Sunday, June 7, 2009

Saturday

Cavatappi Nicoise (recipe in the comments)
Herbed goat cheese toasts (recipe in the comments)

Hot tea
Raspberries!
______________________________________________________________
This is a new recipe and one that will definitely be a keeper :) I love the salad and it evokes all the greatness of a salad nicoise without being quite so difficult to prepare. The toasts are exquisite and a wonderful addition. Of course, few meals are as wonderful as those that end with fresh berries. It was a home run all around - especially because it makes plenty for a picnic outside our art museum the next day!

Prep Notes
Difficulty: Moderate
Chopping: Green beans (halved), grape tomatoes (halved), olives, shallots, parsley, thyme
Time: 40 minutes
Make ahead: This was GREAT the next day!

Reaction
J: "Truly sensational summer!"
M: "The salad is great, but the toasts are transformative!"

2 comments:

J said...

Cavatappi Niçoise – M & J (inspired by Cooking Light)
Serves 6 (Really)

12 oz haricots verts (French green beans), trimmed and halved
1 lb cavatappi pasta
2 cans solid white tuna, drained
1 pt grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup niçoise olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
3 T minced shallots
3 T capers, drained
3 T extravirgin olive oil
2 T red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
2 T balsamic vinegar, plus more to taste
½ t freshly ground black pepper
¼ t salt
6 anchovy fillets, drained

Cook beans in boiling water 3 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon. Rinse under cold water; drain. Cook pasta in same water. Drain over beans. Rinse under cold water for a cold salad, leave hot for a warm salad.

Flake tuna with a fork in a large serving bowl. Add tomatoes, olives, shallots and capers to bowl; toss. Toss with pasta and beans. Combine olive oil, and remaining ingredients in a mini chop; process until smooth. Pour oil mixture over pasta mixture; toss to coat.

J said...

Herbed goat cheese toasts – Cooking Light

4 oz goat cheese, briefly microwaved to soften
1 – 2 T chopped parsley
1 t fresh thyme
1 t minced shallot
Multigrain baguette, sliced on the bias

Preheat the broiler to high.

Combine all ingredients, except bread. Spread cheese on bread slices. Broil for 2 minutes or until lightly browned.