Quinoa Veggie Curls

David and I came across this product at Henry's Market.  We have tried their spaghetti and linguine products, the texture is much better than whole wheat pasta (personal preference).  Little did we know,  Fresh and Easy also carries this product!  It's located in the last row near the freezers, on a shelf labelled as "gluten free."  This makes grocery shopping so much easier when  products like these are less than a 2 mile radius.

We have been trying to work with cilantro pesto since buying it in bundle lasts a bit longer in the fridge than basil, it's an alternate herbaceous flavor, and it's a lot cheaper.   Recipe is below, I forgot to add my lovely toasted walnuts in my recipe this time, but it was nice to have as a snack.  Hope you'll enjoy the recipe! 

Quinoa Veggie Curls
1 Box - Quinoa Veggie Curls (follow box instructions)

Cilantro Pesto
1 Bundle - Cilantro (chopped)
1/2 Cup - Olive Oil (desired preference consistency)
4 - 5 Clove - Garlic (desired taste)
1/2 tsp - Cayenne Pepper (OPTIONAL)
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste

Toppings
1/2 Basket - Small tomatoes (cut in quarters)
1/2 Cup - Toasted Walnuts (coarsely chopped)
1/4 Cup - Grated Parmesan Cheese (OPTIONAL)

Procedures:

1.  Prepare quinoa curls, rinse in cold water and set aside.
2.  For cilantro pesto, place garlic cloves and cilantro in chopper and slowly add the olive oil until desired consistency.
3.  Add salt and pepper and blend.  Place 1/2 pesto in container and freeze for next use.
4.  Place cilantro pesto into large bowl, throw in veggie curls, small tomatoes, toasted walnuts, and toss.
5.  Place in refrigerator for a nice summer pasta salad.  When ready to serve, top with grated Parmesan cheese.  Enjoy!

Mac & Cheese w/ Broccolini

Another day of my pasta adventure.  The last time I made Mac & Cheese with skim milk and soy cheese, the flavor and texture wasn't there.  Hopefully this will turn out better.  Sounds like a lot of carbohydrates for the week already, but everything is good in moderation.  Let's hope this turns out yummy!!!! 

Mac & Cheese w/ Broccolini
Serving:  Approx. 8

Ingredients

12 oz - Whole Wheat Elbow Pasta, follow package instruction and reduce 2-3 minute cooking time
1 bundle (5 oz) - broccolini, chopped and blanched in hot water for 45 -60 sec

Cheese Sauce
1 3/4 Cup - Milk, can use non-fat but will have a lighter taste (I used skim milk)
3/4 Cup - Heavy Cream, can use half & half as substitution
1/4 Cup - Flour
2 tsp - Dijon Mustard
3/4 tsp - salt
1/4 tsp - white pepper, because of color and bolder flavor
2 1/4 Cup - 3 Cheese, light
1/4 Cup -Parmigiano Reggiano

Crumb Topping
4 Tbsp - Panko breadcrumb
3/4 tsp - Paprika
1/4 tsp - Salt
2-3 tsp - Olive Oil, drizzle on top

Procedure
1.  Pre-heat oven to 400F, coat the baking dish with butter.  Prepare elbow pasta as instructed by package but reduce 2-3 minutes of cooking time because we will baking it later and  cooking the pasta through will make the pasta too soft.

2.  Blanch the broccolini with the same pasta water used with the remaining 1 minute.  Broccolini should be crisp and tendor.  Drain pasta and broccolini and return to pot.

3.   Prepare cheese sauce:  Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until hot, set aside.

4.  Whisk together the heavy cream, flour mustard, salt, and white pepper in a medium bowl until completely smooth.  Whisk this mixture into the steaming milk and bring to a simmer whisking until smooth and thickened.  Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.

5.  Stir in the cheese sauce into the pasta and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

6.  Stir together the breadcrumb, paprika, salt, garlic powder and sprinkle the crumbs over the pasta.  Drizzle the olive oil above crumb topping and bake until the pasta is bubbling and the topping is golden 15 - 20 minutes.


OMG, DELICIOUS!!! 

Cilantro Pesto Pasta w/ Parmigiano-Reggiano

Mmm...I've been craving for pesto pasta and since cilantro is what I have in the fridge, I'm having pasta with Cilantro Pesto rather than our typical Pesto made with basil.  Hope you'll enjoy this!

Ingredients
3/4 Package - Whole Wheat Pasta (follow package instruction)

Cilantro Pesto
1 Bundle - Cilantro, washed
6 Cloves - Garlic
1/2 - 1 tsp - Salt
1/2 tsp - Black Pepper
1/4 Cup - Olive Oil