Basilmomma

Do You Know What is Great….

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I really have a thing for lemons.  Custards, cream pies, cookies, sorbet , in a drink or on my pasta it livens up ANY meal!

A few months I made frozen lemon slices for my water and iced tea and recently ran out of them.  My tea just wasn’t the same!  I sprinkle each slice with Turbinado sugar, lay each slice on a sheet pan covered in parchment paper and freeze.  When solid I gather them all up and keep in a little freezer bag.  That way they are ready any time I need them!

I always but 4 lemons when I go to the grocery store.  Whether I need them or not, I buy them.  The reason is simple:  When in a pinch or when I am tired, worn out and I don’t have time for a proper dinner….the lemon steps up to the plate to save the day ????

A family favorite is Lemon Pasta with Parmesan and Parsley.  I actually paid money to eat this at a restaurant once.  I was hungry and the carbs were beckoning to me from the menu….

Talk about easy and quick…this dish can be ready in 15 minutes or less, makes a great lunch (leftovers) and will please even your most picky eater.

This may seem like just plain old pasta…but don’t let the picture fool you.  I serve this for company! Light, healthy and satisfying ????

Lemon Pasta with Parsley, Basil and Parmesan

1 box of prepared whole wheat spaghetti, Al Dente
Juice of 1 lemon
zest of 1 lemon
1/2 C of chopped parsley
1/2 C chopped basil
4 cloves garlic
2 shallots,finely chopped
1/2 C olive oil
2 TB butter
Sea salt and fresh pepper
red pepper flakes , to taste
1/2 C freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta according to directions, Al Dente.  Drain,leaving in the colander, then return pot to the stove.  Add the oil and butter to the pot to melt and saute the garlic and shallots.  Remove from heat.  Add the zest, juice, salt and pepper.

To a large serving bowl add the cooked pasta, pour over the lemon/garlic mixture and then toss.  Sprinkle liberally with salt and fresh pepper and add the chopped basil and flat leaf parsley

After each serving is plated add fresh Parmesan  and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.  I added cooked chicken to make it a little more substantial of a meal!

Fresh tastes and flavors make this a family favorite!

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