Archive - May 10, 2008

When it is my day to cook, I sometimes like to look around the kitchen, see what we have, and then just make the recipe up as I go. Sometimes this turns out well, othertimes.... We have leftovers instead. But I always learn something from it. It is a good way to use up some of the stuff you might not otherwise use, and can be a lot of fun, if you are up for it.

Here is the low down on two of the items I recently made. Remember, I created them on the fly, so I might have forgotten something I put in. I also do not have exact amounts, so use your best judgement when recreating.

Penne Pasta on the spot
On the spot pasta and cheese

Penne Pasta On the Spot

This first one is really simple. Often best when starting out. I've made numerous variations of this pasta dish. Try different pastas and different veggies. You can also add meat, if you feel the need. I think it is better without, but a lot of people like something like proscutto or bacon in it.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta
Olive Oil
Garlic Clove
Pine Nuts
Spinach
Brocolli
Seasoning (to taste)

Cook the pasta per package instructions. Drain.

In skillet, heat oil, add finely chopped garlic and pine nuts. Cook till brown, about a minute. Add spinach and brocolli. Cook till brocolli is tender. Add pasta. Season to taste. Enjoy.

On the spot pasta and cheese

Also simple, but a little more to it. This one is great if you need a good hearty meal. You can add a lot of other stuff into it as well, but it will fill you up and give you a lot of energy.

Ingredients
Rigatoni Pasta
16 oz black or red beans.
Your favorite veggies, I used brocolli and peas.
Cheese. Used multiple types, chedder, mozzerella and parm.
Cream Cheese
1/4 cup milk
Seasoning

Cook the pasta by packaging directions. Drain and place into oven safe dish. Add the beans. Lightly cook and add veggies (they should still be crunchy). Top with cheeses and milk. Mix well, season to taste. I just put a pinch of garlic salt and some garlic powder in mine. Place in a 400 F oven until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes, I think. Serve with green and fruit salads.

I've been contemplating getting an AeroGarden . My big windows are all north facing and the south facing windows in the house are limited with no place to put plants. I want some greenery in the living room. Without the light, and my forgetting to water them, plants don't last long. The AeroGarden has some very good options to help me.

The AeroGarden uses aeroponics. Aeroponics, is a form of hydroponics, so uses no soil. The roots are sitting in a humid chamber with the nutrients in the water (humidity). It grows well with all the nutrients sitting there for them.

You buy the starting kits, with the plants. Put them in the tray, and with just a few minutes work every week, you will get some very nice plants. You can get various plants in the kit, including lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. They also meet AAPFCO (American Association of Plant Food Control Officials) standards for organic gardening.

The garden also uses only a little power. It uses less than a 60 watt bulb. And with the computer controls it has, that reminds you when it is time to add nutrients and water, people like me, that are a little forgetful, have a chance to grow. Not only that, but they guarentee it with a 30 day money back guarantee.

Now for the bad news. They are expensive. I love when they say "just 3 easy payments of $49.99" plus the $19.99 shipping and handling. That adds up to $170. A little more than I want to spend for it, but I'm cheap.

As is my way, once I see something I like, I like to see if I can find a way to make it cheaper or better myself. I did not find any plans in the countertop variety. In fact almost all the plans I found were dedicated to those that want to grow marijuana. That is not what I'm interested in.

I did find some large scale plans, such as this which will cost over $100 to setup, but will hold 30 plants, instead of the 6 the AeroGarden holds. I'm considering altering the plans for a countertop version. You also have to remember that these plans do not include a light source, and they do not include a computer that will tell you when to add water and nutrients. Of course, you could just use a calandar and mark when you add the nutrients and actually watch to know when to add water.