Carbonara Saves Lives

Really, it does. 

Rain+gloom+wind+chill+long work day+starving+alone= pasta. 

Wanting some comfort from long rough days I'll turn to pasta. Always. I had all the necessary ingredients for some good ol' pasta carbonara so I went to town. This dish is really simple one but the flavors are just so good. It's essentially breakfast pasta. Bacon and egg pasta. HOW can you go wrong?! 

In my best Rosanna Pansino impression... the things you will need areeee:

-1 lb spaghetti 
-4 egg yolks (Don't throw away the whites, give them to your body builder roommate or make some devine macarons for yourself!)
-3 tbs grated parmesan cheese
-1 cup panko bread crumbs
-8 pieces of bacon (I won't judge if you use more- mo bacon, mo betta!)
-1 tsp garlic powder
-Various small amounts of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

1. In a large stock pot, boil some water, salt it well, and throw your pasta in. Cook until just underdone- you're going to finish it off in a pan. **When your pasta is done, reserve a couple cups of the water, you may need it later.**
2. Toss the panko crumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, some salt and pepper to taste, and the garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Place the panko in a small frying pan on medium heat. Make sure to keep this moving, you want the panko to turn a golden brown, not black.
4. Cut the bacon into small pieces (use kitchen scissors- way easier).Throw it into a large skillet- this will eventually become the final resting place for your pasta, so make sure it's big enough. Once the Bacon has crisped up to your liking, set aside for later. And for the love of God, don't toss that bacon fat. Leave it all hanging out in there. (I didn't say this was a diet dish. Who wants diet food after a bad day? No one.)
5. Now back to the breadcrumbs- how are they doing? Once they are golden, take off the heat and set aside. 
6. By now, your pasta should be at the correct doneness. Turn off the heat and let it sit until the bacon pan is ready for the pasta party.
7. Put the bacon pan back on medium high heat. Once it starts to sizzle a bit, take your pasta directly from the water and put it into the bacon. Once it's all in there, toss it around a bit so that everything is coated with bacon and fat and FLAVOR. 
8. Once that's all good and cooked take the pan off the heat.
9. Whisk the yolks together with the parmesan cheese, salt, and lots of pepper.
10. Check again to be sure the pan is not on any heat at all- it's ok if the pan is warm, just not on heat. You don't want scrambled eggs. Just silky, yummy, glorious goodness. If you're worried about raw eggs, don't be. The heat from the pasta and bacon will cook the yolks : )
11. Toss the yolks into the pan, constantly stirring so they don't curdle up. If it needs some thinning out, pour in some of the reserved pasta water and stir it through. It will be thin at first, but will thicken nicely from the starch in the water as your stir.
12. Add the panko and toss it all together and there you go!

It's a seriously fast and comforting dinner that's perfect for just you, or maybe you and your lovah (Lady and the Tramp style), or even a whole group of people. It can easily be accommodated for more or less people- just add and subtract egg yolks. The general rule is depending on the egg sizes, 1-2 yolks per person. And you get get all fancy with this one, instead of bacon, you can use get on Giada's level and break out the pancetta! More popular  additions to this dish are peas and shallots.

So the next time you're having a bad day, get in your comfy pants and try this one. It's easy and comforting and just all around good!

-Meaghan 

That's A Good Meatball

I never usually have meatballs unless it's Christmas because it's one of those things we only have once a year... like lasagna or omelets. I know, we're strange.

Well this morning I was hit with a meatball craving and decided I had to have it! So I waited alllll day at work, finally got out, ran to the store, grabbed supplies, ran home, and got down to business.

This is my dad's recipe and it's kind of odd because there are never any real measurements, so I'm kind of winging it here.

-1 1/4 lb 80/20 ground beef                         -2 eggs  
-1/2 large sweet onion                                  -2 cups chopped bread
-1 clove garlic                                                  -1 1/2 cups milk
-2 tbs chopped flat leaf Italian parsley       -1/2 cup breadcrumbs
-2 tsp worcestershire sauce                          -Salt and pepper to taste
-2 tbs grated parmesan cheese 

1. Chop the onion into a small dice.
2. In a small skillet, saute the onions just until they are translucent- don't brown them. Set aside.
3. Finely chop the garlic clove- set aside.
4. Roughly chop the parsley- set aside.
5. Cube the bread into half inch pieces. You can use white bread, but I'd suggest a bread with more body. A good sourdough or ciabatta. I used a rosemary olive loaf. Amazing. Put that into a bowl and pour the milk over to have it absorb.
6. Place the meat in a large bowl.
7. Throw in the parsley, onions, garlic, worcestershire sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, and some salt and pepper.
8. Squeeze as much milk from the bread as possible, definitely don't want soggy wet bread. Toss that into the meat as well and discard the milk.
9. Wash your hands, roll up your sleeves and mix that meat up! You can use a fork if you're one of those people who doesn't like to get in there with their hands, but your hands are really the best tool for the job. Don't overmix, but make sure you incorporate everything.
10. Grab yourself a heavy bottomed non stick pan (enamel cast iron works best) and coat the bottom with some olive oil. Remember, we aren't deep frying, just want a thin layer of oil. Some people are baking people, some people are fry then bake people, and then there are the straight up fry people. And I'm one of those people. Nothing better than a dark brown crunchy meatball. Oh yes.
11. At this point it's always good to do a little test nuggest to check for seasoning.
12. After you have determined you like the way they taste, you're ready to get rolling and frying.
13. Roll a golf ball sized meatball and place into the pan. You may have to do batches depending on the size of your pan, don't crowd it.

14. The way we always cook the meatballs it ends up being more of a square because you do top, bottom, and all sides. Takes a bit longer but it's so worth it. Sooooo worth it.

15. After 10-15 minutes they should be done. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.

How beautiful do those look! So crunchy and salty and yummy oh my goodness. Now that they are done you can do what you want with them! make some sauce and get some bread and make yourself a meatball sub. Break them up and put them on a pizza! Make some classic spaghetti and meatballs. Or you can just eat them : ) These also freeze well so there's another option for ya!

For my dinner tonight I decided to do kind of an open-faced meatball sub. It wasn't horrible.

These meatballs always make me think of family and holidays. They are just an instant comfort food. When we make them at home we always use this certain pan that is older than I am I'm sure and doesn't work very well, but it's the meatball pan! I've put in a request that it be left to me in the will. 

-Meaghan

Pie.

Pie. So simple, yet there are endless possibilities! There are the traditional ones like blueberry and other various fruits. Then you get into ones like pecan and pumpkin and all that jazz. Then if you're feeling fancy you can seek out some French dining and get yourself a meat pie, Tourtiere I believe it's called. You also have your pies with cream fillings like chocolate and lemon. Then you have my favorite kind of pie- pizza : ) The list goes on! I think what I'm trying to say is that you can basically make anything into a pie. I once had a dream about a peach and raspberry pie, I know, who dreams about pies? So the next day I had to make one. Follow your dreams kids, they might taste pretty darn good!

I admit... I'm not a huge fan of pie, unless it's almost all crust. Yes, I'm one of those people who pick off the crust and get the mom look of death when caught. But I do find other ways to enjoy it when I have to eat the whole slice... like in a milkshake, for example. Don't judge. I've seen it done on the Food Network and people love it. They love it!

I went on a trip to visit family recently and they let me use their amazing kitchen. My task was dessert and what do people like? Pie. So I decided to make my apple pie and then try my hand at a homemade salted caramel sauce. I was on a mission and no one could stop me!

-1 box Pillsbury pie crust: includes a top and bottom (I haven't perfected a crust yet, so this little ticklish guy does the trick)
-5 granny smith apples 
-1 lemon (zest and juice)
-3/4 cup white granulated sugar
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-2 tbs cinnamon (give or take- do it to your taste)
-2 tbs butter
-1 egg
-1 tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350F
2. Peel and chop the apples into about 1 inch pieces. Personal preference really- you could leave them in slices or in segments. Whatever floats your boat. As you do this, be sure to keep the apple pieces tossed in lemon juice so they don't turn brown. *Because granny smith apples are being used, this pie will be a bit more tart. If you're looking for a sweeter pie, you could mix it up with other types of apples or just add more sugar.*
3. Into the apples, throw in your sugars, cinnamon, salt, and the zest. Mix well to combine. Test an apple to check for flavoring, add more sugar/salt/cinnamon to taste.
4. Get the crusts out and unroll them. There shouldn't be a need to roll them larger, they should fit fine for the pie, just don't overstuff it! If you do, you can always roll out the top to be a little larger.
5. Mold the bottom crust into a greased 10 inch pie shell.
6. Place the apples into the shell into an even layer.
7. Dot the top with little pieces of butter.
8. Place the top crust on and make a couple slits in the top to let the air escape.
9. Crimp the edges to seal it up! You can pinch with a fork or fold the edges over, or whatever you'd like, just make sure it's closed.
10. Crack the egg and brush over the top.
11. Sprinkle some extra sugar on the top for a bit more sweetness. You could add some cinnamon as well if you wanted.
12. Toss the pie into the oven for 35-45 minutes depending on your oven. You want the top to be golden brown and the insides to be bubbling.
13. Let sit for at least 10-15 minutes before digging in so things have some time to set up.

So, there's you pie! Now, to take it to the next level, you can make salted caramel sauce. That makes everything better!

-2 cups white granulated sugar
-1 cup heavy cream
-1 1/2 sticks butter
-1 tbs sea salt

1. In a medium heavy bottomed high sided sauce pot (cast iron would be ideal) put your sugar on medium heat.
2. Use a whisk to keep the sugar moving, you don't want this to burn and it can happen very quickly!
3. Might seem like it's doing a whole lot of nothing, it is, just keep the sugar moving. It might clump up on you or crystalize, but just keep it moving.
4. The sugar will start to melt slowly. You want it to get it to a light golden color. **If at any point you smell a burnt sugar smell, take off the heat but keep it moving, then return to the heat if it's not all dissolved.
5. As soon as you get to your desired color and all of the sugar is dissolved you can take it off the heat for good.
6. Into the sugar, place the butter. It will bubble up, just keep whisking.
7. Once the butter has melted and incorporated, pour the heavy cream in. It will bubble up again, just keep whisking.
8. Then throw in the salt.
9. Whisk well to combine.
*The caramel will be loose and thin right now because it's literally about a million degrees, but as it cools it will thicken and oh my lord will it taste good.
-Transfer to a heatproof bowl and you're good to serve it! Use it for your pie or to top off some ice cream or make some caramel popcorn with it!

So pies don't have to be big. You could use this same recipe and make little hand held pies! I made these ones and everyone pretty much thought they were the cutest things they had ever seen, well besides their children I'm sure. Desserts are good, but mini desserts? Get outta here! I used a round cookie cutter to make them uniform, but you can free hand it too. These would be perfect for a bake sale. I'll have to remember that if I ever have kids- I'll be the cool mom!

Even though I don't like to eat pie, I love to make it! And I know people enjoy it, so why not right? Maybe if I make it enough, I'll learn to like it. But for now, I'll stick to my horrible habit of eating just the crust. I'm also guilty of eating just the tops of apple crisps. Woops : )

-Meaghan

Off To The Desert!

A few years ago, my aunt and uncle made the move from Maine to Arizona. Sounds random, but I have family out there- so really they just joined the warm weather family. My parents have been out a few times but I never have until now! I decided now was as good of time as ever! I had some goals while I was there of course... get In-N-Out, see the Grand Canyon, drive on a desert road like you see in the movies (I don't get out much obviously), and try to get a tan... you know, the usual. 

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
Name that movie for extra points

Portland from the sky

After what felt like the LONGEST plane ride of my life, we landed in Phoenix where I was immediately sweating like a whore in church. (I don't do well in the heat- my blood is thicker... I'm from New England!) After the initial climate change shock, I began to acclimate. First thing on the to-do list... In-N-Out. I had never had In-N-Out before and let me tell you. Yes... just yes. If you ever make a trip to the western side of the country... get some. I'm kind of glad we don't have any here because I'd weight about 700 pounds. For real.

A short car ride and we arrived at the House of Harris in Goodyear. My first impression is that this was a southwest Pleasantville. The kind of neighborhood where kids play in the streets and block parties are the norm. In other words, much different from the busy streets I grew up on. Of course the houses are all huge and very similar looking- I'd get lost walking down he street. What's new.  

The agenda for the next few days was pretty chill, not much, just hanging around, but I wasn't complaining. 

With Sunday, came Sunday brunch. Quickly becoming one of my favorite hobbies! We set out to Red's at the Wigwam Resort. Driving through Old Litchfield Road was so beautiful, felt like I was California dreaming...

Sitting down for bunch was no different, such an amazing atmosphere with great food and family... so this is what people in warm weather do for fun! After brunch we hit a kind of street fair with tons of vendors of local art, food, and odds and ends.

View from my seat... horrible, I know

The next day we made the couple hour drive to Queen Creek for lunch at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, this little olive ranch out in the middle of nowhere! The food was killer and the place was so cute. They sell olive oils in just about every variety, some of the more interesting ones include chocolate, bacon, various herbs, lemon, and so much more! They also sell other specialty food items, I picked up some pasta- lemon pepper pasta to be exact. I'd never thought I'd spend $8 on a pound of noodles, but I'm on vacation! Plus I think it will be worth it cooked up with some olive oil and garlic. YUM. I gorged on the Manzi, which is described as olive-brined boneless chicken breast, fontina cheese, garden basil, sun dried tomato and parmesan tapenade, white balsamic herb crema on a rosemary focaccia. To. Die For. If you're ever in Arizona, it's a must:

www.queencreekolivemill.com

After lunch, I felt like I couldn't move, I had had way too much to eat... but there was gelato... and I couldn't pass up gelato! There's always room. So I had a bit of salted caramel chip. And it's was heaven. 

I then had the opportunity to attend an NHL game! Off we were to have some fun and find husbands. Obviously : ) I had such a great time- special thanks to Angela who taught me what it was to be a true sports fan! Let's go 'yotes! (Did I say it right?) We even made it on tv! There was a pretty good fight right in front of us, which I enjoyed, and the camera caught us up in the corner, yay!

Had great seats, I mean... look at that view

Made friends with Howler

The day and time had finally come for he big trek to Sedona and the Grand Canyon! Up early, breakfast of champions, and the long ride to see the amazing sights! Warning- picture overload. But how can you not?

First stop... Sedona. The land of the red rocks, and apparently, a couple of Charlie Brown rocks! Can you tell which characters are here?

Who doesn't love a good sausage/egg/cheese?!

A desert road!!!

Bell Rock

Who do you see?

Who do you see?

There is also a church that seems to be etched right into the rocks- one of my Grammie's favorite sights.

Once heading through quite possibly the cutest little town you'd ever seen, we were off to the Grand Canyon! Also may I add, on the way there... we saw a tumbleweed! A real live rolling around in the desert tumbleweed! It was awesome, pretty much one of the highlights of the day. I told my cousins about it later and they all got a big kick out of me being so excited about a rolling ball of twigs and dust. Like I said before, I obviously don't get out much.

The Grand Canyon is just so unbelievable, it's hard to describe. It's one of those things that's hard to comprehend... like space! My pictures just don't do it justice, but I tried. It's just one of those things you stand in front of and don't know what to say- it seems to go on forever. One of my great aunts describes it as just a big hole in the ground. I guess she's technically right, but it's so much more than that. Seeing these rocks that are millions of years old was just incredible.

Yes, that's snow

Funny little tid bit on that last one. I asked my mom to take a picture of me with the canyon in the background and such and just as she was about to take the picture, my aunt spotted a squirrel literally inches from my body. At that moment, she caught this picture that perfectly captured my reaction. This also gave everyone in the family a good laugh, good to know I could be the entertainment!

On our way home we stopped by the ever famous Route 66! Seriously out of a small town movie, it was great! The street was filled with tiny shops and restaurants and it was just so cute! Making our way through Williams, we stopped for dinner at Cruisers Cafe 66 where I had one of the biggest yummiest burgers ever.

Our last couple days were reserved for just hanging around with the family and enjoying ourselves. Time for some cooking! My uncle made some FABULOUS steaks and I made a to die for mac and cheese that everyone raved about. Not to toot my own horn, but, toot toot. It was really really good. I got all caught up I didn't take a picture of it! But here's a picture of one I made not too long ago- looked pretty much the same. Closing out the day with some good ol games of cornhole in the street. This Pleasantville way of living doesn't seem like too bad of a deal!

How pretty are those?!

The following day, we went to a yummy diner- The Black Bear Diner, where I had some pretty bomb cinnamon roll french toast, I had my last In-N-Out for at least a little while, and then got down to business in the kitchen- it was boiled dinner night. I am not a big fan of corned beef, so I had steak, but apparently it's only a New England thing? Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips all cooked together- we celebrated St. Patrick's day a bit early I suppose. It was a big hit with the westerners though, they ate it up like no tomorrow. My contribution to dinner was an apple pie and homemade salted caramel sauce. Sooooo good.

Sadly, our time in Arizona came to an end. Geared up for the red eye home that I did not sleep a wink through, we were off. Not too bad coming home to 50 degree temps though- can't complain too much. I think we were all ready to come home to some cooler weather, but Arizona isn't too bad of a place : )

Safe to say I'll definitely be heading back in the not too distant future. A HUGE thank you to my aunt Marie, uncle David and cousin Chris for putting us up in the amazing house... with the bed that I have named white velvet. Seriously like the most comfortable bed of all time. And more thanks to Angela, Kyle, Mike, Julie, Paige, Morgan, Fred, June, George, Heather, Rex, Sue, Michelle, Avery, Hazel, and Mama for making my first trip to Arizona a great one! 

-Meaghan