Easy Comfort Food on CBC's Weekend Morning Show

Easy Comfort Food

This morning I am presenting the following recipes for CBC's Weekend Morning Show, with host Terry MacLeod.  

Both dishes are so easy to prepare, that I made them this morning in short order.  

Local honey from Beeproject Apiaries can be purchased directly through them.  They will deliver, within a reasonable distance. 

1.Honey Sautéed Zucchini (with Lavender)

1-2 sliced zucchinis (sliced on the bias)

½ + tsp creamed honey (I used wonderful Bee Project CreamedHoney www.beeproject.ca)

pinch lavender flowers (optional)

Heat a sauté pan and add the honey and then the lavender.  Add the zucchini slices and cook until done.  Serve. 

2. Baked Cheesy Pasta

(for a large baking dish)

2 pkgs short pasta (farfalle, penne, shells, etc.)

1 large tin diced tomatoes

1 head roasted garlic

1-2 onions, sliced

1-2 dried red chilies, crushed

1 tbs dried oregano

pepper, to taste

chipotle peppers, or other chilies ½ tsp (optional)

2 cups heavy cream

good pinch nutmeg

white wine or vodka

olive oil

Cheeses:  your favourites, such as blue, chevré, brie, gruyere, Emmenthaler, etc., crumbled or grated in a large bowl.

Grate and crumble cheese.  Cook pasta less than time recommended.  That is, if the dried pasta package recommends 10 minutes, take off 2+ minutes in cooking time.

Cook sliced onions in a large saucepan with some olive oil. Add tomatoes and spices.  Add garlic and red wine or vodka.  Bring up to a simmer.  Now make the white sauce IN the red sauce.  That is, add cream, nutmeg and white wine or vodka. 

I don’t add salt to the sauce as the cheese is salty enough. 

Drain pasta and add to cheese.  Add sauce and stir thoroughly.  Fill a large baking dish with the mixture and bake at 350ºF until bubbly. 

Let rest for a few minutes and serve. 

Hint:  When reheating, bring to hot temperature, covered, in an oven.  A microwave will result in an unpleasant and mushy pasta.

*other optional ingredients include, red wine, vodka, roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, cooked bacon, cooked chicken, Crispy onions, etc.