Pea Pesto Pasta

A good pasta dish can transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary any day of the week. Springtime flavors inspire this fresh take on pasta. We think your family will love this super-quick, spring pea pesto pasta dish. Buon appetito!

Spring Pea Pesto Pasta
Serves 4

Spring Pea Pesto Ingredients:
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon packed fresh mint leaves
juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
1 small clove fresh garlic

Pasta:
1 lb thin spaghetti

Garnish:
1 pint Sun Gold tomatoes, halved
8 oz burrata cheese
Mint leaves, chiffonade
Basil leaves, chiffonade
Lemon zest

Directions:
1. Gather all of the pesto ingredients together. Be sure to thoroughly wash all of the fresh herbs! Pulse the pesto ingredients together in a food processor. Taste test the pesto, and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. If needed, add more olive oil for a thinner consistency. Enjoy pesto immediately, or keep covered and refrigerated (or even frozen) until ready to use.

2. Slice the tomatoes in half with a small paring knife. Roll the basil and mint leaves and cut in a chiffonade cut for a garnish.

3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. For better pasta, salt the water! The cooking water should be “like the sea” – start with about 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt per quart of water. This seems like a lot of salt, and it is, but most of this will be discarded when the pasta is drained. Test the pasta frequently as it approaches completion. Pasta should be cooked to al dente – “to the tooth” – tender, yet chewy, not at all mushy. The easiest way to check for doneness, is to remove a piece of pasta and test between your teeth. Or, cut a piece of test pasta, and check the cross section view. The smallest white dot, or white line at the center of the pasta piece indicates doneness is nearly at hand.

4. Mix the pesto with the drained and cooked pasta, stir with tongs until the pasta is well-coated with the pesto. Add reserved pasta water, to thin the sauce, if needed. 5. Garnish the pasta with the tomato halves, pieces of fresh burrata, mint, and basil leaves. Enjoy!

Classic Minestrone Soup

Minestrone, a classic Italian soup, features a wide range of  vegetables, beans, and pasta. Our recipe version focuses on techniques for building great flavor in stages. The result? Deep, rich, satisfying tastes and textures without being over-cooked. You’ll find this soup highly flexible – use seasonal vegetables, or whatever you have on hand.  We think you’ll agree that this minestrone easily earns its reputation as a healthy, winter comfort food.

Comforting Minestrone 

Soup Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, dice
2 carrots, cut on the bias into slices
2 small potatoes, cut into 1/2" cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 Parmesan cheese rind
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans
1 can (15.5 oz) butter beans
1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups chopped kale
Parmesan cheese, shaved, for serving

Directions:
1. Start by making the mirepoix. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the celery and carrots, and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until softened.

2. Add the potatoes and garlic and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste.

3. Add the bay leaves, Parmesan rind, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, Great Northern and butter beans, ditalini pasta, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup for another 20-25 minutes. Use tongs to remove the Parmesan rind, bay leaves, and thyme stems.

5. Stir in the red wine vinegar, frozen peas, and chopped kale. Cook for one more minute, or until the kale just begins to wilt. Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese as a garnish on top.

A Modern Makeover for Casseroles

Sensible and hearty, casseroles are a great answer to "what's for supper?" IN THIS ISSUE, you'll find several great recipes: a sweet and savory Apple & Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese, a ground beef version of Shepherd’s Pie, and finally, a delicious Chicken & Brown Rice Broccoli Bake - delicious!

Comforting Fall Soups for Supper

A Special Springtime Dinner Menu

It's official - it's Spring! With the new season comes many occasions to celebrate -- bridal showers, weddings, graduations, and Easter (it's is early this year, March 27th). Take a break from the routine and get together with family and friends for a springtime dinner. In this issue, we've prepared a great menu based on familiar classics, but each with a fresh twist! Invite people over, set the table, and get cooking! Monday, March 28 - 6:00 - 9:00pm MEATY ITALIAN $40.00 Chef: Julie Smoragiewicz. Come hungry for this class! This will be an Italian extravaganza! Have you ever wanted to stuff your own sausage? This class is for you! This is a hearty, flavor-packed menu! Italian Sausage with Onions and Peppers (we will grind and stuff fresh pork and herb links); Prosciutto, Herb, and Tomato Ravioli; Italian Meatballs and Homemade Marinara; Hearty Lasagna. A sample of wine will be offered with this class* Thursday, March 31 - 6:00 - 9:00pm TURKISH CUISINE $45.00 Chef: Chris Coleman. Chris is back in our kitchen with an evening of exotic Turkish dishes. Warm Squash Hummus with Pita; Lentil Soup with Minted Eggplant; Roasted Pear, Feta, Watercress and Hazelnut Salad with Pekmez Dressing (pomegranate molasses); Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce; Bulgar Pilaf; Yogurt Cream with Sweet Tomato Compote. A sample of wine will be offered with this class* Sunday, May 1 - 1:00 - 4:00pm  ROYAL COMFORT FOOD  $45.00 Chefs: Roberta Lecy & Colleen Lecy; Sunday, May 1 | 1-4pm. This is comfort food with a touch of class. This menu is perfect for a dinner party or just a nice family meal. Come on in and cozy up. Brussel Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette; Beef Tenderloin with Mustard Cream Sauce; Duchess Potatoes; Spinach Gratin; Lemon Rosemary Layer Cake. A sample of wine will be offered with this class*