Amazing Place!!!

I just ran across the most amazing place on 4th street in Santa Monica this Sunday.  It's a spice and seasoning store.  The name of the store is Penzeys Spices.  Visit their website and their store if you live close by one.  There is every kind of spice you can think of you may want.  Now I have a place to go if I need a hard to find spice.  The prices are not that much more than the grocery store either.

I bought a shallot pepper that I am in love with at the moment.  Adds the best flavor.  I also bought an American BBQ rub that I am trying out on baby back rubs tomorrow night.  They are marinading in the rub as we speak.  I will post the results tomorrow.

I'm making lasagna tomorrow night as well.  Talk to you tomorrow night!

Swedish Meatballs!

This was a great meal.  Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage.  The recipe for the swedish meatballs came from "Bon Appetit" magazine.  I was looking through the latest issue and it just appealed to me.  It was an amazing comfort food meal.  Here is the recipe for the meatballs. Bon Appetit swedish meatballs recipe

Mashed potatoes are always good!  I peeled 6 large white potatoes and cut into cubes and boil into plenty of salted water.  When the potatoes are tender when you insert a fork then drain the potatoes and put in a large bowl.  Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter and I use heavy cream.  Julia Child always said,"If you are afraid of butter use cream."  I'm not afraid of either so I use both.  Use an electric hand mixer to whip the potatoes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Chopped scallions are a great finish for mashed potatoes.

For the braised cabbage you will need a small head of red cabbage.  Cut the cabbage in half and cut out the core.  Slice the halves in about 3/4 inch strips.  In a large stainless steel skillet with a lid melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.  Add the cabbage and salt and pepper.  Cover and cook until tender.  You will need to stir several times.

Plate and sprinkle with chopped scallions and serve.  Enjoy!

Easy Caper Pasta Sauce

This came out very delicious.  I just wanted something that was quick and easy but yet tasty to put with the pasta Vince was boiling.  I made this up on the spur of the moment and it is worth sharing.

Ingredients:
2 Tbls of Butter
1 Large Chopped Shallot
3 tsp of Minced Basil (Very finely chopped)
Juice from 1 Lemon
1/2 Jar Capers Drained
1 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Heaping Tbls Corn Starch
1/2 Lbs Cooked and Drained Pasta

In a 2 quart saucepan or Sautier melt the butter over medium heat and when it starts to bubble add the shallots cooking until soft.  It just takes a few minutes.  Add the basil, capers and lemon juice.  In a jar shake the chicken broth and cornstarch together.  Slowly whisk the chicken broth mixture into the pan.  As soon as the sauce thickens turn off the heat and add the pasta.  Serve and enjoy.  How easy was that?