Seconds? Yes please! Bacon & Tomato Risotto

This is just ridiculously mouth watering. Super simple to make, super simple to eat. Why wouldn't you make this? I'm not sure there's a logical answer to that question. I looove risotto and I can't get enough of the fresh out of my back yard tomatoes. They've been sitting on my counter for a few days and well, I just have to eat them. But I needed something extra special for dinner today and I was in the mood to stir so I decided risotto needed to be on the menu. I had bacon so I threw that in the mix too.

Here's what you'll need:
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 lb bacon, diced
1 cup chopped tomatoes, take out the seeds
1 1/2 cups uncooked arborio rice
3 tablespoons of butter
2 cans low sodium chicken stock
1 can low sodium beef stock
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
1 cup parmesan and romano cheese

In a sauce pan add the stocks and heat just to warm thru. In a large skillet over medium heat cook the bacon until it's crispy then set aside on a paper towel to drain off any excess grease. Take out some of the grease if there is a lot and add the butter. When that is melted add the onion. Cook until just translucent. Add the rice. Stir it around a bit and let it toast just a few minutes.  Begin adding the broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Let each addition absorb before adding the next. This should take about 20 minutes.
You want a creamy risotto, not firm and dry. It should also be al dente, like pasta. Give it a taste-test to make sure. When it's done take it off the heat and stir in the cheese, tomatoes, bacon and parsley.

Give yourself an extra spoonful and dive into it. It's so creamy and nutty from the cheese. You get the brightness from the tomatoes and some crunch from the bacon. It's the perfect bite.

Shrimp & Avocado Pizza

YUMMMM!!! This was just what my pizza craving called for. It was so good, healthy and inexpensive. Who says you have to get take out to get a great pizza? The best thing about pizza is you can add what you like! Whatever puffs your crust! It's so versatile and doesn't have to be a cheese covered greasy mess that you blot with a paper towel before every bite. So here's mine and it's my new favorite food. I want it everyday!

Here's what you'll need:
1 avocado, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 pound pre-cooked shrimp, tails off
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled feta
juice of 1 lemon
1 store bought (pre-cooked) pizza crust of your choice
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Preheat your oven per the directions of your pizza crust package. Add the minced garlic to the olive oil and let that hang out for a bit while you prepare the rest of the veggies. Toss the diced avocado with the lemon juice. When everything is prepared brush the pizza crust with the olive oil. If some garlic bits happen to jump on board that won't hurt. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the oil glazed crust. Add the rest of the toppings finishing with the feta, sans parsley. Pop it in the oven long enough for the pizza to heat thru and the cheese to get melty, about 10 minutes.
Remember! your shrimp is already cooked so be careful not to over heat it. It will become rubbery and that is not yummy. Garnish with the parsley and slice it up!

Comfy Food

 I have been sick. Yuck! I want some comfort food. But instead of chicken noodle soup or mom's pot roast this is what I was craving. It did hit the spot!

Bruschetta w/ tomatoes & shallots

Chicken saltimbocco with artichokes and capers in a lemon butter sauce.

The Cheesiest Manicotti Ever

My cheesy manicotti is so good you won't be able to resist having seconds. Just loosen up the belt a bit.

Here's what you'll need:
9 manicotti
16 oz part skim ricotta cheese
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried tarragon
1/2 tsp dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce

Boil a pot of salted water and add the manicotti. Cook until just under al dente. Carefully remove the manicotti from the water and place on a non-stick foil covered dish until ready to use. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a bowl, minus the sauce of course. Salt and pepper to taste. With the manicotti cooled down a bit, carefully fill them with the cheese. I use my fingers, I think it's easiest, but you can use a spoon or pastry bag as well. Spray the bottom of a casserole dish. Spoon some marinara around the dish and add the manicotti. Cover with marinara. Bake at 350 degrees until melty and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.

Tasty Tidbit: I love tarragon. It's a very under appreciated herb. But, it can be quite pungent. I recommend restrained usage if you don't know how you're going to like it. If you just don't care for it feel free to substitute something you love.

Enjoy!

Two For Tapas, Tapas For Two

A friend and I recently visited Mojito Tapas Restaurant for dinner. It's one of my favorite places! Here are some of the delicioso items we had, featured on the dinner menu:

Albóndigas (Meatballs)–Spanish style meatballs. Seasoned ground Angus beef, pork and Spanish chorizo. Served in a wine tomato sauce. Topped with Manchego cheese snow. 

Guacamole – Avocadoes, tomatoes, cilantro, roasted peppers, red onions and lime juice. Served with plantain chips. 

Trio de Hummus – Black bean hummus, chickpea hummus and roasted pepper hummus served with olives, almonds, pine nuts, tomatoes, onions, sumac, olive oil and parsley. Served with pita bread. 

Raviolo – House made stuffed ravioli with ricotta, capriole goat cheese, chorizo, Serrano ham and marcona almonds. Topped with tomato confit and Manchego cheese.  

Datiles Rellenos (Stuffed Dates) – Roasted stuffed dates with Capriole goat cheese wrapped in apple wood bacon topped with smoked honey and piquillo sauce.  

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) – Plump shrimp sautéed with garlic, olive oil and finished with lime juice. Served with garlic aioli, fresh salsa and bread. 

Visit their website to learn more about the restaurant and to see their menu.