Television Feasts

I am a home cook who backyard gardens and has a serious closet addiction to the Food Network. I envision visiting the world in my own kitchen.

From Julia to Giada, I am a bi-product of the quirky world of anything food television. At age 10 I wanted to lunch with Julia; at 12 I thought sitting at Graham Kerr's table would be bliss; in college I was a diligent voyeur student of Jeff Smith's; and as a newlywed I envisioned myself being Martha. Then the sky opened up and violin music played in the background when I discovered an entire family of food shows on the blossoming food network. Twenty years later I am still a home chef with a backyard garden, yet in my head I am a trained chef who has eaten her way around the world, tasted all things exotic, competed in many challenges, judged the best of the best, and have a circle of friends which includes Emeril, Bobby, Rachael and more. I like to learn and challenge myself simply for the pleasure of all things food. I am a student of the University of Food Network and my textbooks, exams and extra-curricular activities all stem from channel 39.


Monday, July 21, 2014

Whole Wheat Linguini with Swiss Chard and Parmesano Reggiano

Dinner was once again chosen because of the abundance in the garden.  This pasta dish was easy. Really easy.  And, it was as good as any dish I have had in a quality restaurant.  Leave it to a Giada De Laurentiis recipe to make you feel like you are in the region of Tuscany.  Note that this entire dish is made with 1 T. of olive oil. Those of you that know me well, yes, I did add the olives-ugh- however, you merely sprinkle them on top. So, of course I carefully served myself around them!  This is a recipe I strongly encourage you to try-delish!

Whole Wheat Linguini with Swiss Chard and Parmesano Reggiano
Printable recipe

1 t. Olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 bunches Swiss Chard, trimmed and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
1/4 c. Dry white wine
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper
8 ounces whole wheat linguini
1/4 c. Pitted and chopped kalamata olives
2 T. freshly grated Parmesano Reggiano
2 t. toasted pine nuts

Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until tender. 
Add the chard and sauté until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the tomatoes with juices, wine and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer unto tomatoes start to break down and chard is tender, about 5 minutes. 
Season with salt and pepper. 

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes.  Drain and add to the sauce, toss until pasta is coated and heat through. 
Top with olives, pine nuts and cheese. 

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