I recently went to the Library and was able to [finally!] find Ina's latest cookbook, "How Easy is That?"......after reading it cover to cover in one day (that's how interesting I find her cookbooks to be!) I have to admit, I personally favor her "Back to Basics" cookbook, just because I find the recipes much more fun, yet challenging at the same time - which I love!
There was one recipe that caught my eye immediately and I just simply had to make it tonight. It was not hard to imagine it would be a big hit with my little boy...... he loves Spaghetti and Meatsauce/Meatballs. I try and make it once a week or every other week. I also try to puree carrots and add it in the sauce to incorporate more veggies/nutrients. It's sneaky .....and works like a charm every time! :) Below is her recipe for 'Weeknight Bolognese' - pictured above is what I made tonight.... along with a raspberry spinach/spring mix salad and garlic toast. Love love love this dish!
There was one recipe that caught my eye immediately and I just simply had to make it tonight. It was not hard to imagine it would be a big hit with my little boy...... he loves Spaghetti and Meatsauce/Meatballs. I try and make it once a week or every other week. I also try to puree carrots and add it in the sauce to incorporate more veggies/nutrients. It's sneaky .....and works like a charm every time! :) Below is her recipe for 'Weeknight Bolognese' - pictured above is what I made tonight.... along with a raspberry spinach/spring mix salad and garlic toast. Love love love this dish!
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Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That? Ina Garten (with my slight spin on it)
serves 4-5
2 TB good olive oil, plus extra to cook pastaserves 4-5
1 pound lean ground sirloin
4 tsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
1 TB dried oregano
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I will use 1/8 tsp next time for the kids) - I don't put any in
1 ¼ cups dry red wine, divided
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
2 TB tomato paste
Kosher salt & black pepper
¾ pound dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells (I used 1 pound) - I used thin spaghetti
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
¼ cup heavy cream - I used organic whole milk
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ( in our house this is called "snow" ), plus extra for serving
See the happiness coming from this simple meal???? Oh yeah!!
