My Roots Are Showing

Italian and Norwegian comfort food:


Spinach-Ricotta Penne



Mushroom and Shallot Spaghetti



Norwegian Cinnamon Buns (Modified Nigella Lawson Recipe)



It has been freezing cold here in Eugene, Oregon for the last week or so.

Sunny and cold.

Warm, comforting, and homey food has been in order. The Italian food was a given, but I also have some strong Scandinavian ties too. So I tried Nigella's Norwegian Cinnamon Buns. Our tummies were very satisfied.

Walrus, J and I took advantage of all this sunshine we've been getting here in rain-central by getting out and soaking in the rays. There are quite a few nature trails up here in the hills and it fun to get all bundled up and head out for a hike. A trace of snow fell Thursday evening as we walked...now that's a perfect winter day!



Spinach-Ricotta Penne
serves 4-6

1 lb box of whole-wheat penne
1 large(12 oz or so) bag of fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic - finely diced
1 tablespoon of Earth Balance Butter substitute (or reg. butter)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups of whole milk Ricotta
1/4 cup chopped fresh Parsley
1/4 teas spoon fresh grated nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in olive oil
Add garlic and saute for a minute to soften
Add spinach and saute( this is a lot of spinach so add a third at a time and saute with garlic to wilt spinach down)
Add salt and pepper to season ( I like about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt)
Cook pasta for 10 minutes or so(just a bit under required -you will continue to cook pasta with the spinach mixture)
Add pasta to cooked spinach to coat
Add ricotta and nutmeg - blend as it melts into the pasta
Sprinkle on chopped parsley

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Enjoy!!

Top Five Foods To Eat When You're Too Sick To Cook:

by Eggs McGeez

1. Pizza

Any kind that suits your fancy. That's right, top yours with tuna and sweet corn, Mr. British Isles! Whatever floats your boat. Pizza has healing properties whatever the topping.

Athough, I do believe the classic Margheretta does have the most effective fever-reducing powers; thin crust, light sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil with a light drizzle of the best extra virgin olive oil.

mmmmmmmm...

Have husband-unit pick it up from local restaurant and clean up that drool, Missy!

2. Pasta

This can be any type of pasta and any sauce combo. It must, however, be one of your favorite combos. This is key.

Husband-unit SHOULD be able to put this together with minimal intervention. Here's what J did last night:


not bad, huh?


3. Chinese Take-Out

This does require a GOOD Chinese restaurant within 10 miles. Have husband-unit pick up the massive assortment of goodies you ordered at the peak of your fever.

move! move! get on it man!

4. Matzoh Ball soup and Chocolate Chip Danishes (or Rugelach).

I know I am getting a bit specific here, but the combination is essential.
Yes, this does require that you live in Los Angeles or New York as I have yet to find a really good deli elsewhere...so we're screwed.

Move on to #5

5. Doughnuts or Cake, or both

Do NOT have husband attempt to make these. These require a skilled hand. Send husband-unit to fancy bakery downtown to pick up said items.



Call me in the morning.


runners-up:

-toasted "everything" bagel with a schmear of cream cheese, sliced tomato and sprinkle of kosher salt.
-pad thai with your choice of protein from that rocking thai restaurant on 7th.
-burgers on toasted buns with the works (again, your choice of "protein")
-anything but plain old soup please.