fresh tomatoes over pasta( a tomato pesto?)

We tried to grow some tomatoes this year. I don't recall what type they were but as you can see they came out small. They're bigger then a cherry tomatoe, smaller then a plum, but very tasty and sweet. There were about dozen + I didn't know what to do with them so I made a one dish pasta ( probably could have been stretched to two..lol)

I'm not one to really measure so these are estimates. It was really tough to do a 'free-hand' recipe like this but I'm glad I tried it. If you decide to attempt to re-create this- let me know what you think please! (be kind -as I said, it was my first try..lol)

I guess it's sort of like a tomato pesto sauce... enjoy!

This is a full tomato flavor dish so it you don't like tomatoes as a whole- don't try this dish.

Ingredients used:

15-20 cherry Tomatoes - or in my case...12-14 small tomatoes ;)

1 clove of garlic- If you really like garlic add more ~ think I should have used at least two

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup chopped onion

Fresh herbs

Basil- chopped - came to about a tablespoon

Oregano- chopped - little over half a tablespoon

Italian flat leaf parsley- chopped- half a tablespoon

1 teaspoon sugar, pinch of mint flakes ***

salt & pepper to taste

I sliced and quartered the tomatoes to prep them for the sauce pot.

In a sauce pot heat up the olive oil over medium heat then add onions & garlic -saute until onions become clear. Add the fresh chopped herbs , turn to a simmer, let cook a few minutes so all the herbs and flavors blend well with the oil.

Add the sliced tomatoes to the pot and turn the heat back up to medium high. STIR FREQUENTLY. My father taught me to add something to tame the acidity of the tomatoes.

*** This is the point where I add a little sugar. Some of my friends add mint, others I know add carrots. I think carrots would have been nice and colorful to the dish,but would have definitely made it taste on a whole new dimension , so it's up to you what you like. Also if you use fresh mint, be careful to only use a small amount as it easily over powers the dish. I decided along with the tsp of sugar, to add a dash of dried mint I had - just a small pinch ;)

Taste as you go- and adjust as you like !!

Remember to stir frequently until the tomatoes start to soften and break down a bit. Not too much- we still want some chunk to it and not boil the taste of the tomatoes out. It's a personal choice of course, others may like the freshness of the tomatoes and only want them heated up a bit... I preferred the consistency as seen in the photo below :

Serve over and mix it in with your favorite pasta- or, I bet this would be good over rice too!

I also sprinkled in some parmesan cheese when I mixed it up and served it..

NOTE: I tried a little more with some shredded mozzarella .... definitely go with the parmesan- It pairs much better with this !! :)

BUON APPETITO!

bow tie beef skillet

This was a hit with the guys- they ate it all up even when I doubled the recipe!

1 lb ground beef

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 cups uncooked pasta , bow tie- or I used mafalda noodles

1 can (14 1/2 oz)diced tomatoes- drained

1 1/3 cup beef broth

1 can (8oz) tomato sauce - *

1 tblsp Worcestershire sauce

3 medium yellow summer squash thinly sliced (optional - I didn't use it!!)

3/4 cup chopped green peppers

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

in large skillet cook beef over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in the pasta, tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce & Worcestershire sauce. Bring to boil. Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Add squash and green pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes longer or until pasta and veggies are tender, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese- cook another 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top to serve....

*NOTES: This is quite tastier then it sounds. I used mozzarella on top when severed;I didn't have tomato sauce and used spaghetti sauce(with garlic and onion) instead. Also I mixed some mozzarella with the parmesan into the "sauce". I had to double the recipe to feed four of us~ the guys are big eaters ;).

* yield 5 servings.

sausage Mostaccioli

sausage Mostaccioli - a nice winter dish!
Prep Time:
20 Min
Total Time:
45 Min
Makes:
4 servings



INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 slices uncooked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage
1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (4.5 oz) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, undrained
3/4 cup Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups uncooked mostaccioli pasta (4 oz)
DIRECTIONS
1. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bacon, onion and sausage. Cook 4 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink.
2. Stir in tomatoes, mushrooms, broth, basil, salt, pepper and uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.


I added garlic to the dish... you have to it's, it's italian!!
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes can be substituted for the 28-oz can of whole tomatoes.
Use a kitchen scissors to break up the tomatoes.
Serve with crusty thick-sliced Italian bread. For added zing, coat slices lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herbs, and toast lightly under the broiler.



Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 360 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 50mg; Sodium 1760mg; Total Carbohydrate 33g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 7g); Protein 15g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 15%; Calcium 10%; Iron 25% Exchanges: 2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Vegetable; 1 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese -food network magazine

Cook Time:55 min
Level:Intermediate
Yield:4 to 6

Ingredients

* Unsalted butter, for greasing
* 8 ounces macaroni
* 2 1/2 cups cold milk
* 4 ounces provolone cheese, coarsely grated
* 4 ounces aged Asiago cheese, coarsely grated
* 2 large eggs
* 2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
* 3 slices white sandwich bread, torn into small pieces
* 3 strips bacon
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Kosher salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart shallow casserole dish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain; transfer the pasta to the prepared casserole dish along with 1/4 cup of the cold milk. (This will cool the pasta and prevent it from becoming gummy.)

Meanwhile, mix the cheeses together in a small bowl. Beat the eggs with 1/4 cup of the milk in a medium bowl. Add the scallions, bread and half of the cheese to the egg mixture; set aside.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until just brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining 1 3/4 cups milk and 3/4 cup water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, whisking until thick. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk to cool slightly. Whisk in the remaining cheese. Add the sauce to the macaroni; stir to combine.

Crumble up the bacon and add it to the egg/bread mixture. Spread evenly over the pasta. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Milanese Fettuccini Alfredo

Milanese Fettuccini Alfredo from Rachel Ray

Level:Easy
Yield:4-6 servings

Times:Prep 5 min
Cook 20 min Total:25 min



Ingredients

* 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, 2 pinches
* 1 to 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
* Salt
* 1 pound fettuccine
* 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pats
* 8 ounces (2 1/2 to 3 cups loosely packed), finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Directions

Bring large pot of water to a boil over medium heat.

Preheat the oven to warm, about 200 degrees F. Put a large serving bowl or a platter, for the pasta, into the oven to warm.

In a small pot over low heat, add the saffron threads and the stock. Let steep until ready to use.

When the water boils, season with salt, add the pasta and cook to al dente. Just before draining, add a ladle of the starchy pasta water to the pot with the saffron stock. Drain the pasta.

Remove the bowl or platter from the oven and scatter with the butter pats. Add the pasta and pour in the saffron liquid. Sprinkle with half of the cheese and toss for 1 minute. Add more cheese and continue to toss for another 1 to 2 minutes. Keep tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and cheese has melted into the saffron broth forming a creamy, lightly golden sauce. Serve immediately.

Spinach and Bacon Mac n Cheese

compliments of kraft foods

Spinach-Bacon Macaroni & Cheese
Prep Time: 20 min Total Time: 40 min Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients needed :
3 cups medium shell macaroni, uncooked
1 pkg. (6 oz. ) fresh baby spinach leaves
4 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
1 pkg. KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Procedure:
HEAT oven to 350°F.
COOK macaroni as directed on pkg., adding spinach for
the last min. Cook bacon in large saucepan. Remove
bacon; save drippings in pan.
ADD flour to drippings; cook and stir until bubbly. Gradually
stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and
stir 3 to 5 min. or until thickened.
STIR in 1 cup Cheddar and Parmesan; cook and stir until
melted. Add bacon and macaroni mixture; mix well.
SPOON into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining
Cheddar. Bake 20 min.

Citrus shrimp over pasta

This is a great recipe for a small dinner party

Citrus Shrimp
1 lime
1 medium orange
6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce
1 pound (31 to 35) medium fresh raw shrimp, peeled, deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine, cooked

Procedure

Remove zest of lime and orange using citrus zester or fine grater. Juice lime; reserve 2 tablespoons juice. Juice orange; reserve juice.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add green onions, cumin and pepper sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until onions are softened (1 to 2 minutes). Add shrimp; continue cooking until shrimp turn pink (2 to 3 minutes). Remove shrimp; set aside.
Increase heat to high. Add reserved lime juice and orange juice to same skillet. Cook until mixture is reduced to 1/3 cup (4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in remaining butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir in lime and orange zest and cilantro. Add shrimp; stir to coat.
To serve, spoon shrimp mixture over hot cooked fettuccine.


Makes 4 servings.

Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce EZ

Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce EZ
Ingredients
Difficulty: Easy .
HEALTHY
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 (1 cup) servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 cup crumbled feta cheese or a 6-ounce block
1 pound whole-wheat fettuccine
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Procedure
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes. Add roasted peppers and saute until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place mixture in the bowl of a food processor with stock and all but 2 tablespoons of the feta. Process until combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water by the tablespoon, if needed. Sauce should cling nicely to pasta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide among pasta bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining feta cheese.
Nutritional Analysis per Serving Calories 470 Carbohydrates 73 grams Total fat 11 grams Saturated fat 4.5 grams Protein 18 grams Fiber 10 grams Sodium 1050 milligrams

Classic baked Mostaccioli/Ziti -EZ

Classic baked Mostaccioli/Ziti -EZ
Ingredients
1lb ground beef
4 cup mostaccioli- cooked and drained
(I've used ziti.. penne or rigatoni would work too)
1-3/4 lbs spaghetti sauce. (I've used jar sauce was 1lb 10oz)
3/4 cup grated Romano cheese Divided into 1/2 c and 1/4c
(I used the grated cheese mix of parmesean and romano)
8oz package shredded mozzarella cheese

* whenever I brown meat, I added onion powder and some garlic-maybe about a tablespoon total of both, sometimes I add chopped onions and fresh chopped garlic..not alot, dash of pepper and some salt gives the meat more flavor
Procedure
Preaheat oven to 375 degrees F. * Brown meat in large skillet;drain. Stir in pasta, spaghetti sauce and 1/2 cup of the romano cheese. mix - spooin into 13"x 9" inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup romano cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.

Quick Ravioli Casserole

"Quick" Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
28-oz. jar spaghetti sauce, divided
25-oz. pkg. frozen cheese ravioli, cooked and divided
16-oz. container cottage cheese, divided
16-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Spread 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce in a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan; layer with half the ravioli. Pour 1-1/4 cups sauce over ravioli. Spread one cup cottage cheese over top; sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining ingredients, ending with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera
3/4 of a 16 ounce package of spaghetti or linguine
2 cups broccoli cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive or salad oil
1 12 ounce package mushrooms cut in half
1 small onion, minced
1 small carrot cut into match stick thin strips
1 small red pepper cut into thin strips (can use green)
1 12 ounce can evaporated skim milk
2 teaspoons chicken-flavored instant bouillon
1 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium tomato seeded and diced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons parsley

1. In sauce pot, prepare spaghetti as label directs: drain. Return to sauce pot; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in a 2 quart saucepan over high heat, in 1 inch boiling water, heat broccoli pieces to boiling. reduce heat to low: cover and simmer 3 minutes, or until broccoli is tender crisp: drain
3. While broccoli is cooking, in a twelve inch skillet over high heat, in hot oil, cook mushrooms, onion, and carrots, stirring often, until vegetables are golden and tender crisp. Add pepper strips and cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender.
4. In a 2 cup measuring cup, with a fork, mix milk, bouillon, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Into vegetable mixture in skillet stir in milk mixture. Over high heat to boiling, boil one minute. Add tomatoes, cheese parsley, broccoli, and spaghetti, tossing to coat well; heat through.

Makes 6 main-dish servings.

Peirogi casserole

PIEROGI CASSEROLE

1 LB. BOW TIE NOODLES OR ELBOWS prepare as directed.
2 LBS POTATOES
1 LB.. SLICED AMERICAN CHEESE save 6 slices for the top
2 LBS. ONIONS chopped
1/2 LB. BUTTER
1/2 LB. MARGARINE.

Saute' onions in butter/margarine. Cook noodles as directed on box. Boil the potatoes to prepare them to be mashed. Mix half of onions/butter with potatoes as you mash them- also mix the cheese with the potatoes * except for the 6 slices for the top. Add a little milk to help cream the mash potatoes. Spread the remaining half of the butter and onion mix on the bottom of an 11x13 pan. Spread noodles over the onion mix, then spread a layer of mashed potato mix - layer like you would lasgna. Put remaining 6 slices of cheese on top of casserole. Cover with foil.

BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR 45 MINUTES.

Thrifty Lasagna Pinwheels

8 Lasagna noodles
< I just made the whole package ..some ripped and I spread it a little more then 8 too)
10oz package frozen spinach, thawed , drained and chopped
<>
1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided (3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
1 cup shredded mozzarella divided (1/4 cup and 3/4)
15oz ricotta cheese
1/4 tsp nutmeg
pinch salt and pepper
1 egg


mix together spinach , ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, 1/4 cup mozzerella, 3/4 cup parmesan. Cook noodles al dente. Allow to cool.
Spread about 1/3 cup of of the cheese mixture along the entire length of the noodle. Roll the noodle & stand on its side in a prepared round deep casserole dish, spayed with non-stick cooking spray. Pour sauce over the noodles, cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until warmed through. Uncover, sprinkle remaining cheese over top, return to oven until cheese is bubbly.aproximately 5minutes. serve and enjoy

Crockpot Lasagna

Crock Pot Lasagna
8 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef (or substitute w/ ground turkey)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
28-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup water
4-oz. can sliced mushrooms, optional
15 oz. low-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Procedure
Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain. Stir in Italian seasoning. Break noodles into thirds. Place half in bottom of greased crockpot. Spread half of ground beef mixture over noodles in crockpot. On top of beef, layer 1/2 of sauce, 1/2 of water, 1/2 of mushrooms (opt.), 1/2 of ricotta, and 1/2 of mozerella cheese. Repeat all layers.

Creamy skillet chicken

Creamy skillet chicken

1lb wide egg noodles.cooked as directed on package

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to cook chicken in..

8 small chicken breast , boneless and skinless

(used 6, was plenty! Have also used chicken tenders 1-2lbs)

Sauce:

8oz cream cheese cubed/softened

1-1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

4 onions chopped

4 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

1cup grape/plum tomatoes, chopped

1 cup snow peas

Procedure

heat oil in skillet on medium heat. add chicken; cook each side approx, 5 minutes

stir in cream cheese, broth, dressing, onions, and parsley.

cook and stir until sauce thickens and chicken is thoroughly cooked; utilizing meat thermometer to ensure doneness.Add snow peas and tomatoes;cook 3 minutes or until peas are tender....actually took me about 5 mins

serve over noodles

I prefer lots of sauce and next time would double the Sauce recipe.

Very tasty- went over well with the guests!

Cheesburger casserole- ( 'home made hamburger helper..lol)

Seasoning (Makes enough for a few batches):
Mix together the following.
1 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1/2 cup instant onion
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 2/3 cups fat-free dry milk powder
3 1/2 Tablespoons beef bouillon granules

MIX TOGETHER AND STORE, in a cool, dry place.

Cheeseburger Casserole
1 pound hamburger
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked macaroni
1 can chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup seasoning mix
2 cups of grated cheese

First brown the hamburger and drain off the fat.
Add 1 1/2 cups water,
1 cup uncooked macaroni,
1 can chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup seasoning mix.(that you pre-made)
Simmer ....covered 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender.
Remove from heat and add 2 cups of grated cheese. I would use Montery Jack!