Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Meatball Super Sub

I am always looking for quick, delicious and easy recipes to feed a crowd--holidays, tailgating, movie nights, oscar parties--this recipe from Tasty did not disappoint! Quite brilliant...provided you make killer meatballs, have a great red sauce and use a fresh-baked, crusty loaf of bread!



Both meatballs and red sauce can be made in bulk and frozen which makes the recipe a cinch if you have everything on hand and pre-made. Great way to have good food in your freezer and in stock.

Ok folks--this recipe is totally worth making! So, go try it now!

Meatball Super Sub

Equipment:
Functioning oven
Baking sheet large enough to fit loaf of crusty bread
Large skillet to heat red sauce and meatballs



Ingredients:
Large loaf of crusty bread, i.e. demi-baguette
Shredded parmesan
Meatballs 
Red Sauce, Homemade or Rao's or your favorite
Fresh grated mozzarella 



Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Set oven to 350F degrees.
3. Carve out a center strip of bread to create a trough.
4. Sprinkle parmesan along the entire groove. 



5. Heat the red sauce and meatballs in a large skillet.



6. Add a row of meatballs and red sauce to the bread's groove.



7. Cover with fresh mozzarella.



8. Place on a baking sheet with a rim.



9. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350F degrees, then broil for last 1-2 minutes.
10. Be prepared to share!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Spaghetti Squash Rocks

Where have you been all my life? Can't believe it's taken this long to discover spaghetti squash--yes, exactly, as it sounds--a perfect vegetable imitation of the favorite pasta. If you are trying to cut carbs for whatever reason, you have yourself here one awesome substitute. I know there will be skeptics, but man...am I grateful for the dietician at the hospital I work at for demonstrating this awesome addition to my food groups!


Pair this easy-to-make vegetable with a little parmesan, butter, salt and pepper, and you are set to go with a simple comfort food meal by itself; or, throw in a marinara sauce with meatballs from Spaghetti & Meatballs or Meatball Minis blog posts from the early days.

This vegetable is cheap and literally made with no skill all while being delicious, satisfying and good for you. Worth considering for any college student looking to make the most of their meal and summer cash!

Spaghetti Squash Rocks

Equipment:
Baking Pyrex or 
Baking Sheet with Rim

Ingredients:
Large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
1/2 cup water


Parmesan
Butter
Salt & Pepper

Other Options:
Marinara Sauce
Pomodoro Sauce
Meatballs (from the Spaghetti & Meatballs)

Instructions:
1. Wash hands and preheat oven 350F degrees.
2. Halve the squash and use a spoon to remove the pulp and seeds.


3. In a large baking dish, turn the halves upside down and pour 1/2 cup of water into dish.


4. Bake 25-30 minute until tender. Set aside until you can handle halves.
5. Use a fork to start scraping the inside of the squash...voila...a bowl of spaghetti. 
6. Toss in a little butter or olive oil with parmesan.
7. Salt & pepper to taste.



8. If you have marinara sauce or pomodoro sauce (super easy) have frozen some of the meatballs--add them for a simple, easy lunch! 


I got 4 nice servings out this one squash! Simple does it sometimes!

Friday, June 10, 2016

Minneapolis St Paul Food Finds

Not getting to cook much these days, because I seem to be going-going-going non-stop! However, one benefit is certainly making new friends and finding awesome food joints! This weekend in Minneapolis-St Paul, MN did not disappoint!



Check out these incredible local hangouts I discovered this visit--all worth a re-visit and some worth a trek regardless!

These operations are about local support and giving back to the community while providing exceptional fare, flavors and dining experience! 

Here are my Top 4 Choices this trip followed by other options if you happen to need a solid and well-priced meal! 

Black Sheep Pizza
Multiple locations. The restaurant on Washington Street in Minneapolis is in the  heart of city commotion and near the stadium. Skip the lines and head over to the St Paul's location! 



I tried the Persian Beef withe Feta, Parsley and Harissa Pizza and the Roasted Olives & Garlic for a starter. But the menu is full of surprises and great combinations! Salads are  freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients. Local microbrews are just the "icing on the cake"!



Surly Beer Hall


Grab a bike and ride the back trails in and around Minneapolis with the goal of finding your way to Surly Beer Hall for a full smattering of their standard, and seasonal, microbrews along with some incredible food--BBQ, brisket, phenomenal authentic German pretzels, and farm-to-table options--what a great venue and endpoint to wrap up a day of activity and motion!







Salut

Across the river, St Paul offers another fantastic option for lunch or dinner with a French flare!


Looking for a break from city life, this place will cheer you up on a sunny day and make you feel you crossed the Atlantic! Again, seasonal fare, great drinks with cool concoctions such as the French Riviera and Leetal Beeg Cheezeburger with Pommes Frites!




Finally, I saved my favorite place for last: 

The Birchwood Cafe

Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this cafe is about more than just good, real food--they are involved in change, community projects, charity, mindful living, and promoting social justice, equality, and awareness! 



But, as wonderful as this may sound...the food rocks your world--fresh, local, organic, healthy, delicious, interesting--Birdseed Bread Avocado Toast garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs or what about Sweet Pea & Basil Pancakes with Grapefruit Marmalade


Before You Leave...

Take advantage of Minneapolis' awesome outdoor space for walking, biking, reading, relaxing! Really some cool options worth exploring close to or within the city:

Lake Harriet & Lake Calhoun
Minnehaha Park & Falls


Downtown Gold Medal Park


Downtown Old Stone Bridge


...and Dogwood Coffee