Wednesday, March 1, 2023

The Joy of Cooking with Family: A Pasta and Broccoli Recipe

One of my fondest memories of spending time with my family was when I visited my nephew and we decided to cook together. My nephew had always been interested in learning how to cook, so I was excited to share one of our family recipes with him. The recipe was for pasta and broccoli, a dish that my family had been making for generations. This was a two fold project we created a youtube video and you can watch his video at Vincent's Radical Universe.

As we started preparing the ingredients, I explained the history of the recipe to my nephew. I told him how my grandmother had come up with the recipe using whatever ingredients she had on hand to make a filling and nutritious meal for her family. Over the years, the recipe had been passed down from generation to generation, with each family member putting their own spin on it.

We started by boiling the pasta and steaming the broccoli until they were both tender. Then, we combined them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese. We tossed everything together until the pasta was coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

As we cooked, my nephew asked me lots of questions about the recipe and about our family history. I was happy to share stories with him and pass on some of our family traditions. I could see the joy and excitement on his face as we cooked together, and it made me feel grateful for the opportunity to spend time with him.

Finally, it was time to eat. We sat down at the table and dug into our bowls of pasta and broccoli. The dish was as delicious as I remembered, and my nephew seemed to agree. He even asked for the recipe so he could make it at home for his family.

Cooking with my nephew was a wonderful experience that I will always cherish. It reminded me of the importance of family traditions and the joy that comes from sharing them with others. I hope that one day my nephew will pass on this recipe to his own children and grandchildren, and that it will continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.

I hope this blog post captures the essence of your experience and inspires others to cook with their loved ones and pass on their own family recipes.


Pasta and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pasta (spaghetti is best)
  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli in a separate pot or steamer basket until it is tender but still firm, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the steamed broccoli to the pan with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the broccoli in the oil and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Add the pasta to the pan with the broccoli and toss to combine.
  6. If the pasta and broccoli seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the pan to loosen everything up.
  7. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and broccoli and toss to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Meatball Recipe - How to Cook Italian Meatballs

Meatballs are a classic Italian dish that is loved by people all around the world. They are versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed in many different ways. In this recipe, we'll be using a pound of ground beef and some classic Italian seasonings to create a flavorful and juicy meatball. The addition of onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano cheese, and Italian parsley will give your meatballs a rich and savory taste that your family and friends will surely enjoy.

To start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano cheese, chopped Italian parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Once the mixture is well combined, start forming the meatballs by rolling the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 12-15 meatballs with this recipe.

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

After baking, transfer the meatballs to a pot of marinara sauce and cook over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more delicious.

Once the meatballs are fully cooked and coated with sauce, you can serve them over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice. Garnish with some chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmigiano cheese, and enjoy!


The Breakdown

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 jars marinara sauce
  • or link to homemade marinara recipe
  • the blog.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano cheese, chopped Italian parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 12-15 meatballs with this recipe.
  4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
  5. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, transfer them to a pot of marinara sauce and cook over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become even more delicious.
  6. Once the meatballs are fully cooked and coated with sauce, you can serve them over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice. Garnish with some chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmigiano cheese, and enjoy!

This classic Italian meatball recipe is perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and meats to create your own unique version of this classic dish. So go ahead and try this recipe today, and treat yourself to a delicious and hearty meal that will surely satisfy your taste buds.


Monday, February 27, 2023

Grilled Baby Bell Peppers with Parmigiana Cheese Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer that's perfect for any occasion, look no further than these delicious grilled baby bell peppers with Parmigiana cheese. These peppers are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the recipe and show you just how easy it is to make these tasty little treats.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb baby bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiana cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Rinse the baby bell peppers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  3. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmigiana cheese, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stuff the cheese mixture into each pepper and then brush them with olive oil.
  6. Place the peppers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're charred and tender.
  7. Remove the peppers from the grill and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

These grilled baby bell peppers with Parmigiana cheese are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So why not give this recipe a try and see just how delicious they can be?

If you have any questions or comments about this recipe, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading, and happy grilling!


Sunday, February 26, 2023

Grilled Artichokes with Balsamic Vinegar and Chimichurri Marinade

If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful dish to add to your dinner rotation, grilled artichokes with a balsamic vinegar olive oil and chimichurri marinade is the way to go. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it's also easy to make and bursting with flavor. In this blog post, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large artichokes
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by prepping the artichokes. Cut off the top third of each artichoke and remove the tough outer leaves until you reach the tender inner leaves. Cut off the stem and trim the bottom of each artichoke to create a flat base.
  2. Boil the artichokes in salted water for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Brush the mixture generously over the artichokes, making sure to get in between the leaves.
  4. In another bowl, mix together parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Grill the artichokes on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Once they're lightly charred, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
  6. Use a spoon to remove the choke (the fuzzy part) from the center of the artichoke. Then, spoon the chimichurri mixture over the artichokes, making sure to get it in between the leaves.
  7. Serve the grilled artichokes warm or at room temperature, with extra chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping.

And there you have it - a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. With these simple instructions, you can whip up a batch of grilled artichokes with balsamic vinegar and chimichurri marinade in no time. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and the end result is sure to impress. Plus, with the combination of artichokes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chimichurri sauce, this dish is loaded with nutrients and bursting with flavor. So why not give it a try for your next family dinner or gathering? We guarantee you won't be disappointed!


Saturday, February 25, 2023

Langostino Lobster Enchilada Recipe

Lobster Enchiladas are a mouth-watering delight, with the rich and succulent meat of langoustine lobster paired with spicy green chile peppers, tangy black olives, and melted cheese. The recipe we'll be sharing today is easy to make and will leave your taste buds craving for more. So let's dive into the recipe!


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of langoustine lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  • 1 can of green hatch chile peppers
  • 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
  • 2 cups of Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 jar of green enchilada sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped lobster meat with the can of green chile peppers.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and chopped onion until smooth.
  4. Add the cream cheese mixture to the lobster and chile peppers and mix thoroughly.
  5. Heat the corn tortillas on a griddle or in a microwave until they are pliable.
  6. Spoon the lobster mixture into the center of each tortilla and roll tightly.
  7. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Pour the green enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, making sure they are all evenly covered.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend and sliced black olives on top of the enchiladas.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Once the enchiladas are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve the lobster enchiladas hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. These enchiladas are a perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that are sure to please any seafood lover. Enjoy!


Thursday, February 23, 2023

Langostino Stuffed Giant Mushroom Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and impressive appetizer or main dish, look no further than this Langostino Stuffed Giant Mushroom recipe. It's easy to make and bursting with flavor, thanks to the succulent langoustine lobster and a variety of cheeses and seasonings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • 1 lb. Langostino lobster meat, chopped
  • 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the garlic, onion, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, parsley, and chopped Langostino lobster meat.
  3. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Arrange the portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet.
  5. Divide the Langostino lobster mixture evenly among the mushroom caps, pressing it down gently to fill each one.
  6. Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the mushrooms are tender.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Tips:

  • Make sure to remove the stems from the mushrooms before stuffing them, so there is enough space for the filling.
  • You can use any type of lobster meat in this recipe if Langostino is not available.
  • If you want to make this dish a little spicier, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
  • This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

This Langostino Stuffed Giant Mushroom recipe is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors and stunning presentation. It's a perfect dish for a dinner party or a special occasion, and it's so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time. Try it today and enjoy the rich and decadent flavors of Langostino lobster and melted cheese, all stuffed into a giant mushroom cap!



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Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Panko-Encrusted Pork Loin Chops with Green and Black Olive Tapenade

If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to serve up pork chops, look no further than this recipe for panko-encrusted pork loin chops with green and black olive tapenade. With a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, these pork chops are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the addition of the homemade olive tapenade takes this dish to a whole new level of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 pork loin chops, about 1 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

For the olive tapenade:

  • 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
  4. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dip each pork chop first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the pork chops to ensure a good coating.
  6. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  9. While the pork chops are cooking, prepare the olive tapenade. In a small bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, capers, lemon juice, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  10. When the pork chops are done cooking, let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  11. Serve the pork chops topped with a generous spoonful of olive tapenade.

  12. Enjoy!

    We hope you enjoy this recipe for panko-encrusted pork loin chops with green and black olive tapenade. It's the perfect way to jazz up your weeknight dinners with a unique and flavorful twist. Happy cooking!