Bacon, Mushrooms, and Herbs Spaghetti

I adapted this recipe from  a recipe I found in the Food Network Magazine (bday present from Christy!!). It's so good, and it's the spot. Bacon...oh we love bacon in this house.

• 6 (or more) slices of thick cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 3 Tbs tomato paste
• 12 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 Tbs butter
• 2 Tbs chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbs chopped fresh basil
• Couple handfuls of baby spinach (optional)
• Grated parmesan cheese, for topping

1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In the meantime, cook the bacon on medium high heat, until bacon begins to brown--about 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt, until onion is just translucent--about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, and cook while stirring until it turns into a brick red colour--about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, and cook until just tender--about 4 minutes.
3. Add the pasta to the boiling water, and cook until al-dente. In the meantime, add 1 cup of the pasta water to the bacon skillet, and bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
4. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta, and add it to the bacon skillet. Add the butter, herbs, and handfuls of spinach until spinach wilts slightly. Cook and toss so that the pasta absorbs the sauce--2-3 minutes. If needed, add the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Top with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Cathy

Broccoli Bacon Slaw [Momma B Original]

I just LOVE this salad!!!

Lets face it, anything with bacon is a winner.

It is PERFECT for potlucks because then everyone will love you for making it!

Do yourself and everyone else a favor tho, and double the recipe if you are bringing it to share.

Ingredients for the slaw:

• 1 package of broccoli slaw mix
• 2 cups slightly cooked broccoli florets
• 1/2 cups craisins (or raisins)
• 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup bacon bits (real bacon crumbles make it even better)
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds OR roasted slivered almonds

Ingredients for dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 Tbs vinegar (or 1.5 tsp)

Directions are simple: mix up the slaw ingredients. Mix up the dressing ingredients. Combine and LOVE IT!

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

Cathy

Bacon Tomato Pasta

This bacon is packed with flavor. It is so easy and quick to make. I absolutely loved this and so will your spouse when you make it for them on Valentine's day. The red chili flakes do make it spicy so if you're not a big fan of spicy then I would suggest adjusting it to your likes. This is a Guy Fieri recipe (he is awesome!!) and it is stinkin' great! Hope you like it.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 16 ounces spaghetti pasta
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon or pancetta, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 4 tablespoons basil, chiffonade
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large stock pot, boil 3 quarts of water, when boiling add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and the pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, add bacon and saute until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon to drain on a paper towel-lined plate and remove 3/4 of the bacon fat from the pan. Add extra-virgin olive oil, onions, and red chili flakes. Cook until onions are translucent, add garlic, cook for 2 minutes then add tomatoes. Saute for 5 minutes, then deglaze with wine.

Drain pasta and add to the tomato mixture pan. Add basil and bacon. Toss with Parmesan, and add salt and pepper, to taste.