Silky Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sometimes it's raining and you just want a carby comfort food. This is a luxurious and silky pasta dish that comes together quickly with a few key ingredients. It makes for a sumptuous dish and could be served in a smaller portion for a terrific "primo piatto" to a more elaborate meal. 

You will need a hefty type of pasta for this creamy sauce. Stuffed pasta is wonderful too,  ravioli, tortellini etc...

Key ingredients: 

2 large minced shallots

4 cloves minced garlic

Half of a small jar of sun- dried tomatoes, chopped, (about 4-5 actual pieces of tomato)

2 tbsp. Sun- dried tomato oil from the jar

I or 2 anchovies, chopped

1 heaping tsp paprika

Oregano

All of this goes into a large  pan to sauté slowly and the aroma begins. 

Add 1 cup, half milk, half 35% cream. 

Add 1 cup chicken stock

Let simmer while this thickens. Add more liquid if needed. 

Once your pasta is ready, add directly to the sauce pan with some pasta water. This gives the sauce its silky texture. Let it all come together until ready to serve. 

Top with grated parma and fresh basil.

This is really delectable, and easy to achieve for a family meal or dinner party. 

Go for it! 

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Mom's Radical Rice Krispy Chicken

When Mom asked what would I like for my birthday dinner, the answer was ALWAYS, Rice Krispy chicken! 

The taste is unique and you'll see why it's so delectable. Buttered and baked. How could this be beat?!

Plump chicken legs are best, but thighs work well too...and yes, you need skin on! Make a big batch, such fabulous leftovers, if there ever are leftovers. 

This is what I call and 1, 2, 3 recipe...lickety split. 

In a food processor, pulse the Rice Krispy cereal until a bit chunky, not too fine. 

Heavily season the "breading" with lots, more than you think, of the following:

Salt and pepper

Paprika

Garlic salt

Onion salt

Dried oregano

Dried rosemary 

In a large pan, melt about a stick of butter. Place many pieces of chicken in the skillet at once and roll round to coat in butter. Then dredge through the breading mixture. 

I always brushed each chicken piece with butter...how ridiculous! Had to make this with my Mom to realize how silly that was to do! And, pour any leftover butter over the chicken...no waste or else!

You'll be done in a flash. 

Pre heat oven to 350F, convection mode if you have it. 

Place chicken in a pam-etized pan to bake, about 50 min to 1 hour. Until golden and crispy. Eat right away is best or enjoy at room temp. The main star for sure of any picnic or pot luck. 

The crispy buttered bits are to die for, I always scrape them on to the dish along side the chicken. 

Honestly, it's comfort food to the max. What can I say...

MOM, this chicken is outrageous! LOVE IT SO SO MUCH! xoxo

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