Sunday, September 17, 2017

Fresh Zucchini and Tomato Linguine - Mel's Kitchen Cafe

INGREDIENTS:

  • 12 ounces linguine or fettuccine 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced shallot or onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups diced zucchini 
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking (unless ready enough to just add to the sauce mixture below).
  2. While the water is boiling/pasta is cooking: heat the oil in a nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent, 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the zucchini, tomatoes, broth and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the zucchini and tomatoes soften, 5-10 minutes; the mixture will thicken a bit as the liquid evaporates and it cooks down. Stir every once in a while to prevent sticking and moderate heat, if needed. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  4. Toss the drained pasta with the zucchini/tomato mixture. Add the basil and Parmesan cheese and toss again. Serve immediately.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Ethel's Sugar Cookies

3/4 c butter
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp lemon or orange flavoring, or 1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and flavoring thoroughly.  Stif flour powder, and salt together.  Blend in.  Chill at least 1 hour.
Heat oven to 400.  Roll dough on floured board 1/4" thick.  Cut with cookie cutters and place on greased/parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake about 6 min. or until cookies are a delicate golden color.

Makes 2-3 doz cookies.

Sweet Glaze
2 c powdered sugar
4 Tbs milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp orange/lemon flavoring

Friday, September 1, 2017

Onion Soup Mix

(For Garden Harvest Casserole)

Onion Soup Mix  (1 pack)
1/4 c dried onion flakes
2 Tbs beef broth granuals
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp parsley
1/8 tsp celery
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp pepper

1 1/2 pack
1/4 c + 2 Tbs dried onion flakes
3 Tbs beef broth granuals
1/4 +1/8 tsp onion powder
1/4 + 1/8 tsp parsley
1/8 + 1/16 celery
1/8 + 1/16 paprika
1/8 + 1/16 pepper