Penne Lucana

This is a copy cat recipe from one of our favorite Italian restaurant, Il Lucana.

1 package of Penne Pasta (I prefer rigatoni)
2 Italian Sausages
Pepperoni
Favorite jar of Pasta sauce ( I use Bertolli organic with olive oil, basil & garlic)
Fresh mozzarella cheese

Boil/drain your pasta.  Dump into a 9X13 pan.  Cook sausages in skillet with a little water until water evaporates.  Continue adding water and turning sausages until cooked all the way through.  Remove from pan and slice into medallions.  Return medallions back to pan to caramelize for 1 minute.  Remove from pan and mix in with the pasta in the 9X13 pan.  Dollop pasta sauce over pasta and sausage.  Layer pepperoni over the top (generously) sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and bake at 350 until cheese is melted.

Beef Stroganoff in a Skillet

Okay I just discovered this recipe today and made it for dinner. Everyone loved it, including Landon (who is super picky). It is one of Emeril's recipe and it is super quick and easy.

In the past every time I thought of Beef stroganoff I thought of Hamburger Helper and I wanted to hurl. I am glad Emeril changed my mind on Beef Stroganoff.

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1/2 tsp. Essence (recipe to follow)
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced white button mushroms (I left out the fungus and it was still good)
Wide egg noodles, cooked
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 plus cup of sour cream

Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning

2.5 Tbs. paprika
2 Tbs. salt
2 Tbs. garlic powder
1 Tbs. black pepper
1 Tbs. onion powder
1 Tbs. cayenne pepper (Grandpa Palmer would like this!)
1 Tbs. dried oregano
1 Tbs. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Directions:
Season beef with salt, pepper and Essence

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook stirring until browned. Drain excess oil. Add the onions and cook stirring until soft. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring until the mushrooms have released their juices, about 2 minutes. Add the egg noodles, beef broth and sour cream. Cook, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, 5-6 minutes.

Pasta Salad

This recipe came from John's dad.

12oz. pasta (bow tie, shell, and wacky spiral)
2 cans sliced black olives
1 can garbonzo beans
1 can kidney beans
1 package of dry sliced salami
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
16oz bottle of light Italian dressing

Cook pasta according to directions, transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water. Let pasta stand in colander while you add the other ingredients. Pour liquid and then ingredients of each can over the standing pasta (olives and beans). Then transfer to a large bowl with a lid. Cut salami into very small pieces and cube the cheese. Add and mix with the pasta. Right before serving add 16oz. of light italian dressing.

Home Made Pasta Sauce

Okay so technically it's not completely home made, but it sure tastes like it.

2 Tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28oz) jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 tsp. sugar
1 roma tomato (finely chopped)
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. thyme


In a medium saucepan heat olive oil over medium/high heat. Add onion and saute until tender. Add garlic to onions and saute for only 45 seconds or the garlic will become bitter. Add a jar of pasta sauce, sugar, tomato, oregano, thyme and mix together. Simmer over low heat for 15 minute to blend the flavors. Use this sauce in any of your favorite pasta dishes. I've used it on tortellini, lasagna, parmesian chicken, meatballs, pasta and lots others. This sauce freezes awesome!!! I always make a double batch and freeze the excess.