Ziti with Smoked Herring

Every now and again, I crave a very simple pasta dish that is big on flavor and easy to make. I love extra virgin olive oil (and spanish virgin olive oil) tomatoes and other vegitables that add texture and depth. This dish has all those elements but the smoked herring adds a bit of umph! Eat cold or warm with a glass of white wine, yum. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup pasta
1/2 cup chopped tomatoe
1/4 cup diced oinion
1/4 cup diced smoked herring
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp chili paste

Total Prep/Cook Time:
20 minutes

*Boil Penne Pasta to desired tenderness and drain

In a mixing bowl combine:
Tomato/ Oinion/ Herring/ Olive Oil/ Lemon Juice/ Garlic/ Chili Paste

Add pasta and mix well.

Serve cold or slightly warm and please note to taste BEFORE you add salt because the smoked herring is salty.

*If you try this recipe, let me know the outcome.

Grown-Up Mac&Cheese

Okay so here's my rendition of mac&cheese (stovetop style) using Penne pasta and a very flavorful blend of cheeses. At first glance, you may think you will need more cheese but don't add more until you finish the recipe because most people are so shocked at how creamy and cheesy this dish is. Enjoy

Ingredients:
2 cups dry penne pasta
1 cup plain soy milk
3 oz jack cheese
3 oz sharp cheddar cheese
3 oz cream cheese
2 tblsp margarine
1 tsp all purpose flour
1/2 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oinion powder
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Total Prep/Cook Time
30 minutes
*Boil Penne Pasta to desired tenderness and drain

In Sauce Pan over low flame combine:
Soy milk / Cheeses / Margarine/ Mustard

Slowly stir constantly until cheese and margarine melt. Slowly add in:
parsley/ sea salt/ black pepper/ oinion powder/ garlic powder

*in small bowl mix flour with teaspon of water until smooth and then add to cheese sauce

Once cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, add pasta and mix well.

For finishing touch add some shredded cheese on top, cover and let simmer until cheese melts. Serve


Enjoy!

*as always please email me if you find any kinks in the recipe or to let me know if you love it :)