Best Cooking Oils: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Lasagna Pan

Nothing is more satisfying than a homemade, fresh-from-the-oven lasagna. But in a conventional pan, the dish sure can get sloppy in a hurry. After the first few servings are removed, the layers slump, the noodles, slide, and that formerly picture-perfect lasagna usually begins to look...well, a lot less appetizing. (You’ll know you’re in trouble when your dinner guests put down their forks and reach for their spoons.) Our newest product, the Simple Lasagna Pan™, offers a simple solution. The pan’s unique sidewalls keep the noodles and layers neatly stacked, regardless of how many portions are removed. Lasagna also bakes more consistently in the Simple Lasagna Pan™ because more heat is circulated to the pan's middle, where food typically takes longer to bake. It's a far more precise way to bake, and the last serving will always look (and taste) as good as the first.

Lasagna Pan

Lasagna Pan Video

Squid Ink Pasta

That cool looking black pasta is made from eggs, flour, a little salt and ink from squid butts. You’ve probably seen squid ink pasta on menus at your favorite trattorias, or sold in gourmet food stores. You may have even seen it in an awesome cook book or a cooking blog, but you will never have seen it prepared on the Today Show (hmmm, why is that?). Like me, you have probably thought long and hard about squid ink and making squid ink-infused fresh pasta. Before I attempted to make the pasta, I committed 15 minutes to solid research finding answers to my biggest concerns. These included: “Is this gonna stain my hands?” “What about my kitchen countertops?” and, “What does it taste like?” Well, fear not pasta lovers/enthusiasts/daredevils. The top 10 most important concerns of squid ink pasta are addressed here. Enjoy.

Squid Ink Pasta

Squid Ink Pasta Video

Barilla Lasagna Recipe

This Three-Layer Lasagna is a classic recipe from Barilla, with layers of sweet Italian sausage, and ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a somewhat cheesier version than what I grew up with, but I like it. Next time I might incorporate some chopped spinach in with the cheese for a little color and to get some vegetables in there (that’s my mommy side talking). But nonetheless it was a highly satisfying dish – one that freezes well too! In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and eggs. Spray 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the bottom, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles and cover with half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Cover last layer with remaining noodles and remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Barilla Lasagna Recipe Video

Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain.In a large saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and garlic in oil. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.Mix together ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and eggs.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 each, lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Veggie Lasagna Recipe Video

Pasta Beach

Pasta Beach is the real deal, with the decor straight out of Naples (really) and authentic Italian ingredients in each of their offerings. The service needs improvement, but the waitstaff and bar staff are so friendly and welcoming, that it doesn't really matter that it takes a while to get what you need. It's also a great place to stop on the way to the train station to have a fine glass of wine at a reasonable price. Before work, you can fuel up on espresso over some pastries, eggs and prosciutto crepes at the imported Italian marble bar (just like at Starbucks... only not at all like at Starbucks). Then midday, there’s plenty of grab-and-go soups, salads and sandwiches (caprese, prosciutto di parma) on fresh-baked focaccia bread for mini power lunches.

Pasta Beach

Pasta Beach Video

Baked Ziti With Ricotta

In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs in batches and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove meatballs to a plate.In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce and ricotta and mix well. Add the cooked ziti and meatballs and toss gently.
In a large greased baking dish, pour in pasta mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Romano all over the top. Dot with the butter. Place baking dish on top of baking sheet covered with aluminum foil to collect any drippings from the dish. Bake until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Baked Ziti With Ricotta Video

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The Alfredo in fettuccine Alfredo is Alfredo di Lelio who operated a restaurant in Rome. Legend has it that he fancied up a basic pasta with butter-and-cheese dish, to appeal to his wife, who was suffering from morning sickness. When he later served it at his restaurant, it was a hit.Americans can thank Hollywood for our love of Alfredo sauce. In the late 1920s, movie stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford ate at di Lelio's restaurant while on honeymoon in Rome, and brought the dish back to the States. It's been here ever since. Somewhere along the way, it morphed into a creamy version; how that happened is anyone's guess.
We present both versions here, the classic and the creamy. Regardless of which version you make, serve this pasta immediately. The sauces are weak emulsions, which will break if held too long.

Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Alfredo Pasta Recipe Video