Broccoli & Spaghetti

This past Sunday, I revived the "Sunday Coffee" with Dad. I started this weekly ritual when my husband and I first moved back to the area. One: to catch up on family goings-on and two: to take a small break from the craziness of two young toddlers. An hour, cup of coffee and a story or two was just what I needed to get me through the day.

As the kids got older and our family got busier, "Sunday Coffee" started to drift until it stopped all together. I think my dad and I both missed our weekly visits.

One common subject that my father and I can talk endlessly about is food. Where to find the best supermarket deal, what secret ingredient to add to this or that, etc. That is why this blog was started; to share what we enjoy.

So, first recipe up from my childhood is Broccoli & Spaghetti. I ate this ALL the time as a kid and I'm surprised that I haven't made it for my kids because they love broccoli.

I don't have pictures yet, but when I make this dish, I will take some and add to the post.

Recipe for Broccoli & Spaghetti:

2 boxes frozen chopped broccoli
1 box spaghetti
Olive oil
Locatelli Pecorino Romano Cheese

Boil water in stock pot with a touch of olive oil (my father only uses Bertolli). Add spaghetti and broccoli and cook together until pasta is finished. Drain pot making sure to leave about 5% of water in pasta. Add generous amount of olive oil (about 1/4 C.) salt & pepper. Heavy on salt, very light on pepper.

Place in bowl and add generous sprinkle of cheese.

My father likes Bertolli oil and I tend to use Fillipo Berrio, but we both agree that there is NO other cheese to use in ANY dish other than Locatelli. The flavor is salty and a little nutty and is divine on any dish calling for grated cheese.

Chicken Chili

The days of fall are slowly turning into winter. The leaves are almost off the trees and soon, November will become gray and dreary and cold.

One recipe that is very versitle and freezes like a dream is a staple in our house (and big fall party).  This recipe only takes 30 minutes to make and tastes better the next day. Add a simple green salad and bread of your choice and you have a nice hearty meal that will warm you up on those cold days!

Recipe:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Large Onion, chopped
1-2 Garlic cloves, minced
2 Boneless Chicken breast halves, cut in bite-size pieces
1 15oz. can White Kidney Beans (Cannelini)
1 15oz. can Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans)
1 15oz. can Great Northern Beans
1 4oz. can Chopped Green Chilles
1 Chicken bullion cube
2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 Small can Shoepeg Corn
1 lime
Salt & Pepper

Ok...to make the chili:

In a medium size sauce pot, put in olive oil ( lately I use Fillipo Berrio Extra Virgin Olive Oil), chopped onion, minced garlic, cut chicken and 2tsp. ground cumin. Cook over medium heat until chicken is cooked, stirring occassionally so not to stick to the bottom.

Once chicken is cooked, add all the canned beans (do not rinse the beans! Add the whole can contents). I use whatever beans are on sale at the store; even the generic store brands. I find that these taste the same no matter what you use (unlike Black Beans where you can tell the difference between brands). Add can of chopped Chilles, bullion cube, salt & pepper.

Now for the corn: I prefer to use Green Giant Shoepeg corn in the small can. It is sweet and crisp and adds a very nice flavor to the chili. It can be pricey but it is the best one. I have used regular corn in a pinch and it works fine too.

Last but not least, roll your lime on the counter or cutting board. Place under your palm and put slight pressure as you roll it back and forth. This will loosen up the pulp in the fruit and make it easier to squeeze the juice out. (hint: this works with all the citrus fruits!) Slice lime in half and squeeze each into the chili. Stir all ingredients together.

Bring Pot to a gentle boil and then turn heat down to simmer.  Cook for 30 minutes. You can serve this with shredded Monterey Jack Cheese and red hot sauce if you want.