W. D. 's Chickpea Dip

A Little Bit Like Humus...

1 Can Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
1 Small Jar Green Olives (drained)
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper

In a food processor add chickpeas, olives and olive oil
Blend slowly till smooth
Remove dip from food processor
Season with salt/pepper
Serve with pita chips or bread pieces

Spaghetti Squash

Simple Side Dish...or Main Dish

This Looks Like Spaghetti After It Is Shredded

1 Spaghetti Squash 

Salt / Pepper 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Parmesan Cheese

Bring a large pot of water to a boil 

In the meantime cut the squash in half 

Scrape out the seeds

Place squash in boiling water, cut side down

Boil till tender about 15- 20 minutes

Once squash is tender remove from the water 

Let it cool for a few minutes (enough to be able to handle it) 

Shred the squash with a fork into a bowl

Season with salt / pepper to taste 

Toss with extra virgin olive oil 

Generously top with Parmesan cheese and a few extra grinds of pepper

  

No Fuss Pasta Sauce

Great Dish...So Flavorful         

1 lb. Pasta (Your Choice)

1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 Cup Dry Red Wine

1/2 Cup Crushed Tomatoes

2-4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)

2 Tablespoons Parsley

8 Sliced Cooked and Crumbed Bacon

Salt/ Pepper

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Combine olive oil, wine, crushed tomatoes

Mix in garlic, parsley, salt and pepper

Let sauce rest for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta

While water is coming up to a boil take sauce out of refrigerator 

Allow it to come to room temperature

Cook pasta according to directions

Drain pasta

Combine pasta with sauce and toss with bacon

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

This is quick weeknight sauce, weekend sauce for guests - however you serve it enjoy even if it is for two!

Prosciutto String Bean Bundles

Perfect Side Dish...

String Beans (cleaned with stem removed)
Prosciutto (sliced thin)
Salt/ Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil
Once boiling add salt and string  beans return to a boil
Cook for 8 minutes
Remove from water and rinse under cold water for 3-4 minutes
Pat string beans dry
Take four string beans and wrap with a slice of prosciutto
Place bundle on serving dish
Continue until all string beans are wrapped with prosciutto
Lightly drizzle all bundles with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a few grinds of pepper

***This dish can be made ahead of time.  The bundles can be placed in the refrigerator without the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and pepper - do this step right before serving.

Corn Bread Panzanella Salad

An Excellent Side Dish For Any Dinner...

2 Cups Cornbread (cubed)
1/2 Cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
1/2 Cup Italian Fontina Cheese
1/2 Cup Cucumber (cubed)
Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped)
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Lemon (zested and juiced)
Salt / Pepper

In a large bowl combine all ingredients
Toss gently to combine
Serve immediately

Artichoke Parmesean

We Love Artichokes...

2 Packages of Frozen Artichokes
2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper
Pinch of Hot Pepper Flake (optional)
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
In an oven proof baking dish toss artichokes with oil, salt/pepper, hot pepper flake
Top evenly with Parmesan Cheese
Bake for 30 minutes