Happy Passover. I have in years past participated in Seder meals and loved the history and meaning in each item on the Seder plate.
I did quite a bit of cooking this week, but it’s been busy enough that I haven’t put together the recipes or taken a lot of photos. So tonight I’m highlighting some past favorites. From the blog:
Pictured above is Crisp Cucumber Salsa, always a hit when I make it. Recipe here.
Baked Ziti is my go-to for dinners to take to events or share when condolences are needed – I often take it unbaked so it can be fresh and hot when needed. It’s also a great make-ahead dinner for weeknights. Recipe here.
This week’s dinner menu is Cranberry Pepper Steak and Bleu Cheese Mashed Potatoes, click here for menu and recipes.
This yummy photo is from JeffreyW – it’s Bacon Dill Potato Salad – instructions here.
What’s on the menu for you this weekend? Grilling yet? Have anything fun planned?
Tonight’s featured recipe is another quick but tasty dinner entry. When I was a kid I used to love the Friday nights my mom said, I’m tired of cooking let’s just have hamburger goulash – which was basically hamburger, tomato sauce and elbow macaroni with some spices thrown in. This recipe is like an adult version of that, with some real flavor. Still easy to put together.
Pasta Jambalaya
- 12 oz penne pasta
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 1 tsp to 1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 15 oz can black beans
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 oz can chopped green chilies
- 4 oz smoked sausage, sliced (I like Andouille)
- 4 oz shredded Mexican 4-blend cheese
saucepan
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. In the saucepan, heat oil and then sauté onion, pepper, celery and carrots until onions are translucent and celery soft. Add garlic, Cajun seasoning, tomatoes, chilies, beans, carrots and sausage. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, add pasta and let simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with cheese as garnish.
Note: When a recipe says to add 1 tsp to 1 tbsp, or to taste of a spice, add it in small increments, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp at a time. Remember you can always add more, but it’s pretty tough trying to remove what you’ve added. ;-)
That’s it for this week. We’ve finally gotten rid of the clouds and it looks like a great weekend to spend outdoors. Have a great weekend. – TaMara
p.s. click on any photo to see it full-size