Stuffed Artichokes

I ordered two artichokes from Misfits Market. They were nice and round and once stuffed and cooked, they were quite delicious. I used the recipe that is the closest to what my Mom made. The recipe is from the Food Blogga site. It was a fine stuffed artichoke. Rave reviews from both sides of the table. Click here for the recipe.

The leaves were tender and the stuffing was seasoned lightly. Next time more crushed red pepper!

One Pot Creamy Gnocchi and Sausage

I had pinned this recipe a while ago. Tonight I had all the ingredients in the house. Rave reviews from both sides of the table. The original recipe can be found on Food Talk Daily.

Ingredients-
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound mild Italian sausage (removed from casing)
1/2 bell pepper, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup half and half cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 500g pack of gnocchi

Method-
In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat, then add sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides.
Add in the bell pepper strips, and cook another couple of minutes until the pepper starts to soften.
Add in the tomato paste, stir, then add the chicken broth, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and finally the gnocchi. Stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and allow to cook for 5 minutes.

Happy Valentines Pasta Pie

You have a springform pan right?

This is a super easy recipe and it makes quite a nice presentation. 

There are plenty of recipes for this online. One from the Food Network another from Tablespoon.com. 

I had leftover marinara sauce in the fridge. I cooked up some sausage and added it to the sauce. I made the Rigatoni and stood it up in the springform pan. I lined the pan with parchment for easy clean-up.

I put the sauce over the pasta and topped it with cheeses. Baked for about 30 minutes. 

Happy Valentines Day!!

Happy Birthday! How Old Am I???!!???

When I get older, losing my hair

Many years from now

Will you still be sending me a Valentine?

Birthday greetings, bottle of wine

Damn. 64!! What the f**@##@!

The day was not that bad. Flowers from my husband and cupcakes from a co-worker.

I will never complain when I am surrounded by roses and chocolate cupcakes.

For dinner, we ate at Quattros. Our usual go-to place for dinners out. 

Started out with cocktails, after the day at work I had I was surprised I only had 1 martini!

Apps were bruschetta and grilled calamari. Spot on for both dishes.

I had the Branzino and Chris had the Osso Bucco. We both enjoyed our meals The whole dinner was just perfect. A wonderful dinner for a kind of big birthday.