Grams

When I first started blogging, my fellow bloggers warned me it was a difficult thing to keep up. Boy, were they right! Between long hours at the office, traveling every weekend (literally), this took a back seat.  Well, it’s a new year so naturally one of my resolutions was to get back to it.

But more importantly…my Grams, one of the people I dedicated this blog to, recently passed away. Grams was an enormous influence in my life, she helped shape who I am today. As I mentioned in my very first post, my love for food is a result of her. Cooking was in my Grams’ heart and soul, and it is one of the many ways she showed her love for us over the years.

There are endless ways I can honor my Grams and cooking is one of them. Cooking her recipes for the people that I love, hearing her voice in my head the whole time… “Needs some more salt Kitty Kate”.

So Grams, this one is for you. I love you and miss you with all my heart. Certainly gives a new meaning to heaven on a plate doesn’t it?

Grams’ Broccoli & Pasta Dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 heads of broccoli – chopped
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 cup of bread crumbs
• Whole wheat pasta (two cups dry)
• 3 gloves of garlic minced
• Chicken bouillon cubes or chicken broth

Directions:

• In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
• Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat oil. Sauté garlic (don’t let burn) along with just a few shakes of red pepper flakes.
• If using chicken bouillon cubes (which I would suggest because they have a ton of flavor), add two cups of water to the skillet along with two cubes. The key is to add one cup of water for every cube. If using chicken broth, add two cups.
• Add chopped broccoli to the broth and turn up the heat so it begins to simmer.
• Once the broccoli softens, add the al dente pasta. It will finish cooking while absorbing the flavors. Add ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water.
• After about 5 minutes, add bread crumbs, mix into the pasta and turn heat off. Let sit for another few minutes, stirring. If the mixture gets too dry, add more water or chicken broth.
• Add parmesan cheese to taste and enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.