Wasabi Isn't Always Real?!
Recipe of the Week:
Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta (Vegetarian)
This is a simple yet satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favourite shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream alternative)
5 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Make the Tomato Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth into the skillet. Stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream (or plant-based alternative) and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted about 2 minutes.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired) and serve immediately.
2. Lemon Herb Baked Chicken Breast
This recipe is simple, healthy, and packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Arrange Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Arrange the lemon slices around and over the chicken. Sprinkle with minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your favourite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.
Enjoy your meals!
Dining Spotlight of the Week: Hôtel Costes: A Parisian Icon of Luxury and Intrigue
Hôtel Costes is more than just a hotel; it's a Parisian institution. Stepping inside is like entering a world of opulent velvet, dimmed lighting, and seductive ambience. Located just steps from the Place Vendôme, the hotel offers a prime location for exploring the city's high-end shopping and cultural attractions.
Ambience: The Costes excels in creating a mood. Think seductive lighting, plush velvet, and a constant hum of trendy music. It's a place to see and be seen, attracting a fashionable crowd.
Dining: The hotel's restaurant is a destination in itself. It serves refined French cuisine in a setting that exudes Parisian chic. Expect classic dishes with a modern twist, served with impeccable style.
Rooms: Rooms are individually decorated, featuring rich fabrics, antique furniture, and luxurious amenities. While some may find the dimly lit rooms a bit too dramatic, they certainly contribute to the hotel's overall mystique.
Overall, Hôtel Costes is a unique experience. It's not just a place to sleep; it's a destination for those seeking a taste of Parisian glamour and intrigue. Be prepared for a splurge, as the Costes has a hefty price tag, but it's worth considering for a truly unforgettable experience.
Perfect for: Travelers looking for a luxurious and atmospheric experience, those who appreciate a trendy scene, and anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of Parisian chic.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. A truly unique and unforgettable experience, but be prepared for the high price point.
https://www.hotelcostes.com/en
Foodie Tip of the Week: Spice Up Your Leftover:
Don't let those leftover roasted vegetables or grains go to waste! Transform them into a vibrant and flavorful frittata. Simply whisk eggs with a splash of milk or cream, add your leftover veggies, a sprinkle of cheese, and your favourite herbs and spices. Cook in a skillet or bake until set. A delicious and resourceful way to enjoy leftovers!
Reader Recipe Corner: Share Your Culinary Creations! 🍽️
We want to hear from you! Do you have a cherished recipe that brings your family together? Maybe a secret dish that never fails to impress? Share your culinary creations with us! Submit your favourite recipe, along with a photo, and get a chance to be featured in our next newsletter. Let's celebrate the joy of cooking together—your delicious ideas could inspire fellow food lovers!
Click the button below to send us your recipes! We can't wait to see what you've been cooking up! 🥘❤️
Fun Food Fact:
Wasabi Isn't Always Real Wasabi:
Most wasabi served in sushi restaurants is actually a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and green food colouring. Real wasabi root is expensive and difficult to cultivate
Closing Thoughts: Until Next Week! 🌟
As we wrap up this week’s edition of Foodie Scribbles, we hope you’re feeling inspired to get into the kitchen and whip up some delightful dishes! Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipes, indulge in the flavours of our featured restaurant, and explore seasonal ingredients that are just waiting for your culinary touch.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your cooking adventures, dining experiences, or your own tips and tricks. Your insights are what make our foodie community flourish!
And don’t miss our next issue, where we’ll dive into more delicious recipes and explore even more unique dining spots to fuel your culinary wanderlust! Until next time, keep cooking, keep tasting, and keep sharing the joy of food! 🍽️❤️✨
Here are some more of my FREE Newsletters:
