***in which i learn that people actually read this blog! and that i'm really craving this recipe now***
But I have still been cooking. Pretty much every night, as a matter of fact, although I will admit that things like Steak-Umms and (gasp!) fish sticks have been sneaking into my repertoire a bit more frequently than I care to admit. Isn't it awful how pesky things like work, sleep, school and laundry impede one's culinary prowess?
(I must confess, I faced a choice about 5 minutes ago: fold a load of laundry, or update this blog. I chose the more sedentary action, as I am wont to do, and I'm glad for it!)
So as a bonus for taking a three-month hiatus (from a one-month-old blog, no less), I have decided to include a picture of the kitchen where all the magic happens! This pic was taken during the one 15-minute interval this year when there were no dirty dishes piled by the sink, and no crusty stuff on the cooktop. Behold, my domain:
Of note:
- the shiny glinting chrome apparatus in the corner, my beloved DeLonghi Magnifica espresso/cappuccino machine, otherwise known as The-Coffee-Maker-That-Cost-More-Than-A-Mortgage-Payment. But I'll tell ya, when I stumble bleary-eyed down the stairs at 3 a.m. to head to work and that baby's lit up like a beacon of energy-giving life, I would gladly give my left thumb in exchange for its well-being.
- the paper towels, which sit upon our counter without the benefit of a paper-towel holder, since the day Scott decided he simply didn't like the one we had and threw it out. Just like that. Threw it out. Who does something like that? And I'm far too lazy to find a new one.
- the light fixture, which I dislike but am also too lazy to do anything about, as I'm hoping that Clive guy from HGTV will come into my home before I sell it and make changes at no cost to me.
- and before you judge me on the kitschy "Cookies" sign from Ross Dress For Less, let the record show that the sign says "Aunt Kate's Cookies", which has special meaning for me since I'm now an aunt, having inherited a great nephew after my wedding. Feel bad now, don't you?
So, let's get to a recipe. Even though my posting has slackened, I'm still taking pictures of all (cough* only the pretty *cough) food I make. So I've got quite the arsenal. However, there are some pictures that I've been squinting at trying to figure out what the HELL is on the plate.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Grilled Chicken
On our anniversary, August 31, we ate at a little avant-garde Italian place nearby and I consumed with great gusto a bowl of red pepper pasta with roasted veggies. It was so fantastic that I made my own interpretation of it just days later. Oh so easy, and extremely delish.
Feel free to choose your own vegetables, or whatever happens to be in season, for this pasta. I think I'll attempt a more wintery version of it soon, with things like carrots and maybe rutabaga (oh, who am I kidding? I've never eaten rutabaga in my life).
One red bell pepper, cut into one-inch pieces
One small Chinese eggplant, sliced into medallions and quartered
Six shiitake mushrooms, coarsely chopped
One red onion, cut into one-inch pieces
Ten asparagus spears, cut into one-inch pieces
One baby zucchini, cut into one-inch pieces
1 Tbsp crushed garlic
Olive oil
Sea Salt
Crushed Red Pepper
Two boneless skinless chicken breasts, marinated if you like in Caesar or Italian dressing
One box of spaghetti (I've been using Ronzoni SmartTaste and liking it)
Parmesan cheese for grating
1. Preheat oven to something pretty high. Like 450.
2. Place veggies on cookie sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with a good dose of olive oil, add the crushed garlic and douse with sea salt and crushed red pepper. With your fingers, toss the veggies until they are completely coated in the olive oil and the spices are mixed around well. Place in oven.
3. While veggies are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, and then drain well.
4. While veggies are a-roasting away and pasta is boiling, place the chicken on a hot grill and cook through.
5. I really have no idea how long to tell you to roast the veggies for. I'm going to say it was about 20-25 minutes, but keep checking them. They will char nicely in spots and turn extremely fragrant. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Remove from oven.
6. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks when it is cool enough to handle.
7. Toss together the grilled chicken, roasted veggies and pasta. Grate some fresh parmesan over the top and voila! Dinner's done.
I served this with sliced tomatoes in a garlic vinaigrette and some crusty Italian bread. This would also make a fabulous vegetarian meal if you omit the chicken.
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