Izzy (and Mama) Eat: The Gourmand Goes To College...

Tales of Empty Nest and College Boy Eats.. The Next Chapter

Friday, February 22, 2008

No Taking The Easy Way Out: Izzy's Dinner Choice


Me (in lazy mode): Would you like some pierogi and peas for dinner (always in the freezer for the laziest of days)?

Izzy: No. That's not what I want.

Me: Would you like some blintzes (made and frozen last week).

Izzy: I don't want that either.

Me: How about whole wheat pasta with zucchini, artichokes and bacon?

Izzy: Yes. That is what I want. Sounds yummy.
Oh well. So much for avoiding cooking and dish washing. Not that it was particularly complicated, just meant more chopping and pots and pans to wash.

I don't ordinarily use whole wheat pasta. I am not especially fond of the flavor and after all, how many Italians eat it? Isn't it some new-fangled American invention? Nevertheless, I had grabbed a box of whole wheat penne after having read that certain brands of whole-wheat pasta have improved in both texture and flavor. I knew A. wouldn't eat any which is why I chose to make it while he was away. It has a somewhat nutty aspect to it and is rather chewy. If you are in the mood for lower carb pasta then give it a try.

Whole-Wheat Penne With Zucchini, Artichoke Hearts and Bacon

1 box whole-wheat penne
6 slices of Niman Ranch Bacon (baked at400 about 15 minutes or until crisp)
2 medium zucchini, sliced
4 artichoke hearts in oil, drained
2 large shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
handful minced parsley
1. Boil pasta
2. Meanwhile place olive oil, shallots, garlic and zucchini and saute over low heat. Add artichokes when zucchini is almost tender and browned. Saute a couple of minutes longer. Turn off heat and add parsley.
3. Drain pasta and save a cup of pasta water. Return pasta to pot, add zucchini mixture and water. Stir for a minute over low heat.
4. Serve with grated Parmiggiano cheese.

Makes 4 servings

3 comments:

Stacy said...

Do you use organic pasta? A friend of mine who tries to give her daughter only organic says she hasn't been able to find many organic pastas.

My twins don't eat organic most of the time, but I am inspired by your blog, and hope to continue to introduce more and more healthful foods. (they are 2.5 and very picky)

Izzy's Mama said...

Sad to say but pasta is one item that I don't buy organic on a regular basis. It is available at Whole Foods and I have bought it occasionally. They don't always have the shapes I prefer but now that you mention it, I am going to try to buy it more often.

Where does your friend live? She could probably get it on Amazon if she doesn't live in the nyc area.

Good luck with your twins. It is hard to make everything organic. Local is often good too. Keep in mind, children will eat what you eat. Persistence pays off!

Stacy said...

Thanks! I passed along the info to her (plus gave her your blog link of course). Her daughter still doesn't have many teeth (14 months), so she is using some organic earth's best pasta that is small shape I think.

That pasta dish looks yummy.. I'm going to try it out.. though I've had no luck with asparagus though I LOVE it. Last time my daughter threw them at me... 'No Beans!' even though I explained what it was and that it was yummy.