Thursday, December 18, 2008

Jacques-Imo Pasta

I don't know what it means I just like the word(s). It comes from from a Mardi Gras Song, "Iko". Kind of gives you an impression of by mood when I was preparing dinner Tuesday night.

There was Apple Bread to bake to take to work, the homegirlz were wrapping presents for their friends, I had presents to wrap. We are preparing for a two week visit from my Mother who arrives Sunday. Actually, I was very excited about all of the activity to the point of being slightly hyper; if you can believe a forty-something woman can be hyper.

I knew I wanted pasta but I wanted something different. I was even plotting how to sneak in mushrooms and green things into dinner. Some of you may remember the homegirlz are revolted by mushrooms and anything green. I needed to be crafty; forget that, I was going for it.



Jacques-Imo Pasta -





Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a high-sided pot over medium high heat. Brown 3 slices of smokey bacon chopped. When bacon is halfway cooked add 1/2 small onion finely chopped, 1/2 lb. baby bella mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and saute until mushrooms start turning golden brown. Add 1 bay leaf, 1 clove of garlic minced and one 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Lower heat to simmer and season with salt and black pepper. Cover and let simmer while you boil 1 lb. of penne rigate pasta to al-dente and drain.






Add one cup of heavy cream just to blush up the color a bit.





I was having a hard time getting a picture after the blush due to the steam of the boiling pasta.


After the pasta is drained, return pasta to the pot and sprinkle liberally with dried basil. Pour Jacques-Imo sauce over pasta and gently fold to coat pasta with sauce. Add 1 cup of froze geen peas, they will heat up with the heat of the pasta and sauce.






Garnish with shaved Parmigiana-Reggiano.








14 comments:

  1. I've never heard that term, blush up the color. See I told you I learn something every day. Your pictures and your pasta looks wonderful. Did the homegirlsz's like it? I would have!

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  2. Nice looking pasta. I don't terribly like red sauce, so always have to find something different!

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  3. I love this dish. Going to try it tonight.

    BTW Thanks for the comment on my blog. I have 5 great Aunts. They are now in their mid to late 90's they are the bells of the Retirement Center and they all have a standing beauty shop appointment on Friday so they look good for the social on Saturday and church on sunday. Got to love it! I'm off to read the rest of your blog!
    Hugs
    Gladys

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  4. Very typical week day pasta dish in my house too. It must tastes so good with the addition of cream, I should try to add this next time.
    Cheers,
    Elra

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  5. Looks delicious. I love pasta sauces with dream...

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  6. This pasta looks and sounds delicious and hearty...my kind of pasta dish.

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  7. What a tasty dish! Cream in tomato sauce just makes it so heavenly! YUM!

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  8. This recipe sounds so rich a delicious. I definitely need to try this one soon.

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  9. Looks delicious....and anything with shaved Parmesean works for this girl!! :)

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  10. Looks delicious! What a yummy looking dinner!

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  11. I love the addition of heavy cream - looks great!

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  12. Oh my, that looks out of this world. Alas no one in my family would try it though except me so set an extra plate at the table. I am on my way. :)

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  13. Oh my, that looks yummy! Merry Christmas!

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Thanks for stopping by, I enjoy reading your comments.

Katherine