add the garlic, chile and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and sauté until garlic and pancetta turn richly brown, about 3 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts, a large pinch of salt and a splash of water to pan, and sauté until sprouts just start to soften, about 2 minutes. Spread sprouts mixture in pan and press down to flatten. Let it sear for a minute, then stir it up and repeat. This helps brown the sprouts. Add the butter, and sauté for another minute.
3.
Drain penne and add it to pan with brussels sprouts mixture. Cook, tossing, until everything is well mixed. Spoon into pasta bowls and top with a drizzle of oil and lemon juice, and a little cheese if you like.
YIELD
2 servings
  • By MELISSA CLARK

 

If you decide to do this for company it would look fabulous in the Botanical Leaf Glass Bowl by Michael Aram.  Also check out the Botanical Leaf  Wine Rest.

Happy Holidays

 

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 Fall has finally arrived and with it time for family entertaining.  Whether it be Sunday football or after the kid's soccer game-- it is always snack time.  Apples or pears are the perfect fall snack teamed with a Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Dip or a caramel dip from theyummylife.com website.  A great way to serve the appples and dip would be in the Rectangle Tray from Calaisio.  The tray includes either two or three glass dishes for serving.

Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese Dip

A delicious, versatile dip or spread that combines the flavors and spices of fall. Great to make ahead and have on hand for entertaining.

Ingredients
  • 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened (light cream cheese works fine)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not flavored)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (View recipe for making your own pumpkin pie spice at: www.theyummylife.com/recipes/24)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans for garnish (optional)


Directions:

--With Food Processor: Add all ingredients (except nuts) to bowl of food processor. Process until well combined.
--With Electric Mixer: Combine cream cheese and brown sugar in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
--Store in fridge until ready to serve. Garnish top with chopped pecans, if desired.

Serving suggestions:
--use as a dip for sliced apples, pears, or bananas
--use as a dip for ginger snaps or graham crackers
--use as a dip for pretzels
--use as a spread on bagels, muffins, or toast
--use as a filling for mini pie crusts, garnish with chopped nuts, mini choc. chips, or toffee chips.
 
Caramel Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
  • 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese (low fat works fine)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • toffee bits for garnish (optional)

Directions
Combine ingredients and mix in food processor or with electric mixer. Process/mix until well combined. Chill before serving, or eat it right away.
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