Red and Green Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 6 medium tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 medium green peppers
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup instant rice, cooked
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine tomatoes, onion, celery, tomato sauce, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, cut tops off of green peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, basil and remaining salt and pepper; mix well. Fill peppers with beef mixture. 
3. Carefully place peppers in tomato sauce. Spoon some sauce over tops of peppers. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until beef is cooked and peppers are tender.

Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 5 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, saute the chopped garlic in the olive oil until golden. Add green onion and jalapeno peppers; saute about 3 minutes.
2. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and stir in the parsley. Reduce heat.
3. In a medium saute pan, toss the shrimp with the olive oil. Cook over medium heat until shrimp become pink. Season with salt and pepper and mix in the tomato sauce.
4. To serve, crumble the feta cheese over the shrimp.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 466 | Total Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 362mg

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls

Ingredients

• 1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
• 8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
• 3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Directions

1. Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. 
2. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. 
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Braised Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Season chicken breasts with ground black pepper and garlic salt. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet, and brown the onion and seasoned chicken breasts.
2. Pour tomatoes and balsamic vinegar over chicken, and season with basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. Simmer until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 206 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 68mg

Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons chipotle chile powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 (3/4 pound) pork tenderloins

Directions

1. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.
2. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chile powder, salt, and brown sugar. Place tenderloins in bag and shake, coating meat evenly. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Lightly oil grill grate, and arrange meat on grate. Cook for 20 minutes, turning meat every 5 minutes. Remove from grill, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 183 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 62mg

Woodstock Brewery

Woodstock Brewery
135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH

Ok, I know, I normally don't post just one meal - but believe me, this one was WORTH it. This Spicy Mac n' Cheese with Pulled Pork was unbelievable. We had just driven two and a half hours to Lincoln, NH to listen to a (waste of time) timeshare presentation. Three hours, a lame presentation, two free vacations and NO timeshare later we were mentally exhausted and starving. Met up with my boyfriends brother and his girlfriend to try out the Woodstock Brewery. What a delicious choice, this was just the type of meal we needed to make the long drive back to Boston (or to sleep...).

Burtons Grill

Burtons Grill
43 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA

I just went to Burtons for the first time last week (Burlington location, just opened) and it was delicious! Besides a minor snafu with the online reservation system I would highly recommend their Scallops in a Blood Orange Glaze, Land and Sea, Stuffed Chicken, and Haddock. Their signature Key Lime Pie is killer, while the Warm Chocolate Torte was also decadent. Try it for sure!

Gibbet Hill Grill

Gibbet Hill Grill
61 Lowell Road Groton, MA

Gibbet Hill Grill has been a family frequent for a few years now. This restaurant is wonderful for many reasons. Some of which include - atmosphere, delicious local food (with a produce farm on site), and desserts! My and my family's favorite appetizer is the grilled farmhouse cheeses (AMAZING) I always go with one of their three seafood options, this particular evening I went with the crispy Potato Crusted Haddock and Creme Brulee. All are always cooked to perfection and taste delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to ANYONE - just make sure to call ahead because any given night is packed.

Upstairs on the Square

Upstairs on the Square

91 Winthrop Street Cambridge, MA 02138

If I could only choose one restaurant to dine in for the rest of my life, on a regular basis, it would be Upstairs on the Square. I fall a little more in love with this place each time I go there. It first started as a great double date spot, then my roommate and I made it our traditional spot to hit up during both Restaurant Weeks in Boston and now it's just become a staple. It was love at first sight, truly. Walking in the door here takes you to a different place entirely. It has a very elegant 'Alice in Wonderland' thing going on. I will tell you that before I even tasted a morsel of food from Upstairs on the Square, I was already 100% enamored with the atmosphere. I cannot say enough about the Soiree Room (upstairs) if you have the chance, check it out on the way to the bathroom, as there are always private events going on in there. Ok, enough about the scenery. The food is out of this world. Their farmhouse cheddar grilled cheese and tomato soup serves as a wonderful appetizer and the swordfish is amazing. I honestly cannot say enough about this place - you have to try it! 

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille
250 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA

Their website says - be wined, dined and dazzle - and gee whiz I sure was. My boyfriend took me to the Capital Grille on the night of my 25th birthday. It was packed, the service was excellent the ambiance was romantic yet upbeat and the food was unbelievable. I have to say, the only thing is, I have had better calamari elsewhere. Other than that, the lobster and crab stuffed baked potatoes, swordfish and rich chocolate raspberry cake were awesome. A definite spot for a special occasion.

Zoe's and Berry Line

Zoe's Restaurant
1105 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Zoe's Restaurant offers a spectacular menu of both Greek and American food in a fun retro atmosphere with breakfast served all day (my favorite part). My first time here was the afternoon of my 25th birthday. We got 'Greek Style' nachos and I got a chicken Souvlaki wrap with fries topped with oregano and feta. Conveniently located right across the street is Berry Line! Where I got an original flavored yogurt with kiwi, pineapple and strawberry. Great start to my birthday.

Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy

4 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02116

Maggiano's is a delicious spot for particularly large get-togethers. It's large, family style presentation makes it convenient to go with a lot of people. I went her after my graduation and have had several office Holiday parties here. The food is always delicious, rich and creamy. The most recent time I went I had the classic caesar salad, chicken parmasan, four cheese raviolis and an assortment of desserts. Yum!

The Gallows

The Gallows
1395 Washington Street Boston, MA

Located in the heart of the South End, The Gallows is fantastic. The atmosphere is loud and fun (I last went around Halloween and they probably had hundred of little bats hanging from the wooden plank ceiling, really cute) and the food is to die for. The cocktails are inventive and delicious, a little pricey but it's sure worth it. 

Fugakyu

Fugakyu

1280 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA

If you are looking for three floors of nice atmosphere, speedy service and delicious sushi - Fugakyu is your spot. Nestled right in Coolidge Corner, Fugakyu offers delicious drinks (I recommend the peach sorbet bellini) and a menu that spans approximately fifteen pages. Oh, and don't forget to touch one of the koi fish before you leave for good luck. 

Whiskey Priest

Whiskey Priest

150 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210

That same summer Sunday my roommate and I decided it was such a glorious day that we would just walk all over the city and eat! Whiskey Priest's nachos are one of the best I have had in the city (right up there with Sunset Tavern's nachos). They are never ending and delicious and who could refuse a game, the water, and a roof deck! 

West End Johnnies

West End Johnnies
138 Portland Street Boston, MA

This is probably my absolute favorite brunch spot. My roommate and I strolled down there one gorgeous summer Sunday morning and ended up with more than full bellies! West End Johnnies features one of the best Reggae Brunch bands I have heard. They are fantastic and the egg and avocado breakfast sandwich isn't all that bad either. 

Jim's Deli

Jim's Deli

371 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

Jim's Deli is just about the best hangover cure. It is a staple of the Brighton area and the line is always super long especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings - so beware! The specialize in egg white omelets (as you can see pictured) but their wraps and melts are also note worthy. I would recommend this place for brunch any day of the week.
 

Aegean Restaurant

Aegean Restaurant

640 Arsenal St.
Watertown, MA 02472

This is a restaurant my family and I frequent. Especially on occasions like Mother's Day, Father's Day or grandparents birthdays. It is authentic Greek food and the portions are amazing. A must try if you're in the Watertown area - only downside, parking is almost always an issue as the lot is WAY too small. 

Phil's Baked Ziti

Phil's Baked Ziti and Homemade Marinara Sauce

As far as baked ziti goes, I have had my fair share. But this one was out of this world! So deliciously creamy, Phil really should reconsider his career in pharmacy. A+ in my book. 

Christmas 2011

Ok, how cute is my mom? Her appetizer spread outdid mine by about a mile and included cheese and crackers, roasted potatoes, loukaniko and tzatsiki. YUM.

Her dinner spread included - orzo zalad, spanakopita, pastichio, honey ham, kiftedes, stuffed roast pork, salad, rolls and more tzatziki.

What a sweet ending. 

Holiday Party 2011

Holiday Party

This year my best friend, boyfriend and I hosted a most wonderful holiday party. Our parents, grandparents and friends attended and it was wonderful. It was a day full of eating, drinking and playing Taboo. Appetizers included - stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped shrimp, warmed feta bread, caprese salad bites, the ever amazing buffalo chicken dip and other snacks. Main dishes included - roasted honey ham, pastichio, spanakopita, coleslaw and salad. While dessert included red velvet & peppermint whoopie pies, cannolis, multiple cakes, cheesecake and galatopita. Oh, can't forget the holiday sangria!

My Birthday Cake!

My 25th Birthday Cake

Artfully crafted by the ever-thoughtful Miss Pio - this cake was one of the best I have ever had on my birthday. The rainbow layers took her almost all night - but were SO worth it. Thank you, friend! 

Thanksgiving 2011

Greek Family Thanksgiving
This feast is always a team effort. The turkey, acorn squash, kiftedes (meatballs), spanakopita, bread, cranberry sauce, veggies and of course - feta - make this one of my favorite holidays. 



Rumford Family Thanksgiving
This sumptuous table is my second Thanksgiving meal - spent in Rumford, Maine. The mashed potatoes, coleslaw and green bean casserole really make this plate a dream! Yum.

 

Mom's Pastichio

For me, this is the ultimate comfort food. My mom's pastichio is near perfection. She always does something slightly different each time, which is awesome. Best way to describe it would be a Greek version of lasagna without all the ricotta and a creamy/crunchy top layer. 

Yianni's Chicken Souvlaki Wraps

My cousin invited me over for dinner after a particularly long day at work. To my surprise he had chicken souvlaki wraps, tzatziki, olives and a huge block of feta awaiting me. YUM! 

Aphrodite's Taverna

Tucked quietly in London's Nottinghill neighborhood - Aphrodite's Taverna serves up delicious appetizers, saganaki (fried kasseri cheese) and paithakia (braised lamb chops). It doesn't hurt that speaking Greek to the owner and wait staff basically made us like family. 

Eclipse

Well, well, well. Eclipse on Walton Street in London has (hands-down) the most outrageous cocktails I have ever consumed. Between the fresh watermelon martinis to the 'crack baby' (passion fruit) shots this place really impressed. Oh, and we got this tray of appetizers. That is pretty much all I have for this one...

The Folly

Ah, The Folly. My absolute favorite spot in London (I mean seriously, even the bathrooms were amazing). This inventive and gorgeous restaurant is located right at the foot of The London Monument and is nothing short of breathtaking. The ambiance and decor were like nothing I had ever seen. Beautifully creative, rustic and colorful we sat at picnic benches with dripping candelabras and fresh potted herbs as centerpieces. The mango mojito and passion fruit martini were fun and delicious - the warm bread oil and olives were delicious but the highlight was the Mediterranean flat bread and prawn cocktail. I would definitely go back and recommend The Folly to anyone in London!

Da Mario

This was supposed to be our big night out! Instead, we shopped and walked too much to want to do anything. We were initially on a mission. We searched high and low for a hookah bar in a strange neighborhood. No one knew where this place was, what it was called, who to ask. It was a disaster - then we FOUND it! Walked into a gorgeous mirage and were immediately told hookah is only smoked in the summer. Much to our dismay we turned around and walked out. That is when we found Da Mario. Delicious antipasto appetizers, bolognese pasta and gnocchis gave us full bellies. And possibly (worth it) heartburn. 

Red Lion Pub

The world famous Red Lion Pub. It was the only cold, dreary, windy day we had in London. Where better to mosey on into than the Red Lion Pub. Of course started with warm bread and olives, moved onto a creamy roasted vegetable soup (mainly mashed grossness) and the saving grace of a chicken Caesar salad. Oh, and a bottle of wine. Well worth it. 

Franco's

Well, after being dead-set on going to Little Frankie's and convinced they had closed down, we found a close alternative in Franco's. Classic Italian lunch complete with calamari, seafood risotto and canelloni stuffed with spinach. Oh YUM!

Pizza Express

This was our first full day out in downtown London. We had just come out of St. Paul's Cathedral and saw a strip of restaurants. After perusing all the menus - Pizza Express looked like our best lunch option! The bruschetta, white wine and flat bread pizzas were delicious!

The Duke

The Duke: located in Parsons Green, England is a great spot to sit down, relax and watch a Rugby game. They get super busy on game days so we were seated in a quiet back corner. We started with warm bread, olive oil & balsamic and spicy olives. Moved onto the cream of mushroom soup (not my thing). Frankie got the Caesar salad with prawn and I got the goat cheese salad with pomegranates. Delicious. 

Aguaviva

Saved the absolute best for last! Aguaviva is a tiny little restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan. It was drizzling rain the night that we went and many of the streets in the downtown area were shut down. We drove around for about 20 minutes before a homeless man flagged us into a parking spot (sweet right?). The best way to describe this area of Puerto Rico is that it's a more colorful, loud North End. The narrow streets are full of quaint shops, vendors and beautiful trinkets. Aguaviva is perfectly placed on a small side street, so small we almost walked by it - GLAD we didn't. The decor/ambiance of this place was unreal, you felt like you were in an aquarium with the jellyfish lights hanging from the ceiling, blue lighting and white tile floors and tables. We started with the crab cake appetizer that was to die for. I got the pan seared scallops over a mushroom and corn risotto (amazing) and my boyfriend got the jumbo shrimp (out of this world). Overall I would truly give this restaurant five stars - a MUST if you are in Old San Juan. 

Italian in Puerto Rico

Well, there is a great story behind this god awful meal - NOT. So, it's our last night in Puerto Rico, we have been dying to go to this restaurant 'Tuscany' all week. Check out reviews, talked to people at the hotel - everyone was raving about it. We both left the beach early, got spiffed out, walked down to this world-famous Tuscany and guess what? They are only closed one night a week (Tuesday?) and that was the night we decided to go. Disappointed and frustrated we walked down the street, back up the street, then back down the street again - in search of a suitable replacement. And let me tell you - we struck out BIG TIME. This horrific chicken parm, side of pasta and garlic bread were worse than a chain back home. Only saving grace - the bottle of red red wine. 

Room Service

Talk about some seriously delicious room service. This seafood paella and
homemade empanada were amazing. 

Take-Out Pizza

Here is another instance where I really failed myself - but you know what, I'm not sorry. Yea, it was our third night in San Juan - but guess what? It was Sunday (better known as 'pizza Sunday' at home) AND the Patriots were playing that night. What else was a girl to do? You guessed it - order in. This delicious four cheese pizza was piping hot delicious. Oh, and the Pats won. 

Senor Frogs Lunch

While traveling, I tend to try local joints, food stands/trucks, restaurants that have been recommended by friends and family, etc. But it was hot, the daiquiri/pina colada mix & cheap quesadillas were too much to pass up on this stop at Senor Frogs for lunch. Yum. 

Parrot Club Lunch

Parrot Club: I have to say, we were tired and soaking wet after getting caught in a monsoon on our Segway tour and the colors on the outside of this building initially drew me in. Generally when you walk into a restaurant around lunch time and are the only two people in there means something is up. I was very leery of this place, but the empanadilla appetizer and fish stuffed with crab meat, parsley, squash and corn was out of this world. Would absolutely go back!

Buffet Style Breakfast

I am a serious sucker for breakfast, never mind an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. This morning we filled up on french toast, pastries, delicious pineapple (I swear it is better on an island than anywhere in the world) eggs and bacon. Then we couldn't move.

Huevos Rancheros Omelet

This delicious huevos rancheros omelet served with buttery thick toast was great, but not as wonderful as the view and surprise giant rainbow we were graced with half-way through eating! 

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies & Peppermint Frosting

These bad boys are a hit around the holidays!

Red Velvet Cake Ingredients 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 ounce bottle red food coloring (2 tablespoons)
• Striped round peppermint candies, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Alternately add flour and buttermilk, beating on low speed after each addition just until mixtures are combined. Stir in red food coloring.
2. Spoon dough with a rounded teaspoon measure batter 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.
3. Spread Peppermint and Cream Cheese Filling on bottom of each of half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, flat sides down, pressing lightly together.
4. Serve cookies immediately. If chilled, let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle each cookie with some finely chopped peppermint candies before serving. Makes about 40 sandwich cookies.
5. Storage Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Peppermint and Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients

• 2 (3) ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk

Directions
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and peppermint extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. If necessary, add milk (1 teaspoon at a time) to make a filling of spreading consistency.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 cup shortening

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
2. Combine the oil and brown sugar. Mix in the pumpkin and eggs, beating well. Add the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Mix well.
3. Drop dough by heaping teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cookies cool then make sandwiches from two cookies filled with Whoopie Pie Filling.
4. To Make Whoopie Pie Filling: Beat egg white and mix with the milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar. Mix well then beat in the shortening and the remaining cup of confectioners' sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 425 | Total Fat: 21.7g | Cholesterol: 24mg

Game Day Nachos & Chili

Chili and Nachos both made by Joe! These were especially delicious as a game day snack and meal. 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef chuck
• 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce
• 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon bacon bits
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease.
2. Pour in the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, green and red bell peppers, chile peppers, bacon bits. Season with chili powder, garlic, oregano, hot pepper sauce, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day.
4. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top shredded Cheddar cheese.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 600 | Total Fat: 30.1g | Cholesterol: 70mg

Scallop Pesto Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper; add scallops and shake to coat.
2. In a large skillet, cook scallops in butter for 2-1/2 to 3 minutes on each side or until opaque. Drain pasta; toss with pesto. Top with scallops.

Nutritional Analysis: 1 serving equals 598 calories, 25 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 70 mg cholesterol, 807 mg sodium, 59 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 34 g protein.

Peppered Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, diced
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper, and mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more.
3. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink, then pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream; bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 707 | Total Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 201mg.