Monday, October 22, 2012

Artichokie Pasta..

Happy Meatless Monday!  Let's think outside of the meat box and make this amazing, delicious, fast, and most important meatless meal tonight for supper...Enjoy!

Artichokie Pasta

1 lb. of Pasta (your choice)
1 Can of Artichoke Hearts
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt / Pepper
Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta according to directions
While pasta is cooking place the artichokes, with the water, into the food processor
Pulse artichokes into small pieces
Drain pasta
Add artichokes to pasta
Season with salt/pepper
Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese
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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Soup Season So Soon?!?


If you know me, follow my blog, or occasionally visit you know that I LOVE soup season.  There is no designated time for soup season it happens every year and when I designate the start.  Last soup season happened in January this soup season started last night!  

What sparks the kick off of soup season in Forkful of Simplicity's kitchen you might ask...well the criteria is simple...is is cool enough outside, is is going to remain cool outside (this one is questionable), do we need something to warm the soul and the belly, and when was the last time we ate soup.  All very valid points for soup don't you think?  
  • Last night was cool outside actually it was gloomy, dank and dreary...check 
  • Is it going to remain cool outside...questionable but the forecast shows yes for a few more days...check
  • Do we need something to warm the soul and the belly...check, check
  • I have no idea when the last time we ate soup was...check!  

To the soup file I went and came across a very different take on lentil soup.  Middle Eastern Lentil Soup.  It was so easy to make and required so few ingredients it was the perfect match for my eggplant sandwiches on, fresh from San Francisco, sour dough bread.  

So celebrate Soup Season along with me and treat yourself to a bowl full of goodness tonight with this amazing, easy and delicious soup. Enjoy...and according to my husband it went nicely with his seasonal pumpkin ale!  




Middle Eastern Lentil Soup

1 Cup Dried Lentils
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 
1 Small Onion (diced)
1 Medium Red Bell Pepper (diced)
Salt / Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Whole Fennel Seeds
1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes 
4 Cups Chicken Broth 
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice 
Plain Yogurt 

Pick over lentils
Rinse, drain and set aside 
Heat stock pot over medium heat 
Coat the bottom of the pot with olive oil
Add onions and peppers 
Season with salt / pepper 
Cook for 5 minutes 
Add lentils 
Season with cumin, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes  
Stir to coat add chicken broth 
Bring to a boil 
Reduce heat to low 
Cover and simmer 30 minutes 
Stir in lemon juice 
Spoon desired amount of soup into bowls 
Top with 1 tablespoon of yogurt 












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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Apple Balsamic Chicken...


According to the calendar it is Autumn but according to the thermometer it is still way too warm and humid in New Jersey to constitute as Autumn.  When I think Autumn I think crispy mornings and pumpkin coffee enjoyed with the window open and the fresh air wafting in the house not while still wearing flip flops sitting next to the vent still pumping out the air conditioned cold air from the garage furnace.

This is the best time of year, in my opinion, and in an effort to celebrate Fall I invite you to make this amazing fall flavored dish...Apple Balsamic Chicken.  It is so easy to prepare even if you are still wearing those capri pants and a tank top!  Enjoy...

Apple Balsamic Chicken  

6 Chicken Breasts
1 Large Onion (sliced)
Salt/Pepper
***1/3 cup Renzi Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Season chicken with salt/pepper
Top with onions
Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil
Toss together
Top with walnuts
Bake for 40 minutes or until the juices run clear

***If you cannot find Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp make it...Add 1 Tablespoons of your favorite applesauce to 1/3 cup of your favorite balsamic vinegar.  Stir to incorporate and you have instant Balsamic Vinegar with Apple Pulp***

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