Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear

Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear and Fried Sage
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I am a huge fan of salty/sweet combos. They make my heart sing. I never tire of them. I love them so much that I’m willing to tamper with an Italian classic for the sake of them. And I’ve got to tell you, that is a very dangerous thing to do on the Internet. There are apparently a lot of keyboard warriors out there who moonlight as experienced Italian chefs. But even though my exploits may elicit eye rolls and snide comments, the palette wants what it wants. And my palette wants Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Pear and Fried Sage. Who am I to argue?

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BLT Pappardelle

BLT Pappardelle
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Okay, I realize today’s BLT Pappardelle might be a tad controversial. Admittedly using a sandwich as a jumping-off point for a pasta dish is a little eyebrow-raising. I mean, for some strange reason the BLT makes sense as a salad even as a pasta salad, but a pasta fresh from the skillet? It’s also a pasta that isn’t remotely Italian, which the Internet generally hates. And there is the question of hot lettuce – is that really something we need in our lives? All of these are valid points and reasonable reasons not wanting to make this BLT Pappardelle. But I have one counterargument –  this dish is freaking delicious and well worth the rule-breaking. And I promise the lettuce is introduced after the pasta has been taken off of the heat. 

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Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese

Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese
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Mac and cheese is one of those universally loved dishes that takes to slight tweaks and additions beautifully. Think of how many different mac and cheese incarnations you’ve encountered on restaurant menus. From brisket to lobster it seems almost anything can find a home in a bowl of mac and cheese. Today I gave those cozy accommodations to the dill pickle. If you grew up on Dill Pickle potato chips, I’m willing to bet you’re on board with this little number. This Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese contains tender pasta coated in a cheddar and havarti cheese sauce studded with minced dill pickles, sautéed shallots, peas, and fresh dill. The casserole is topped with yet more cheese, pickle slices, and crushed dill pickle chips. If this dish seems like a little much that’s because it is. So let’s make it.

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Silky Spinach Spaghetti with Burrata

Silky Spinach Spaghetti with Burrata
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Today’s recipe is a vision in green. This Silky Spinach Spaghetti features al dente strands of golden spaghetti coated in a rich emerald green spinach sauce topped with a creamy ball of burrata and finished with a sprinkling of arugula, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Talk about eating your greens, this vibrant platter of pasta contains nearly a pound of baby spinach. But don’t let the veggie content fool you. This dish tastes every bit as decadent as your favorite plate of carbonara. So let’s make it.

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