Penne with Turkey Meatballs

Cook Time: 1 hr 50 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup grated Romano
1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce, recipe follows
1 pound dried penne pasta


Directions

In a large bowl add bread crumbs milk and mix until well combined. Mix in eggs and 1/2 cup Romano cheese and mix well. Add turkey and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into golf-size balls.


In a large skillet heat the oil over medium high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown, about 8 minutes total. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow meatballs to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and keep warm on stove. Be careful not to overhandle the meatballs since they are soft and fragile.

In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the penne.


Remove meatballs from sauce and place in serving bowl. Pour some tomato sauce over meatballs, but leave about 1 cup of sauce in skillet. Place the cooked penne into the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss well. Pour sauced pasta into a large serving bowl. Serve alongside the meatballs.


Simple Tomato Sauce:

Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ease of Preparation: Easy


1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional


In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5-10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.


Add half the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.


If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to six months.


From: foodnetwork.com

Prosciutto Lamb Burgers

Cook Time: 16 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings


Ingredients

* 1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons whole milk
* 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
* 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound ground lamb
* 6 large slices prosciutto, sliced medium-thin (for wrapping the burgers)
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Fresh basil leaves, for topping each burger
* Fresh tomato slices, for topping each burger
* Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
* Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling


Directions

In a large bowl combine the bread crumbs, parsley, egg, milk, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper, Stir to combine. Add the lamb and stir until incorporated. Divide the mixture into 6 (1-inch) thick burgers. Place the slices of prosciutto on a cutting board or piece of parchment paper. Place 1 lamb burger in the center of each slice of prosciutto and wrap the prosciutto around the burger.


Place a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat for 2 minutes. Place the lamb burgers, prosciutto-covered side down in the pan and cook over medium heat until the prosciutto is golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Turn the burgers and finish cooking, about 6 to 8 minutes more.


Remove the burgers from the pan and place on a serving platter or individual plates. Top each burger with 2 to 3 basil leaves, 1 to 2 slices of tomato, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

From: foodnetwork.com

Turkey and Cranberry Ravioli

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients
Ravioli:

* 1/4 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
* 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
* 2 tablespoons grated Romano
* 1 tablespoon bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
* 1 egg
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 20 store-bought wonton wrappers

Gravy:

* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1 shallot, chopped
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

To make the ravioli: in a medium bowl, stir together the turkey,
cranberry sauce, cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper.
Place 10 wonton wrappers on a work surface. Brush lightly with water
using a pastry brush. Place 1 tablespoon of the turkey mixture on each
of the wonton wrappers. Top with another wonton wrapper. Push out any
air bubbles and press the edges tightly to seal.

To make the gravy: in a medium, heavy skillet, heat the butter over
medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the flour and stir until cooked, about 1 minute. Slowly add the
chicken broth, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. Add the cream, parley,
salt, and pepper and cook, without boiling, for 2 minutes, stirring
often.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the ravioli and cook until tender but still firm to the bite and
the turkey is cooked, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Drain
the ravioli into the gravy and stir to coat. Serve immediately in
individual dishes, drizzled with the remaining gravy.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 60 mini meatballs)

Ingredients

* 1 pound orecchiette pasta
* 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon whole milk
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 3/4 cup grated Romano
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
* 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
* 8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the
pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring
occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk,
ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and
gently stir to combine.

Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture
into 3/4-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into
mini meatballs.

In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until
brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and
brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock
and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the
brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and
simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about
5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan. Toss to
lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to
loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2
cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the chopped
basil.

From: foodnetwork.com

Grilled and Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Gorgonzola

Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
* 12 ounces turkey sausage, casings removed
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
* 2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme leaves
* 2 tablespoons fresh chopped oregano leaves
* 3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
* 1 cup (4-ounces) Gorgonzola
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
* 6 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed

Directions

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the turkey sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until cooked
through, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove
the pan from the heat. Stir in the mascarpone cheese. Add the thyme,
oregano, bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of Gorgonzola, 1/2 teaspoon salt and
1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined.

Brush the mushrooms on both sides with the remaining oil and season
with salt and pepper. Grill the mushrooms, stem side down, for 3
minutes. Turn the mushrooms over and grill for 2 minutes until tender.
Fill each mushroom with the sausage mixture and top with the remaining
Gorgonzola. Return the mushrooms to the grill and cook until the
stuffing is warmed through and the Gorgonzola starts to melt, about 5
to 7 minutes.

Cook's Note: The assembled mushrooms can also be placed on a baking
sheet and cooked under a preheated broiler until warmed through.

Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan and Pancetta

Cook Time: 35 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

* 1 head cauliflower, cut into pieces (about 6 cups)
* 4 ounce piece pancetta, diced
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1 clove garlic, whole
* 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1 cup grated Parmesan
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Blanch the
cauliflower for 2 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to a buttered 9 by
13-inch baking dish and let cool, about 5 minutes.

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pancetta. Transfer
to a small bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir until
combined. Continue stirring for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly
add the milk, stirring continuously until the milk has incorporated
and there are no lumps. Add the garlic clove and red pepper flakes and
stir the sauce over low heat until the mixture coats the back of a
wooden spoon. Add the Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the reserved
pancetta. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower to
cover. Top with a sprinkling of bread crumbs.

Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden and the cauliflower is cooked,
about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

* 1 pound dried orecchiette or other small shaped pasta
* 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 2/3 cup Italian seasoned dried bread crumbs
* Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
* 1 cup finely chopped prosciutto
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Cook pasta
until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium-sized saute pan, heat the oil until warm. Since
the bread crumbs will cook quickly, you don't want to add them into a
hot pan, otherwise they can burn. Add the breadcrumbs and stir
constantly. Season lightly with salt and pepper since flavored bread
crumbs may already have seasoning. Saute for about 2 minutes. Remove
from heat and set aside.

Drain pasta in a colander. Working quickly, add pasta to the saute pan
and stir to combine. Add Parmesan and the chopped prosciutto. Mix
thoroughly. Pour into large serving bowl and garnish with chopped
parsley.

From: foodnetwork.com

Parmesan Fish Sticks

Cook Time: 17 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4-6 servings


Ingredients

Fish sticks

* 1 (18-ounce) center-cut salmon fillet, about 9 by 4 inches, skinned
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 3 egg whites
* 1 cup grated Parmesan
* 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
* Olive oil, for drizzling

Dipping Sauce

* 1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
* 1/3 cup lowfat plain yogurt
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives

Directions

For the Fish Sticks:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Rinse the salmon fillet and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the fish in
half to make 2 fillets each about 4 by 4 1/2-inches in size. Starting
on the longest edge, slice the fillets into 1/2-inch pieces. Lay the
widest pieces, from the center, cut side down, and slice in half
lengthways so all the pieces are equally about 1/2 by 1/2 by 4
1/2-inches in size.

Place the flour in a medium bowl and season with the salt and pepper.
Place the egg whites in another bowl and beat until frothy, about 30
seconds. Combine the Parmesan and bread crumbs in a third bowl.

Coat the salmon pieces in the seasoned flour and pat to remove any
excess flour. Dip the floured salmon in the egg whites and then into
the Parmesan mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the fish. Place
the breaded salmon pieces on a liberally oiled baking sheet. Drizzle
lightly with the olive oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden
brown.

For the Dipping Sauce:

Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, and parsley (or chives, if
using) in a small dipping bowl.

Arrange the fish sticks on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce.

Cook's Note: The fish sticks can also be dipped in ketchup, marinara
sauce, pesto, ranch dressing or vinaigrette.

From: foodnetwork.com