Great Cookbook

You guys all know that I really love to cook and try new recipes, and I've recently gotten a new cookbook that I absolutley love. It's from the authors of Cooks Illustrated magazine and the PBS TV show America's Test Kitchen. It contains over 1200 recipes with tons of color pictures as well as really useful tester information about certain equipment and food products. It has been my 'go to' cookbook for everyday cooking.

Here are some really good, quick pasta recipes that we've recently tried.... and were goobled up by everyone - even Christian!!

Skillet Chili Mac
3 tbs vegetable oil
1 lb ground beef (I used ground turkey and was very good - and healthier)
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
salt pepper
4 garlic cloves
1 tbl chili powder
1 tbl cumin
8 oz macaroni (2 cups)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15oz) can tomato puree
1 cup water
1 tbl brown sugar
8 oz Colby cheese, shredded

1. heat oil and brown beef. Once fully cooked, drain and set aside.
2. heat oil, onion, bell pepper, and salt. cook until tender
3. stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin and cook until fragrant. Stir in macaroni, tomatoes with juices, puree, water and brown sugar and drained beef. Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to md-low and continue to simmer until noodles are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle cheese over top. Cover and set off heat until cheese melt about 3 mintues.

To add some extra kick, increase chili powder and add red pepper flakes.


Orecchiette with Broccoli, Sausage, and Roasted Red Peppers
4 oz sweet of hot Italian sausage
1 jar (12oz) roasted red peppers, chopped
6 garlic cloves
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
salt
1/2 cup water
1 lb orecciette (or other chewy pasta like campanelle or conch shells)
2 oz (1 cup) grated pecorino romano or parmesan cheese
1 tbl extra virgin olive oil

1. boil water, add pasta
2. cook sausage and break into small pieces (casings need to be removed if bought in links). Stir in red pepper and garlic. Cook until fragrant - 15 seconds.
Stire in broccoli, 1/2 tsp salt, and water. Increase the heat to high, cover and cook until broccoli is bright green (2 minutes). Uncover and stir until water is evaporated - 5minutes longer.
4. Drain pasta and add to sausage mixture. Add cheese, oil and toss to coat.

If you are looking for a good, everyday cookbook - I would highly recommed this one.