Pumpkin Month Continues

~Pumpkin Stuffed Shells~

Years ago, my wonderful mother in law made a recipe for us that a friend had made for her.When she told me it involved pumpkin and ricotta I had my doubts. It immediately became a favorite of mine and I look forward to making it every Fall. It's an easy dinner and the pumpkin offers impressive nutrients to your diet. Did you know its high in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins C and E, fiber and protein and packed with a flavorful punch. Here are the simple ingredients. 

12 jumbo pasta shells boiled and drained

1 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Jar of your favorite marinara sauce

A little tip of mine before we begin. Boil and drain the jumbo shells the day before, drain and place on a baking sheet, cover with foil and keep in fridge until ready to use the next day. I find this to be a real time saver and the cooled shells are easy to work with. 

Onto assembly....

In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, pumpkin puree, garlic power, and all but 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese. Spread pasta sauce in the bottom of a basking dish. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place in single layer in baking dish. Cover the shells lightly with remaining marinara and sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking another 15 minutes.  

Serve with sliced Italian bread and a salad. I promise even the pumpkin doubters in your home will like this dish.

Italian Wedding Soup

  I love to have a pot of hot soup on the stove and the aroma filling the house.  Italian Wedding Soup got it's name from the Italian phrase si sposono bene, which means two things are married.  The marriage is of the meat and the greens in a clear broth.  Here is a simple and tasty recipe that serves 6.

 For convenience, I suggest making meatballs and baking meatballs in advance.  I mix and form the meatballs and bake in a 13x9 foil pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed lightly with cooking spray.  When slightly cooled, put in a freezer bag and you can put right into your soup when ready to make.  Simple!  

For meatballs you need:
1/2 pound ground pork or turkey
1/2 ground beef
1 slightly beaten egg
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parsley (optional)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine in a bowl and mix ad for with your hands into small meatballs.  Bake at 350 for approximately 45-50 minutes or until done. Freeze if not using immediately.  Thaw in a zip lock bag as many as you will use for your soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.  

For soup:
2 teaspoons extra virgin oil
1 cup prechopped onion and celery
4-5 cups chicken broth
Approx. 2 cups small pasta like shells, orzo,  or ditalini pasta
1 package (5 ounces) baby spinach (can use frozen if fresh not available but I suggest using half box)
1/2 finely grated Parmesan cheese

To Make:
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in large pot over medium heat.  Add celery and onions and cook, stirring until softened.  Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to pan and increase heat to medium-high.  Add broth and 2 cups water and bring to a boil.  Stir in as many meatballs as you would like (suggest 12-15) .  Stir in pasta and cook, stirring occasionally until just tender.  6 - 7 minutes.  Gradually stir in spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes more.  Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese until just combined.  Season with salt and pepper.  

Ladle into soup bowls and top evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.  . Serve with a hearty Italian bread and your favorite white wine.  Buon Appetito! ! 

The Many Ways of Pasta

When you have a few minutes, boil some pasta shapes according to the package, drain, cool, and store in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for a few days for future use.  I have used it for a quick cold salad as a side, such as macaroni salad or hawaiian salad or you can add marinara sauce or any Italian sauce of your choice as a great main dish.