Homemade Pasta

Ingredients:
1 pound all-purpose flour
4 whole eggs, plus 1 yolk
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 to 2 tablespoons water, sometimes more needed

Directions:
Put flour on a clean dry work surface or inside a large bowl.  Make a hole in the center of the flour pile that is about 8 inches wide.  Crack the eggs and the yolk into the hole and add the oil, salt, and water.  Using a fork, beat the eggs together with the oil, water and salt.  Begin to incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, being careful not to break the sides of the well or the egg mixture will run all over the place.

When enough flour had been incorporated into the egg mixture so that it will not run all over the place when the sides of the well are broken, begin to use your hands to really get everything well combined.  If the mixture is dry, wet your hands and begin kneading with wet hands. Once the mixture has come together, you can begin kneading.  Really stretch the dough, but do not tear it using the palms of your hands.  The dough should be very smooth when done.  It typically can take from 8-10 minutes.


Once the pasta is kneaded, wrap in plastic and let rest for 1 hour.  Do not put in refrigerator if using immediately. You can roll and cut into any shape, but I decided to cut the dough into fettuccine.


When cooking fresh pasta, it usually takes much less time than dried pasta.  Probably about 4-5 minutes instead of 8-10.  Then toss it in your favorite sauce. I used my pasta with garlic and oil and basic tomato sauce recipe. 

Pin It Now!

Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients:
2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets
3 garlic cloves
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
salt
pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Pour 1/4 cup olive oil into bottom of a glass pan.  Place florets into pan with flowery parts up.  Finely chop the garlic cloves and sprinkle over the broccoli. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.  Then sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the broccoli tops.  Top with the parmesan cheese.  Lightly drizzle the remaining olive oil over the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve and Enjoy!

Pin It Now!

Goat Cheese and Avocado Burger

Ingredients:
1 avocado
1 lb ground beef
12 oz goat cheese (amount can be varied)
salt
pepper
4 burger buns
1 lemon
1 tablespoon oil

Directions:
Form the ground beef into 4, 1/4 lb burger patties.  In a large grill pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.  Season each patty with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, drop the patties in.  Don't touch them so you can allow them to get brown on one side.  They should cook about 4-5 minutes minutes on this first side with the heat on high. 

Meanwhile, slice up the avocado.  Push your knife into the side of the avocado so it comes in contact with the pit.  Rotate your knife around to make one line.  Twist the avocado open and remove the pit with a spoon.  Then using a large spoon, scoop it out of the shell in one piece.  Put it on a cutting board and slice it very thinnly.  Then sprinkle with salt and squeeze with a little lemon juice. 

Now you can flip your burger.  Cook them on the other side for another 5 minutes or until they are completely brown.  Once that side is completely done, flip them over again and put however much goat cheese you want on top.  I like a lot of cheese! Then put a lid or tin foil over the burgers to allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.

While the cheese is melting, get the hamburger buns ready.  Whatever bun you like is perfectly fine.  I lay 2 or 3 pieces of avocado on the bottom bun. 

Once the burgers are done, take them out and put them on top of the avocado.  Then place another 2 or 3 pieces on top of the cheese.

Then put the tops on your burger and serve!

Pin It Now!

Fried Pork Cutlets

Ingredients:
12 pork cutlets, pounded
2 eggs
1 cup flour
3 cups bread crumbs
salt
pepper
2 tablespoons parsley
1 tablespoon paprika
lemon wedges for serving
oil for frying

Directions:
After you pound the pork about 1/4 inch thick, set aside for the breading station.  First, season the flour with salt and pepper and stir.  Then beat the eggs in a bowl as the second part of the station.  Finally mix salt, pepper, parsley, and paprika in with the bread crumbs as the third part of the station. 

In a large skillet, put about 1/4 - 1/2 inch of vegetable oil and heat on high.  While the oil is heating begin breading the pork.  Start with the flour, then go into the egg, and finish with the bread crumb.  Remember to shake excess off after each step.  Then place the pork in the hot pan.  If it does not sizzle, the pan is not hot enough.  Cook about 6-7 minutes on each side or until outside is golden and crispy.

After all the pork has finished cooking serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Pin It Now!

Potato Salad

Since I am not a huge fan of mayonaise on potato salad, I decided to make a version without mayo.  Not only is it healthier, but it can be served warm and doesn't need to be refrigerated so it's great for picnics and barbecues.  It has so much flavor and is very easy to make.

Ingredients:
2 pounds thin skinned potatoes (yukon gold, purple peruvian, or new potatoes)
1/2 red onion
1 garlic clove
3 tablespoons fresh dill
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 tablespoon dijion mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
salt
pepper

Directions:
Chop the potatoes into about  1 1/2- 2 inch cubes.  Add potatoes to a pot with the garlic clove and fill with water 1 inch above the potatoes.  Put pot on stove and turn the gas on high.  Once the water comes up to a boil salt the water and continue cooking.  Total cooking time should be 20-25 minutes or until fork comes out without any resistance. 

In a large bowl, whisk the mustard and red wine vinegar together until they combine.  Then slowly whisk in the olive oil. 

Slice the red onion very thinnly and add to the mustard, vinegar, and oil vinegarette.  Chop the dill and parsley and reserve to the side. 

Once potatoes are fork tender, drain them and remove the garlic clove and add them to the mixture.  Stir gently and add in the parsley and dill.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm or chill and enjoy!

Pin It Now!