Recipe of the Day-Bow Ties with Artichoke Pesto

I found this recipe and yeah, I have all the ingredients in the house.  I made the pesto earlier in the day.  So very, very easy.  And then the pasta a little while later.  I used this handy new small chopper/food processor that they have set up for Christmas gifts at Smiths(west coast)/Krogers (back east) for $7.99.  I'm going to go get a few more today for Christmas gifts.  I have been wanting one of these for awhile.  I have the big food processor that my son gave me 2 Christmas's ago that I use a lot.  But I really wanted a small permanent counter food processor too, for the little stuff.

 

This recipe is from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade 20-minute meals 2 presented by Food Network. There are over 100 recipes that are quick and easy to make.  This may end up being a Christmas present for someone, but right now it's available for sale on my Amazon storefront.  www.amazon.com/shops/oneofakindcookbooks .

 

Bow Ties with Artichoke Pasta

 

8 ounces bow tie pasta (approximately half a box)

2 jars marinated artichoke hearts, drained

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. lemon juice

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil

 

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook bow ties according to package directions.  In food processor, combine artichoke hearts, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.  Process for 30 seconds.  Slowly add in olive oil until mixture is a coarse paste.  Transfer pesto to a large bowl.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Drain pasta and add to pesto in bowl.  Toss to coat.  Stir in basil.  Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

 

Serves 4.

 

What a perfect recipe for the pasta lover in me!

 

Happy Cooking!

 

 

My New Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Usually, I give a long talk on artichokes or spinach first, but today is different.  No talk, just a recipe and a sales pitch.  As usual, you can this book for sale on my Amazon storefront.  www.amazon.com/shops/oneofakindcookbooks/ .  I have tried this recipe twice, a success at each party!

Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Book Title:  Allrecipes.com easy everyday favorites 5-Star Recipes

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese (very expensive, I used the jar stuff-finely grated)
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
1 (14oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350F.  Lightly grease a small baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, garlic salt, salt and pepper.  Gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.  Top with mozzarella cheese.  Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Mine took about 35 minutes to get lightly browned.  The second time I made this, I pre-prepared the dish 2 days before it was to be baked and it was still some kind of wonderful.  Low calorie?  Probably not.  I actually prefer fresh cut-up French bread to tortilla chips with this.  You try and let me know.

Happy Cooking!