Spaghetti with Almonds and Kale

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to get back to talking about real food, not just yummy desserts!

After spending two fantastic weeks with my parents, it was time to get back to reality of alarm clocks and where the cooking and laundry is completed by yours truly.  I decided to make pasta last night, and with a little inspiration from my trusty sidekick, Pinterest, I whipped up a healthy vegetarian dish filled with great nutrients which for many were in short supply during the holidays.

Ingredients

5 oz dried pasta

1/2 bunch of kale, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 sticks celery, chopped

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 onion, finely chopped

1/4 bell pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, smashed

3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Directions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.

2. Approximately 10 minutes before pasta is due to be ready, heat EVOO in large saucepan.  Once hot, add carrots, celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.  Continually stir to prevent burning until ingredients are soft.

3. Add kale to saucepan and cook for approximately 5 minutes until tender.

4. Drain pasta, keeping 1/2 cup of the pasta water.  Add pasta, almonds, and pasta water to the vegetables.  Stir and cover saucepan and allow to cook on low for 5-7 minutes.

5. Serve warm with pepper and a sprinkle of cheese to taste.

(Recipe adapted from dinnerdujour.org)

Serves 2 people

TIPS

- Be sure to wash all vegetables before chopping them.  Discard tough stems of kale and wash  thoroughly in a colander under warm water.  
- For a little spice to this dish, add Louisiana hot sauce!

Bon appétit!

Christmas Mince Pies

Happy Christmas and New Year to all!  

During this time of year, baking is a huge tradition in my family.  Mince pies are a typical English food made for Christmas and New Year and are adored by all.  Traditionally, these pies were made with chopped meat, however this was replaced with a mixture of dried fruit, spices, nuts, suet, and alcohol (brandy or rum) in the 17th century.  British children leave these pies, along with a glass of sherry and a carrot for Rudolph, on the fireplace for Santa to enjoy after leaving their presents under the Christmas tree.

Ingredients

4 oz margarine

8 oz flour

Pinch of salt

8-10 tsp water

18 tsp mincemeat

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp icing sugar

Directions

1. Place margarine, flour, and salt in a large bowl.  Cut margarine into smaller pieces and use the rubbing method: rub mixture between fingertips until crumbly with no large clumps.

2. Add 8 teaspoons water and form pastry into a ball (typically 1 teaspoon of water for every ounce of flour).

3. Sprinkle additional flour on counter top and rolling pin to prevent pastry from sticking.  Roll pastry until approximately 1/8 inch thick.

4. Use a circular cutter to cut 18 pie bases.  Place in a greased cupcake pan. 

5. Place 1 teaspoon mincemeat into each base.

6. Roll leftover pastry pieces together and again roll to 1/8 inch thick.  Use a smaller circular cutter to make the tops of the pies.  Press the base and top firmly together.

7. Poke 1 small hole in the middle of each pie.  With leftover pastry, use a holly shaped cutter to add decoration, if desired.

8. Brush beaten egg on each pie to aid in the cooking process.

9. Place in oven at 400F for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until pies are golden brown.

10. Allow pies to cool and sprinkle them with icing sugar for decoration.

11. Enjoy with a well deserved glass of sherry!

Yield: approx. 18 pies

TIPS

- If pastry breaks and will not roll into a ball, add 10 teaspoons of water instead of 8.

- Although this mincemeat is the same brand used throughout UK, it is actually produced for the American market and is more syrupy and sweeter than traditional mincemeat.  I found this one at my local HyVee store.
- If desired, make one large mince pie instead of small, individual pies.

Bon appétit!