5n@i1 5p@gh3tt1: Spaghetti a la Escargot

Escargot (Snails)

I have wanted to try Escargot for the longest time.  I had so many questions and I finally got the opportunity for some hands on lab. First off, man are they off putting, to say the least, I won't even tell you the words that came to my mind to describe them, nor will I tell you what my family members thought they resembled.  There were four of us willing to give them a try, my sister Bonnie. her husband Jackie, Bronwyn and myself.  I was relieved that they are not slimy in the can.  I can't say I enjoyed the smell at first though.  These were the giant variety and they were about the size of an average sized meatball.  They are quite firm and have good texture, with an almost rubbery undertone.  I made sure that I cooked them gently, afraid of the potentially irreversible consequences of a tough protein such as this.  

Traditionally, Escargot is prepared with a garlic, butter and parsley compound and broiled lightly to melt the delicious aromatics down into the shell, which are to be purchased separately.  I failed to get my order for the shells in before our vacation departure and I figured I would scarcely find them for purchase in any of the supermarkets or shoppes near the lake, so I took them in a different direction.  I wanted to come from this experience with something different and I think I achieved as much with this recipe.  

To counter the almost scary appearance of the Escargot, I halved them, then sliced them into manageable pieces, hoping to capture the appetites of the naysayers.  Next time, I will keep them whole and follow a more traditional route, preparing them in their I guess you would say intended form, for a more genuine experience.  

This recipe is a good introduction to the world of Escargot, a once exclusive dish for the wealthy, now transgressed into a dish to be served on any given weeknight, full of delicious nuances and mystery.

Snails are not just your average exotic food, they also bring with them many nutritional benefits.

They are rich in protein,  substantially so, providing about 18 grams per serving.  The fat in Escargot, albeit small, is mostly polyunsaturated.  Snails boasts essential fatty acids of the good variety, linolenic and linoleic acids, respectively, they lend brain and heart health benefits. There is a wealth of iron, magnesium and calcium, plus copper and phosphorus.   Snails are a good alternative meat as well as a healthy one.  They have vitamins A, B12 and K, where K is mostly found in the veggie department, particularly greens with leaves.  Vitamin B6 and folate also have presence.  If that weren't enough, Escargot has two amino acids that are also present in eggs, lysine and  arginine, both in higher amounts than it's more familar round buddy!  They are sustainable and have a much smaller impact on the environment than other animal proteins.  Just a thought.

Spaghetti a la Escargot

Recipe:

1 7.7 oz. can giant snails, halved and sliced thinly

1 lb. spaghetti, cooked according to instructions in salted water, al dente

1 large ripe tomato, chopped with seeds removed

1 bunch fresh herbs, about 1/2 c. lemon thyme, parsley and sage, rough chopped

6 tbsp. salted Amish Butter 

2 tbsp. Extra Virgin olive oil

1/2 c. chopped yellow onion

6 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced

SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

Olive oil and fresh herbs for garnish

Shredded or Shaved Parmesan Cheese for garnish

Place butter, olive oil, onion and garlic in a large saucepan over low heat and let sweat for about 20 minutes, until soft and fragrant.  

Add Escargots and gently warm through, while pasta cooks.

Once pasta is cooked, drain and transfer to saucepan with butter mixture and turn  up to medium, add tomato and herbs, SPST, tossing until everything is coated and well incorporated.  

Garnish with additional herbs and Parmesan cheese as desired.  

Makes 6 to 10 servings. 

 

Dee Lish's Deliveries- Meat Lasagna

 I special delivered this lasagna to one of my older sisters, Terry, along with one of my signature Roasted Pumpkin Cream Pies (also featured on this blog, under the same name), chosen from my catalog of options.  She lives alone, so she specified the size and ingredient call for the dish, including, no fennel, extra beef and lots of three cheeses; Parmesan, Sharp Cheddar and Mozzarella.  I encouraged Terry towards a more wholesome request with the addition of fresh spinach to her dish, adding much needed and good for you nutrition and also a vibrant splash of color!  She agreed and was very pleased with her results. 

I'd been promising my fellow left handed sister a good home cooked meal, to welcome her back home from a lengthy hospital stay, of which I had planned on braised short ribs and perhaps some creamed potatoes and a slow cooked green.  She never worries about calories or fats (and has a somewhat tall and lean stature) especially not after having been deprived of her own freezer stocked with her favorites.  Her first choice was actually some chitlins', something she never tires of talking about having during the cool and winter months, but that was a dish that requires more time and effort than I could offer amidst the obligations and work load, plus pain, that beset my schedule and body at the time, particularly when its cold.

Terry makes a primo Seafood Alfredo,  loaded with treasures of the sea like bay scallops, crab meat and shrimp.  My girls and I just adore it and its the one request we've made when she feels up to it again.  She's the type that loves a dish that's over the top. For instance, if you'd like a cheeseburger, Terry makes a 1/2 lb. double bacon cheeseburger. Ask for a sandwich and it's a club, with extra meat/cheese and if there's cake involved, ice cream is definitively its natural accompaniment! Her eyes are most certainly bigger than her stomach, as she hardly, if ever, finishes any one thing she prepares and is subject to lose interest easily, after the initial culinary desire has been met, which can be a particular treat for those around her. 

 She's a real character and sweetheart, a sister and a friend.  

I am glad Terry made the request as she did, because in doing so, I was able to write another solid and delish lasagna recipe, this one with the flat lasagna and now my more favored over the rippled one.  I also omit the egg that I usually use in some of my ricotta mixtures and replace it with an Italian cheese blend to serve as a binder.  The sheets also aid in preparing smaller portion dishes.   This will be the recipe that makes the menu, once my meal service is fully up and running.   I'll be sharing more about its details in the weeks to come.  In the meantime between time, happy eating! 

See and Slay: Italian Style Beef Short Ribs w/ Parmesan Cheddar Mash

The cool weather days at the cabin made for a deliciously decadent comfort food recipe.  I found some short ribs at the local grocer for a virtual steal and grabbed them up, just in case the opportunity arose for some soulful and hearty mealtime.  If the chance would not have presented itself, they simply would have been frozen and transported back home to our freezer there.  The temperatures at the lake plummeted around Tuesday, bringing cold, overcast and pain filled days, as my RA would not be still and all my rebuilt parts reminded me that it was only around 50*F out, even cooler in the wake of dawn.  So much so, that my hands felt like ice and were prickly when I came inside from having coffee on the deck.  Not really what I had mind for summer vacation initially, but every day is a good on vacation, right? I had some fresh herbs on hand and some fire roasted tomatoes and wine, plus the usual aromatics like onion and garlic, so I went forth and created this recipe, full of warm flavors and depth, comforting and soothing to my stomach and bones.  

The twins came over the next day, and I was able to share with them also, my brother in law too.  This made an awesome impromptu elevated lunch and I felt like the 'Belle of the Ball', with no leg work other than a masterful reheat and thoughtful service.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my older sisters and I did.  My tween and teen were somewhat passé on the whole deal, but they did try it and liked it well enough.  This is 'grown folks food' I later went on to say, you guys wouldn't understand' and with a jovial laugh, I then proceeded to plan a more teen and tween friendly dish to accommodate the 'youngins', Bronwyn's Omurice.  

Recipe:

3 lbs. beef short ribs, bone in

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 green onions, trimmed and sliced, green and white parts

3 cloves garlic, smashed 

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

2 c. beef stock

1 cup full bodied red wine, I used a 2016 Malbec

1 15 oz. can diced fire roasted tomatoes with juices

1/4 c. fresh parsley, rough chopped plus more for garnish

2 tbs. butter, unsalted

1 tsp. Italian seasoning mixed with 2 tbs. ap flour

Olive oil for drizzling

AP flour

SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

In a heavy bottomed pan over medium high heat, drizzled with olive oil, a pat of the butter and the smashed garlic.

 Brown short ribs that have been SPST.

Brown in batches, as not to crowd pan, add the second pat of butter for additional batches.

After final batches browned, toss in fresh herbs and onions.

Cook to for several minutes until fragrant.

Transfer to a medium sized heavy bottomed saucepan and add stock and wine.

Bring up to a boil, for about 3 minutes to burn off alcohol, then reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes .

Simmer , covered for about 4 to 5 hours or until ribs are tender and ready to fall off bone and liquid is reduced.

Make a slurry with 2 tbsp. flour and 1 tsp. Italian seasoning and remove pot from heat and stir in.

Put back onto heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Adjust seasonings as necessary.  

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Parmesan Cheddar Mash

3 lbs. russet potatoes, cooked

1/4 c. 2 % milk

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 c. shredded Sharp Cheddar

2 tbs. butter, unsalted

Olive oil for drizzling

SPST

Mash hot potatoes in a medium bowl, add milk, butter and cheeses.  Blend into rusticly smooth mash . Drizzle with olive oil and scallop the top for an interesting presentation.

Makes about 8 servings.

Spinach Tagliatelle and Fettuccine w/ Country Style Sausage

This is an easy and most flavorful pasta dish that I created 'on the fly' one day, for a late evening dinner.  I used on hand ingredients with the least effort, as it was approaching the wind down time for the kiddies and we were finishing up a hectic day.
 I used a country style sausage originally bought for breakfast and decided to use two different pastas because the spinach tagliatelle wasn't enough for a meal on its own.  I had some heavy cream on hand, but I like to mix 2% milk or evaporated milk with it, to shave off some of the fat.  I find that this works well for my family.
This sauce may be prepared in the same way as a bechamel , stirring in a cup of the cooking liquid. The al dente cooked pasta is tossed with it at the end and sprinkled with a little cheese, toasted bread crumbs or both. 
Recipe:
1 lb. country style breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
1 lb. total, spinach taggliatelle and fettuccine, cooked al dente in salted water
1/4 c. heavy cream
2/3 c. 2 % milk or evaporated milk
1 c. pasta water
1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese
4 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. chopped yellow onion
2 tbsp. AP flour
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
Olive oil for drizzling
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

To make the bechamel, use the same pan you cooked the sausage in, leaving about 1 tsp. of the rendered fat.
Add butter.
 Add about 1 turn of the pan of olive oil to make sufficient amount to 'cook out' flour over medium high heat.
Add onions, and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 4 minutes.
Sprinkle flour into pan and cook for about 1 minute, scraping up browned bits as you go.
Add milk and pasta water, then cream and garlic.
Bring up to rolling simmer, then reduce to medium.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks, about 5 minutes.
SPST.
Once the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, stir in the cheese and sausage.
Fold pasta into sauce and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to finish the pasta.
Remove from heat.
Garnish with toasted bread crumbs, parmesan, olive oil or fresh herbs  as desired.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.

See & Slay: Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Ingredients:

PEPPERONI, TURKEY OR REGULAR

1 lb. pizza dough, divided, I bought pre-made from deli

Sauce, homemade or store bought

A pair of muffin tins

Olive oil for drizzling

SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

425*F Oven.

Stretch one half of dough across olive oil drizzled muffin tin. Add sauce into each cup and sprinkle cheese.

Spread pepperoni across layer of cheese.

 Add more cheese.

Cover with second half of dough, drizzle with olive oil.

Cover with second tin and place on cookie sheet to bake.

Bake until golden and bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.

,

Invert onto surface to cool for 2 minutes.

Cut into 6 pieces.  Serve with extra sauce on side or as is.

If you would like this recipe and future posts delivered right to your mailbox, simply join us by adding your email in the subscription section at the top of the web version!  Thanks in Advance.

Best,
D. Smith :)

Ziti w/Brats, Kraut and Burst Grape Tomatoes

A quick and delicious spin on your Ziti is using Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.  The mellow brats and tangy kraut blend well and add a surprisingly wonderful fusion of Italian and German cuisine.  The grape tomatoes implement more flavor and freshness, plus lycopene and B vitamins.  Serve with a green salad and fruit for a deliciously satisfying and complete meal in no time!

Recipe:
1 lb. ziti
1/2 lb. brats, sliced thinly
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 c. sauerkraut, drained and squeezed of excess liquid
1 jar or 15 oz. favorite tomato sauce
1 pint of grape tomatoes
Herbs de Provence
SPST
Olive Oil for drizzling
Fresh Parsley for garnish

In a large pot, cook ziti in salted water, according to instructions to al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 c. pasta water.
In the same pot over medium high heat, drizzle with two turns of olive oil and add onion.
Cook , stirring often, until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add brats and sauerkraut and SPST.
Cook until brats show signs of caramelization, about 3 minutes.
Add sauce and pasta water as needed. Fold in ziti and Herbs de Provence as desired, about 1 tsp.
Check Seasonings.
Simmer for about 4 minutes for flavors to marry and add tomatoes.
Cover and let simmer another few minutes and remove from heat.
Serves 6 to 8.

5 Cheese/Pepperoni Keto- Fabulous Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I had a hankering for something stuffed, creamy and cheesy; these Italian inspired gems are a good fit.  Prep is relatively easy and the kids loved the results.  This is also a recipe your kiddoes or tween can help you with.  I served this chicken with a cauliflower mash to round out the meal and complement the cheeses. A green salad adds a great, fresh crunch, plus essential vitamins and minerals.  Making sure the breasts are proportionate to one another will ensure smooth sailing and a fantastic meal you can enjoy and be proud of.

Recipe:
6 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless and about 6 to 8 oz. each
1 pkg. deli sliced or bulk  pkg.pepperoni
12 slices Provolone cheese
1 8oz. pkg. Italian cheese blend
EVOO
Italian Seasoning
SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)

Preheat oven to 375*F.
Carefully make a slit along side of each chicken portion, without going all the way through.  You are essenially making a pocket for the cheeses and pepperoni.
Each chicken portion gets :
2 deli sized or 6 small pepperoni
2 slices Provolone Cheese
1 Pinch Cheese Blend
Layer ingredients, then fold in half to insert.
After all breasts have been stuffed, place in baking vessel sprayed with cooking spray or drizzled with olive oil.
Arrange chicken evenly spaced and drizzle with olive oil and SPST.
Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning.
Bake covered about 20 minutes, then remove foil.
Cook until chicken starts to turn golden and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Continue until cheese is melted and internal temp. reaches 165*F.
Let stand for several minutes before serving.
Goes well with Cauliflower Mash, (cauliflower steamed or cooked in chicken stock, then SPST, little cream or milk and butter, optional)