Creamy Leek, Mushroom, & Bacon Tortellini

Submitted by Ruth
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 c. button mushrooms 1 leek, thinly sliced
5 slices good bacon, finely diced 2½ c. (600mL) light cream
½ c. good white wine ¼ c. FRESH Parmesan
Pasta for 4; whatever you like best. Veal tortellini Fresh herbs: thyme, oregano, flat parsley
works very well. 1 tbsp olive oil (may not need it)

Directions

  1. Cook enough pasta for 4 people following the directions on the pkg.
  2. Heat a large non-stick pan to medium heat. If you don’t have non-stick pans, use approximately 1 tbsp of olive oil to coat the pan.
  3. When the pan is warm, add the bacon & cook until well browned & crispy. Add mushrooms & leek to the pan & cook until the leek is transparent & mushrooms have wilted.
  4. Add white wine to this mixture. Add cream & stir thoroughly. Turn down to simmer & leave for 10 minutes.
  5. Add Parmesan & fresh herbs. Allow to simmer for a further 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta to pan & stir through.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs & serve with a crispy side salad.

Modified Agli e Olio

Submitted by Johnboy
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pkg angel hair pasta turmeric
Olive Oil salt & pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the angel hair pasta, slightly overcooked. It should take about 8 minutes or so.
  2. Drain the pasta & place in a bowl.
  3. Add olive oil & place a liberal sprinkling of turmeric on top. At least cover the top.
  4. Put on a light amount of pepper, freshly ground is best. Toss all spices until evenly mixed. Salt to taste.

Beef Stroganoff

Submitted by NorthernDarling

Ingredients

7 tbsp unsalted butter 3 shallots, finely chopped
1lb. shitake mushrooms, stems removed, roughly chopped 1lb. white button mushrooms, sliced
½ c. cognac 2 c. heavy cream
1 tsp English-style mustard 2 tbsp olive oil
2lb. beef tenderloin, cut into strips 1/8″ thick 1 bag broad egg noodles
¼ c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped salt & pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Beef Stroganoff by cobalt123 on FlickrIn a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add shallots, & sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. 
  2. Add mushrooms, & cook until liquid is released yet mushrooms are still firm, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Transfer shallots & mushrooms to a medium bowl; set aside. Remove pan from heat. 
  4. Add ¼ c. cognac to de glaze, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from bottom of pan. 
  5. Add cream, & return to heat. Cook until reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in mustard. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
  6. Heat 4 tbsp butter in the same pan over high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat for 1 minute, & add to mushrooms. 
  7. Once all the meat is seared, de glaze sauté pan with remaining ¼ c. cognac, & return meat, mushrooms, & cream mixture to sauté pan. 
  8. Cook until just heated through, about 5 minutes.
  9. Toss pasta with Butter & Salt. Transfer to a large platter. Spoon beef Stroganoff over pasta. Garnish with black pepper & parsley.

Moroccan Lamb & Fruit Stew

Submitted by serenityn0w
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

1-2 tsp crushed dried red pepper ¾ tsp ground turmeric
¾ tsp ground ginger ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ c. tsp salt 2 lbs. well trimmed, boneless leg of lamb, cut into
2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil 1″-1½” pieces
2 large onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 14 oz. can beef broth 1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water 1 c. pitted dates
1 c. dried apricots Hot cooked couscous or rice
¼ c. toasted slivered almonds Orange peel curl (optional)

Directions

  1. In a shallow mixing bowl combine crushed red pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, & salt. Coat meat with seasoning mixture. 
  2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown meat, one-third at a time, in the hot oil. Transfer meat to a 3½ or 4 qt. electric slow cooker. Add onions & garlic; stir to combine. Pour beef broth over all.
  3. Cover & cook on low-heat setting for 7-9 hours or on high-heat setting for 3½-4½ hours or until meat is tender. 
  4. Skim fat from the surface of the juices in the slow cooker. Stir cornstarch into the cold water; stir into crockery cooker.
  5. Add dates & apricots; stir to combine. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Cover & cook for 30 minutes more or until mixture is slightly thickened & bubbly.
  6. To serve, spoon stew atop hot couscous or rice. Top with almonds. If desired, garnish with orange peel curls.