Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta Toss

I got this recipe from Auntie Ria. We loved it. She added the Italian sausage. You can omit meat or add chicken or shrimp. I cut way back on the crushed red pepper. I only put about 1/4 tsp and it was hot enough for us! Maria doubled the tomatoes, I didn't but I did double the recipe although it does make quite a bit. I used stewed tomatoes as that is what I had. Ria's tip with the sausage was to use kitchen shears and cut them into bite size pieces. I did roast the red peppers but don't think it was worth the trouble. Next time I will use the jar.ASPARAGUS and PARMESAN PASTA TOSS

2 roasted red bell peppers (can use the ones in the jar)
1 lb uncooked mosticolli
Cooking Spray
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 links chicken Italian sausage
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (or to taste)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp dried margoram
1/8 tsp oregano
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 can diced tomatoes-14.5 oz
2 ¾ cups asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Heat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook Italian sausage until almost done, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 4 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add bell pepper, crushed red pepper and next 5 ingredients (through tomatoes). Bring to a simmer, cook for 7 minutes. Add asparagus and cook 4 minutes or until crisp tender. Combine with pasta and top with grated parmesan.

Finished Project

Gretchen found this pattern for me to make her a hat. Unfortunately for her, it was too small. Jeanie was pumped as it fit her. This was my first cable project and cabling IS as easy as everyone said. Right now I'm knitting a scarf for myself. Hopefully I'll get it done before spring gets here.

Six Years Ago

Well, Amanda, you're complaining that I'm not posting enough. So here's a post! (I don't think the feet were suppose to show in this picture!) Seriously, I thought by starting a blog I would take more pictures. It's not happening. Maybe I should try the picture a day thing. The other night I thought about taking a picture of Molly on the computer, Danny reading a book, Dad on his laptop, me knitting and calling it Thursday Night at Home. I know that is what you girls are hoping for. More pictures of what's going on at home, even if it's nothing! I'll try to do better.

The Good Chicken Wings

Everyone in this house loves chicken wings. Last night I thought I'd try a "new" recipe. Spicy Chicken Wings. They were OK but not near as good as my mom's recipe. So I thought I'd post hers.

Chicken Wings

40 chicken wings
1 cup water
1 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup pineapple juice

Mix all ingredients except wings. Place wings in shallow pan. Pour marinate over chicken. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

I bake them uncovered in the marinate. I usually cook them a little longer. Sometimes up to two hours. We like them falling off the bone.

Dan Gets a Trophy

Danny got a championship hockey trophy and he doesn't even know how to skate! He went to watch Robert play a championship hockey game Sunday. They won and will be going to the state finals. Danny went in the locker room after the game. The coach handed out the trophies and he had an extra so he gave one to Danny. He was SO pumped. I don't think it ever occured to him that he's suppose to EARN a trophy! All it mattered to him was that he GOT one! He was probably more charged than the team members that earned it. He had to take it to school on Monday to "share" with his class! (excuse his nose, he was at the tail end of a head cold.)

FYI For Those Who Like To Cook

I just received a email from Taste of Home. They have about 14 of their cookbooks for $5 each! This is the only way I could get a link. It's long but I hope it works. If it doesn't, go to shoptasteofhome.com. Then click on cookbooks. Then click on annual cookbooks. These would be great for yourself and make great shower gifts.

http://www.shoptasteofhome.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-STOH-Site/default/Search-Show?cgid=%245%20Cookbook%20Offer&__siteDate=&refurl=T2236&_mid=29800&_rid=29800.25900.262895