Pasta Primavera

Ive set a new challenge for myself, removing meat from my diet one day a week. My husband is not to thrilled about this idea but I'm embracing the health benefits as well as the creative chance for some new dishes.

First up, noodles & veggies...also know as Pasta Primavera!

What You Will Need: Pasta noodles, chicken broth, parmesan, butter, garlic, green onions and any combination of vegetables. I have bell pepper, onions, squash, broccoli & tomatoes.

Get a large pot of water boiling and cook your pasta till al dente. 

Heat a large skillet with some olive oil & add in your peppers/onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add in your squash.

Next goes the minced garlic & butter. Salt/pepper and sauté for another minute. Add in some chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

Right at the very end, toss in the broccoli, green onions & diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the parm!

To finish, add in your cooked noodles, toss it together with all the veggies and that delicious garlic, butter sauce!!!

Dish up a generous portion and garnish with some extra parmesan cheese. 

With a dish like this, Meatless Monday is flavorful, colorful & oh so tasty!! 

Don't forget to serve it with a big spoon for some pasta twirling!! 

Enjoy & Always Cook with Love!!

Apple Bacon Cheese Burger

Summer has come to an end but that doesn't mean you can't have a delicious burger with all the flavors of Fall!

In this recipe, I combined local ground beef with a mixture of sautéed apples & onions to take your regular burger to a whole new level!

First, lets start with the apple mixture that will go into your ground beef.

What You Will Need: Apple, onion, garlic, bacon & ground beef. 

Cook your bacon till desired doneness, set aside leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Add in your diced onions. Saute for 3 minutes. 

Add in your peeled, diced apple & minced garlic. Season with salt/pepper. Over a medium flame, allow the apples & onions to caramelize. 

Remove the mixture and allow to cool completely before adding it to the ground beef. Cover and place in the fridge for at least one hour. Overnight is best.

For the Burgers: Ground beef, buns of your choice, crispy bacon, cheese (I went with a provolone) & some greens.

Preheat your broiler*

With the beef mixture cold, form your patties to desired size. In a large skillet over medium high heat, sear the beef in some olive oil. 2-3 minutes per side.

On a baking sheet, place your cooked patties down. Top with bacon and sliced cheese. Place under the broiler till the cheese is melted and bubbly! Now its time to assemble & serve!

Burger, bun & crisp lettuce...its time to sink your teeth into this bad boy!! 

A burger is really just a blank canvas ready for you to put your own twist on it! Get creative, add bold flavors, mix it up & bring on the flare!

Enjoy & Always Cook with Love!