Pantry Pasta

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."

39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. - Matthew 12:38-39

This was delicious, simple and tasted like a restaurant dish.
This dish can be tailored to whats in your pantry, freezer or fridge, any pasta, meat or veggies!

1 can Garbanzo beans drained and rinsed

1 c Artichoke hearts, chopped ( I used frozen)

1/4 c Arugula, from freezer or fresh

1 c Orzo Pasta, cook set aside, 

reserve 1/2 c pasta water

1/8 c Cilantro, diced 

6 meat balls, chopped 

Drizzle of Olive oil

Pinch Crushed red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 Shallot, diced

2 t roasted Garlic, mashed

Sauté chopped meatballs in oil.

Add shallots, pepper flakes and garlic, sauté 3 minutes.

Add beans, Artichoke hearts, salt and pepper, and Cilantro.

Last, add cooked pasta and 1/2 c pasta water.

To finish:

Add a pat of Butter to pasta mixture, then add

a drizzle of olive oil.

Top with 1/4 c Parmesan.

Smoked Conecuh Sausage Piggies

21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. 

22 For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.  - Psalm 18:21-22

1 crescent roll ( I used Aldi's brand)

1 long link of sausage ( I grilled mine) 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Unroll crescent rolls.

Separate, cut in half, cut in strips.

Place a chunk of sausage at the top of the strip and roll.

Place on parchment lined pan.

Bake until lightly browned, 15 minutes or so.

Serve with honey mustard.

Meatball Cheesy Béchamel Lasagna

1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. 

2 The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 

3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.  - Psalm 14:1-3

Lasagna pasta cooked al dente. 

Fresh is best if possible.

Batch of meatball, I make mine but Publix has ready made (fresh) that are great.

Brown in a splash of olive oil.

Mash, place in plate and set aside.

Red Sauce:

1 can 1lb 12 oz of Nina San Marzano tomatoes( Costco) Mash with hand

1 c Cabernet Sauvignon 

1/2 c water

Olive oil

3 T roasted garlic

1 T sugar

1 t coarse sea salt

1/2 c Trader Joe's Italian Cheese blend

1/8 c Herb blend, fresh cilantro, dried rosemary, oregano, thyme

Add oil in skillet, heat and add garlic, sauté 1 minute.

Add tomatoes and the rest of sauce ingredients.

Cook on low heat 15 minutes.

Take off heat.

2 c frozen spinach 

Microwave and pat dry.

Add a little Béchamel and stir.

Set aside.

Béchamel sauce

4 T butter

1/8 c flour

In a sauce pan, melt butter, add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring. 

Then add the following ingredients:

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 t Sugar

1/4 t nutmeg

2 c milk

1/2 c heavy Cream

1/2 c half and half

1/2 c ricotta

1/2 c Trader Joe's Italian blend

Lightly boil until really thick.

Set aside.

Layer scant amount of both sauces in bottom of 13x9 pan.

Add pasta, then 1/3 of red sauce, then 1/3 of Béchamel, 1/3 of the spinach, repeat a total of 3 times.

To bake:

375 preheated degrees

45 minutes, uncovered

Lightly top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan 

Brisket Conecuh Sausage and Chicken Gumbo

In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, "There is no God."  - Psalm 10:4

There is nothing better on a cold day!!

2 c Beef brisket, I keep some of this in the freezer

2 c rotisserie chicken, I used breast

2 c hickory smoked Conecuh sausage, chopped, I cook on grill and keep in freeze

2 c okra, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 Leek, chopped

4 qt water

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1 smoked pepper in adobo, mashed

1 can stewed tomatoes

1/2 c BBQ sauce I used my own recipe

1/2 c Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce

1 t Cajun seasoning

1/2 t garlic granules 

4 T chicken base seasoning( this makes the stock)

Few turns cracked black pepper

Bring to boil, turn to medium and cook uncovered, stirring often, 45 minutes.

Add in the last 10 minutes.

1 c Minute Rice

Serve over cornbread!

Mexican Pezole Rojo

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:30-31

2 c left over Mexican pulled pork( recipe on this blog under Mexican tab)

4 qt water

1 can hominy, drained ( you can add 2 cans)

1 can beans, black or pinto, drained

1 Leek, chopped

2 T roasted garlic

1 bay leaf

1/2 t Cilantro 

1/4 salsa verde, I love Herdez brand

1/4 t oregano 

2 T chili powder 

1 -1/2 T toasted cumin powder

2 T chicken base seasoning

1/2 t smoked pasilla chili powder, I made my own from the dried peppers I got at the Mexican market

1 t sugar

Put all ingredients in 5 qt pan and bring to a boil.

Simmer 45 minutes.

This is a bold flavored soup, having a robust chili taste.

To serve add, avocado slices, sliced radishes, sour cream, sliced cabbage, fresh Cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled tostado chips and chopped onions.