Hurricane Irene

As you probably know, by the end of last week there was a lot of hype about Hurricane Irene coming up the East Coast and gearing up to hit the NYC area hard. I don't live in NYC, but across the river from downtown Manhattan on the Jersey side. The main concern for the area was flooding and power outages. We live on the 25th floor so clearly flooding wasn't a concern, but a power outage definitely was. So while my husband was making sure we did all of the hurricane 'preparedness' needed, I had some concerns of my own.

Not related to food, I wanted to make sure we had plenty of entertainment for us and our friends in the building if the power went out. I made sure our board games were easy access and downloaded a hurricane playlist for our battery operated ipod speakers. You cannot imagine how many songs are out there relating to hurricanes, storms, wind, rain, etc. They ended up in a pretty good mix in my opinion. Then I of course wanted to make sure we had plenty of cold beer in the cooler. Below was our selection.

It included Anchor Steam, Ithaca Beer Co. Cascazilla, Dogfish Head IPA, Keegan Ales Hurricane Kitty, Stone IPA, and the light choice was Miller Light. Most of these are favorites around our apartment, but the Hurricane Kitty was one we hadn't tried and obviously had to get for the occasion. It was an IPA and surprisingly good considering we only got it because it had Hurricane in the name. We also had plenty of red wine on hand, and we didn't even need to worry about keeping it cold.

Now onto the food, I wanted to bake some snacks up to go along with the other non-perishable food we loaded up on. So I made these peanut butter granola balls from Martha Stewart.

I'm Addicted to this Spicy Pasta Salad!

I was going to include this as part of my vacation wrap up post, but this is too darn good, it deserves it's own post. As soon as I saw this Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, & Basil posted on The Pioneer Woman's website I knew I had to make it, and I finally found the time at the lake. It was so good I made it twice within a week. After we got home from the lake we went to Monmouth Park Race Track (horses for those of you who aren't from Jersey) with some friends so I made it again. I enjoyed sneaking in bites of gouda while I was making it, sneaking in bites of the finished product before serving it, and both groups really enjoyed the pasta salad. The only downside was I had to share it with other people.

The only changes I made were that the first time I used Spinach leaves because at the last minute I realized I didn't have basil leaves, it was a good substitute but the version with basil was definitely the perfect combination.  The second time I added extra chipotle, because I love chipotle and can't get enough of it in my life. I was happy I added the extra, but it's excellent both ways.

Please go to the store and get the ingredients you need and make this now. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed it, I'll be making it again soon, I'm addicted.

Pasta with Pancetta and Leeks

After a long day at work and a long workout I was looking for a meal I could throw together in 15-20 minutes tonight. Luckily, I remembered the Pioneer Woman's Pasta with Pancetta and Leeks recipe that I have been meaning to try. I mean Ree said her readers owe it to her to make this recipe, so really it was the least I could do.  I followed the recipe almost exactly, that's right I used all of the butter and all of the cream this time, and it was so worth it. The plan was to have some leftover for our lunches tomorrow, but we couldn't resist eating too much tonight and we're going to have to make alternative plans for lunch. Next time I make this (and there definitely will be a next time) I might add some broccoli or mushrooms to get some extra veggies in. You should make this sometime soon.

Linguine with Clams

To top off my week of cooking seafood, I have some linguine with clams for you. I wanted to go light with the sauce and also use up some food in my pantry. Which resulted in this light and simple sauce that has a bit of a spicy kick (I would have added more red pepper, but my husband can't handle the spice like I can).  So add the crushed red pepper according to your preferences. I also only had whole wheat linguine on hand so that is what I used, but normally for this meal I prefer regular pasta. Keep reading for the recipe.

I hope everyone has a nice weekend! I'm going camping, what are you doing?

Pasta With Mascarpone, Chicken, Sun Dried Tomatoes & Spinach

I thawed some chicken and was in the mood for pasta; this recipe from Italian Food Forever hit the spot. I used some whole wheat pasta shells I had on hand and otherwise followed the recipe.  It got a 'will you please make this again' response from my husband who claims he doesn't like sun dried tomatoes.

Lasagna Rolls

Lasagna Rolls

Giada's Lasagna Rolls were tasty and a nice spin on regular lasagna.  I added extra prosciutto and mushrooms because I wanted to use up the ones I had on hand.   You could really throw anything in the lasagna rolls; sausage, ground meat, eggplant, more spinach, etc.  Timing wise, the recipe instructions were not laid out that great (which I would have realized if I read it ahead of time).  I'd start the lasagna water boiling, then make the ricotta mixture, throw in the lasagna, and then make the bechamel sauce.  

I served it with a side of cucumber-tomato salad and a bottle of Grande Fleur De Lyeth Reserve (a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Syrah).  The wine was good, nothing great.

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp Scampi Pasta from Epicurious, a great Friday night dinner after a long week; lots of oil, lots of butter, and quick.  I usually like to add halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the recipe but I didn't have any on hand, and whose going to the store on a Friday night?  So I threw in some frozen green beans due to lack of options, and the feeling that I needed some veggies to offset the oil and butter.  I also upped the crushed red pepper, because I can never get enough.  Once again, this recipe got rave reviews from my husband (I really enjoyed it too).