Jenn Dolari @dolari@driveinsaturday.org

I wonder if I could make that Gochujang Chicken Burger. Frying the chicken isn't a problem, it's finguring out how to make the Gochujang glaze myself....

Ten years I've been here and I've never felt an earthquake. And this one was down the street....

I wonder why that bat keeps hanging around outside my window....oh....

This Week's Fancy Pants Meal: Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage

After a week of regrettable food, and a week of birthday indulgence, it's time to (1) get back on the diet and (2) eat something tasty.

This delivered. :9

# Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage

America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking

4.0 oz hot italian sausage
1.0 cup roasted red peppers (jarred)
6.0 cloves garlic
1.5 pounds broccoli
2.0 oz pecorino romano
0.5 cup water (brocolli)
1.0 pound orecchiette
1.0 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
0.5 tsp salt (brocolli)
1.0 tbsp salt (pasta)
4.0 quarts water (pasta)
0.5 cup pasta water (measurement)

1 - Squeeze the meat out of the casings and discard the casings.
2 - Rinse the roasted peppers and then cut then into thin strips.
3 - Use the side of a chef's knife to gently crush the clove. The skin should slip right off.
4 - Once the garlic has been peeled, we like to use a garlic press to mince it. A garlic press ensures that the pieces will be very fine.
5 - Place the head of the broccoli upside down on a cutting board and cut off the florets.
6 - Slice the larger florets into 1-inch pieces by slicing them through the stem.
7 - Square the stalks by cutting away the tough outer 1/8th inch from each side.
8 - Slice the trimmed stalks into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
9 - Grate the cheese on a rasp grater. The small sharp holes work well on hard cheese.
10 - Bring the water for the pasta to a boil in a large pot for the pasta.
11 - Cook the sausage in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces until browned, about 5 minutes.
12 - Stir in the roasted red peppers and the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
13 - Stir in the broccoli, salt for the broccoli and water.
14 - Increase the heat to high, cover the skillet and cook until the broccoli begins to turn bright green, about 2 minutes.
15 - Uncover and keep cooking, stirring frequently until the liquid's evaporated and the broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes longer.
16 - When the water is boiling, stir in the pasta water salt and the orecchiette. Cook, stirring often, until almost tender but a little firm.
17 - Reserve the amount of pasta water listed, then drain the orecchiette and return it to the pot.
18 - Stir in the sausage and brocolli mix, Pecorino Romano, and olive oil, and toss to coat. Add reseved water to loosen the sauce.

#thisweeksmeals #cooking

Thoughts Before Bed:

I didn't think cheese and chocolate would be a flavor combination I'd enjoy, but after 2020, all bets are off.

We had a visitor the other day. Animal Control wouldn't take him, and King County wouldn't either as long as he wasn't on the ground. So I named him Charlie. He hissed at me.

Once I came back from Canada, he dissapeared. Which I'm okay with as I'm allergic to rabies.

"Ah, good morning Jenn...I hope for a restful and slow day today and--"
::YOU HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT YOU FORGOT ABOUT::

And finally, the one thing I wanted to pick up on the way home, which is why I left Canada earlier than normal. Tin Roof Ice Cream from Edaleen Dairy, my favorite ice cream. :9

With the sheer amount of snacks and chips and candies and my food restrictions, I'm going to be set for snacks for a LONG LONG LONG time.

The Canadian snack haul. Tag yourself, I'm Indomie Ramen Spicy Pack.

I've not been able to find the maple candies I really like twice now. I hope they still make them.

While I was in Canada, the Texas Czech Fairy visited the house!

A wonderful birthday gift from Crystal and Lissa. A lovely red bowl to replace my grandmothers old red (radioactive!) fiestaware that shattered during the move from Texas to Seattle. Love it, as my IKEA mixing bowls are...not the best.

HELLO THERE I AM WATCHING YOU DO THINGS

I love me some Davie Villiage. Even the back alleys are painted and proud.

After the last few weeks, I needed this.

Wouldn't it be nice if Duvall got one of these? ::Hint hint::

Canadians know how to snack.

Where I am now.

Proper poutine. And a Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich too boot.

Where I am now.