father’s day favorite
Living in Michigan, I try my hardest not to let the weather influence my mood or my decisions. So, what was I thinking when I tried to cancel the first official Pasta and Peonies party due to the pouring rain and dark clouds? Thank goodness Lisa Dengiz, with her usual “the party must go on” attitude, encouraged me to think positively and start cooking. 
Sure enough, the evening turned into a warm and sunny pasta extravaganza. One of the recipes was such a hit with all of the men, I decided I had to quickly post it just in case you still needed the perfect dish for Father’s Day. You can look forward to a full report on the party next week, but in the meantime be nice to the men in your life and cook up some Special Spicy Father’s Day Pasta.
Al Dente Pasta with Hot Italian Sausage, Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
12 oz. bag of Al Dente Pasta (we used Roasted Garlic Linguine)
1 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced. (reserve oil)
1 lb. Italian Hot Sausages
16 oz. frozen artichoke hearts
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1.5 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus additional for garnish
8 oz. water-packed fresh mozzarella, drained and cubed.
1 tsp. salt and pepper to taste.
Heat the oil reserved from the tomatoes in a heavy, large frying pan over medium-high heat. Squeeze the sausage out of the casing, into the skillet and cook until brown, breaking up the meat into bite-size pieces, about 8 minutes. Transfer sausage to a bowl. Add frozen artichokes and garlic to same skillet and saute for 2 minutes. Add broth, wine and sun-dried tomatoes. Boil over medium high heat until the sauce reduces slightly.
Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes, until “tender but firm”. Drain Pasta. Add pasta to skillet with sauce, sausage and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with mozzarella, parsley and/or basil and extra Parmesan.
(this recipe was inspired by Every Day Italian, Giada DeLaurentis)
this is my favorite picture
There is a difference between a professional photographer, like Lisa Monahan and me, that’s for sure. I wish she could take all of my blog pictures. But, it’s not going to happen so we will just ooh and aah when she does. Thank you Lisa Monahan. You are a foodie/fotographer all the way
Wow: who knew this magical night would turn out to be one of the highlights of my summer!
I am still pinching myself to have been so fortunate to have Monique in MY kitchen cooking her fabulous pasta dishes, and food photographer, Lisa Monahan to take breatakhking pictues of the food and friviloty.
And to top it off, Ann Arbor’s talented wordsmith, Steve Rosoff will soon chronicle the night’s events in an upcoming blog.
And even if YOU don;t have these talented folks to do all this, the pasta party theme is perfect and so much fun. All you need are a few of the dishes , good bread, a light dessert, lots of vi and good friends to create a memorable, fun time.
For other themes, consider: pasta and petunias, pasta and poetry, pasta and pasta and politics, but of course, pasta alone is worth the party!!!
Enjoy!!!
Lisa
YIKES: I meant good VINO and I forgot to add a yummy green salad!
Lisa, you are such a wonderful, supportive friend to so many and I thank my lucky stars to have met you. Thanks for your constant encouragement.