Italian Mac & Cheese

Here is a little twist on an all time favorite. Italian Mac & Cheese includes cheese, pasta and meat sauce!

How to make Italian Mac & Cheese for 4:
1 pack of Cavatappi pasta
3 cups Tomato Meat Sauce
Grated Mozzarella Cheese

Directions:
Boil the pasta and cook the meat sauce. Once the two are cooked mix them together and pre heat the oven to 350. Place half of the mixture in a corningware dish and spread the Mozzarella over. Pour the rest of the pasta and sauce on top and add another layer of cheese. Place in the oven for 10 minutes. Once the cheese has melted the dish is ready! Happy Cookin!

Oregano! A cooking must!

Oregano is the one herb that I always have. This herb works so well in so many different situations. Oregano's origin is from the Mediterranean and is used in many Greek, Italian and Spanish dishes. Oregano is a must in many Greek dishes, be it meat, fish or vegetables, oregano is perfect for a simple fast marinade.

The herb can be used either fresh or dried but beware the fresh herb, the taste is very strong! I have had my Greek Oregano plant for about 3 years. It's a perennial herb which means it can survive our winters. Throughout history oregano has for the treatment of colds, influenza, fevers, fungal infections, indigestion, stomach upsets, enteric parasites, and painful menstruation.

A quick simple marinate for meat would be oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper...mix together in a small bowl and marinate...I suggest you pick some up, it's cheap and adds a lot of flavor!

Italian Popcorn

You've decided to stay in and have a movie night. That means popcorn! Here is a simple twist on a classic.

How to make Italian Popcorn:
1 sack microwave popcorn - not the butter one
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
1/3 cup grated Parmigiana cheese

Directions:
Pop the corn and place in a bowl. Place butter and spices in a small cup or bowl and place in microwave oven and melt. Stir and pour mixture over the popped corn. Sprinkle the corn with the cheese and serve. Happy Cookin!

Bruschetta

So you have company coming over and you want to make an appetizer that's easy and tasty. Bruschetta is easy to make, healthy and also impressive.

How to make Bruschetta:
6 Italian tomatoes
Oregano
1/4 cup Olive oil
1 tble spool Balsamic vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Directions:
Cut the tomatoes into 1/2" pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Mix in the remaining ingredients to taste. The key in to let the mixture marinate for about 30 min in the fridge. Cut a fresh baguette into 1" slices and place in a bread basket. Put the Bruschetta mixture in a nice bowl and spoon it onto a piece of bread. Enjoy and happy cookin!

Sausage, Peppers and Pasta

Pasta Night! I decided to make a little twist to our pasta dish tonight. A very easy recipe that will both impress in appearance and taste.

How to make "Sausage, Peppers and Pasta" for 2:
Two Sausages
1 Red Pepper
Your favorite pasta
Olive Oil
Oregano

Preparation: Heat some Olive Oil in a frying pan. While the oil is warming up cut the sausages and pepper in to 1" pieces and place them in the pan.

Cook the sausage and peppers on medium-low heat.

While the sausage and peppers are cooking boil some water for the pasta. A little trick to help the water boil faster is to add some sea salt to the water. Once the Pasta is ready strain it and put it in a big bowl. When the peppers are tender, they are ready. Add the sausage and peppers mixture to the bowl and sprinkle olive oil and oregano. All that's left to do is toss and serve. Happy Cookin!