Veggie recipe

So I just finished reading some comments and I've been requested to post some vegetarian recipes. Well since I was just blogging about my baked ziti, here it is!"

1 box of ziti (with ridges)

1 28oz can of whole peeled tomatoes - roughly chopped

1 140z can of crushed tomoatoes

*Try to use san marzano for the tomatoes

Garlic-roughly chopped (about 3 cloves)

Basil

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

nutmeg

1 bag of shredded mozzarella

1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese            

Preheat oven to 350.

Cook pasta; slightly undercooked.

In saucepan, sautee garlic in some olive oil, then add both cans of tomatoes; simmer 10 mins then add basil

In another saucepan, melt the butter then whisk in the flour for about 1 min or 2. Add Milk slowly and grate some of the nutmeg in. Keep whisking until it thickens; about 4 min

When pasta is done, drain and put into a 13x9 pan

Pour tomato sauce over pasta, and mix well

Pour bechamel sauce over top and then top off with both cheeses

Bake for about 20 min

Yum!

Morning off...

A slow rainy afternoon and overstaffed at the restaurant, so I took the morning off! What's the first thing I do? Go food shopping! Even though I'm not due back in the restaurant until 5:30, I"m going in early so I can cook for the staff. What can I say? I LOVE cooking! I'm making my baked ziti which I think they would love. I make a bechamel sauce and pour over the ziti which makes it creamy and moist...yumm!!! For those who have had it, you know there's never left overs!

Peace!

Turkey lasagna

I was pleasantly surprised with my first lasagna effort. It was always one of those dishes that seemed too involved to make at home. Also, I tend to shy away from anything that calls for bechamel sauce. But for some reason I was inspired to make lasagna and a moderately healthy one with turkey and no bechamel. Sorry, all you purists. Well, it was a hit with both my husband and brother-in-law having thirds! They're both Italian American and are opinionated about anything Italian. As I'm typing this John is telling me how much he likes it :) Even Molly who already had dinner, asked for some! The recipe is an adaptation of one by the Barefoot Contessa. I'm really surprised that the consistency and proportions came out perfectly. Sorry I don't have a shot of the cross section. I was too hungry!

1 box no boil lasagna noodles

olive oil

2 cloves garlic minced

1 small onion chopped

1 1/2 lb ground turkey

1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes in puree

2 tablespoon tomato paste

fresh oregano, thyme, basil

salt, pepper to taste

1 tub ricotta (15 oz i think)

1 cup parmigiano reggiano and some for sprinkling on top

1 egg

shredded mozzarella (1 bag) or use fresh if you have

-brown turkey then break into small pieces

-once meat is sizzling again, add garlic and onion, cook until o&g is soft

-add crushed tomatoes bring to a medium simmer for 10 mins

-add tomato paste and herbs, simmer another 10 mins

-add salt and pepper to taste and simmer until sauce is thickened

-soak noodles in hottest tap water for 20 mins and drain (add noodles one at a time and move them around once in a while so they don't stick together)

-mix ricotta, parmigiano, egg, pinch salt and pepper

-layer in following order, just eye the amounts

• sauce
• noodle 1 ply
• ricotta mix
• mozzarella
• sauce
• noodle 1 ply
• ricotta mix
• mozzarella
• noodle 1 ply
• sauce
• parmigiano

I used a 8 X 6 X 2 le creuset pan and it came out nice and crusty!!

Where are your favorite places to eat in NY and why?

I always ask that question. It's a great way to get to know someone. I find people who likes to eat, especially adventurous eaters are vibrant, interesting, fun, sexy people...

and of course I think I am all of the above :P

Here are some of mine:

Bar Masa- It's because I can't afford Masa. I've never experienced such fresh, velvety, soft fishes. I had...Toro, Hirame Fluke, Tai Sea Bream, Toro Tartare with Caviar, Kobe steak, Uni and Sweet Corn Risotto, Summer Truffle Fried Rice and whatever my friend didn't finish. I think I cried that day. It was the greatest day of my life.

Blue Ribbon Sushi- Late night dining. The kitchen closes at 2am! I absolutely love the food. They have freshest fish and an amazing fried chicken with wasabi honey. Must have dishes: Season salad, Kanpachi with Yuzu, Hamachi Kama, Beef Marrow, Fried Chicken and anything on the specials menu.

Employees Only- Let's talk about the food first. Great cheese and wine selection, Yummy pasta dishes, and tasty Porterhouse Pork Chop. Now the fun part... This place turns into a lively bar scene after dinner. Ahem.. I never leave without a number. :)

The Spotted Pig- It's such a great downtown scene. I feel extremely cool when I am there. Memorable dishes: Deviled Duck Eggs, Crispy Pig's ears and Crispy Pork Belly. Delicious!

Ippudo- Maybe it's because they don't care who you are and make you wait at least an hour for a table. The ramen is exceptional. Go for lunch instead, the wait is shorter.

5 Ninth- I have a big crush on one of the bartenders even though he confuses me with another Annie. Who cares... the food is really good there. Think local farm fresh food.

Raoul's- This used to be a secret meeting place for me and an ex of mine (yeah, he was married). Our favorite table would be in the room past the kitchen to the right. We used to talk about nothing over seared Foie Gras and Oysters. I was there a few weeks ago. Food is still really good. The ex...not so much. Thank god I got rid of him.

Congee Village- Food is close to home cooking here. This is the place where the COOKNGS love to pig out! We would order the same dishes.. Garlic Chicken, Black Bean Snails, Sauteed Snow Pea Leaves, Steamed Fish with Scallion and Ginger, Steamed Salted Fish with Minced Pork, Fried Tofu, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops and of course Congee.

Please share yours....

Hello...

Hi... just want to say hi since I haven't posted anything.... Haven't cooked in a long time, but I can't wait til the next time and take some pictures!! The one thing I do have to say is that since I started working at the restaurant, I like to watch people eat. I feel people are vulnerable when they are eating and I can tell a lot about a person by the way the eat... Just thought I'd share that with you guys.... Until next time...