Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti

I had to go to a work demonstration of an espresso maker.... I know, I know, hard work, huh?
Anyway, since I knew we would be sip, sip, sipping lots of coffee, I figured we needed something to go with it.  Seems like biscotti was in order.

I did a couple searches for some recipes, as I was looking for pistachio and dried cherry biscotti.  I didn't find any, but found another from Martha.  Gotta say, her recipes rarely disappoint me, and this one is no exception.  

About those cherries, I mentioned to a couple people that I had wanted to add dried cherries... and everyone slowly shook their head and said no.  Apparently adding fruit and nuts to the cookies made it too close to fruitcake or something.

Thank you Martha

Makes about 60 cookies

Ingredients
6 Tbsp butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for baking sheet
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup shelled pistachio nuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used mini chips)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl if necessary. Add flour mixture, and stir to form a stiff dough. Stir in pistachios and chocolate chips.

Transfer dough to a buttered baking sheet; form into a slightly flattened log, about 12 by 4 inches (I did two small ones). Bake until slightly firm, about 25 minutes. Cool about 5 minutes. Reduce oven to 300 degrees.

On a cutting board, using a sharp serrated knife, cut biscotti diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices. Arrange biscotti, cut sides down, on baking sheet, and bake until crisp but still slightly soft in the center, about 8 minutes.

One Pan Pasta with Chicken & Hot Links

It all started with a "one pan pasta" recipe from Martha Stewart.
Hmmm, I'm game. Almost sounds like Hamburger Helper, Martha!
I found something new that I like about you.

OK... I know some of you could go all snobby on me, and all that, for this type of recipe.
But, really who hasn't wanted to just slam dinner on the table occasionally and make all those people stop whining.  
Well, maybe this is your new "go to" recipe. 
I think you could customize it depending on what you have on hand. 
I just happened to have a whole bunch of Hot Links on hand (somebody went to Costco...) and some cooked chicken (thank you again Costco rotisserie chicken).  
So, of course, that is what my recipe includes.

I'm thinking you could have any number of things on hand that would make a good version; ham, shrimp (frozen), pork chops (cut up), chicken (raw, but cut small), shredded beef... or dare I say it, cooked hamburger?
Ummm.... not altogether, OK folks?

Sprinkle something green on top (like green onions, or chives) and call it a balanced dinner.


Serves about 4
Ingredients

1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
1-2 Tbsp olive oil 
2 cups chicken stock
1 can tomatoes, diced, with juices
2 hot links, diced
1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
8 oz (1/2 package) small pasta, like orecchiette, macaroni or penne
Salt and Pepper, or other favorite spices, like basil, oregano or thyme

Saute the onions and garlic over medium heat in some olive oil in a large saucepan.. If using raw meat, or sausage (like the hotlinks), go ahead and add them too.  Cook until onions are soft (and meat is mostly cooked) about 3-4 minutes.

Add the tomatoes (with juice), the chicken stock, any spices (add salt and pepper later) and the pasta.  Stir until well combined.  Turn up heat and bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is cooked.  It will probably take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your pasta.  Stir often so it doesn't stick. 

Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper.  You will find that the pasta has thickened the sauce and made a complete dinner.  Serve and eat.

Later on, wash up the one pan.  Or better yet, have someone else wash up that pan.