Parmesan Tortilla Crisps

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...We thought they could. We thought they would. They didn't. The victory that once seemed certain, eluded them that day. Our team, the Ducks, lost the BCS championship last Monday and it would be true, though sad to say, "There was no joy in Mudville" on that cold dark winter day. Some take such loss in measured stride while others turn away and it was then I learnt a lesson hard, to share with you today. Never, never, never say, "It's just a game" to a grieving sports enthusiast. Your sanity and ancestry will be questioned. Fortunately, there was food to help make things right. I know you have a score of snacks to serve with drinks on game days. I'd like you to consider just one more. The recipe for these crisps was developed by Giada De Laurentis and you might want to give it a try. They are good, inexpensive and very easy to make. They can be made up to two days before serving in they are kept in airtight containers at room temperature. I doubt you'll have to worry about leftovers. Here's the recipe.

Parmesan Tortilla Chips...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Giada De Laurentis

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2) Line 2 heavy large baking sheets with aluminum foil. Whisk oil, oregano, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat just until warm. Set aside for 15 minutes. Brush oil mixture over both sides of tortillas. Stack tortillas and cut them into 1/2 to 3/4-inch wide strips. Arrange strips in a single layer over the baking sheets. Sprinkle cheese and salt over strips. Bake until strips are golden brown and crisp, about 12 minutes. Yield: 5 to 6 servings.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts - The Good The Bad and the Ugly

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...The Silver Fox loves brussels sprouts, so I'm always searching for new ways to prepare them. I found several untried recipes this past weekend and had to decide which I'd actually use. The first recipe, probably the best of the bunch, was discarded out of hand because one of its instructions called for coring three pounds of sprouts. I immediately formed a mental image that set me laughing so hard I almost cried. I could see myself visibly aging and developing a dowager's hump as I went after all those tiny cores. The other two recipes were much easier to do and I decided to try them both. Both were delicious, but they highlighted a problem that I've encountered before with members of the Brassica family. They do not photograph well, especially after they've been cooked. The recipe featured here tonight made the cut because it was the least ugly of the two. If you like brussels sprouts you'll find these to be pleasant. If you don't like them, nothing in this recipe will help change your mind. Roasted sprouts are simple to make and the caramelization that occurs as they roast gives them a decided flavor boost that I think you will enjoy. Here's the recipe.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts ...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2) On 1 large rimmed baking sheets, toss brussels sprouts with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and spread in an even layer. Roast in oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until brussels sprouts are tender and browned in spots; turn pan, back to front, and stir brussels sprouts halfway through roasting. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, toss and bake for 1 more minute, or until the cheese is melted. Transfer brussels sprouts to a bowl and serve. Yield: 6 servings.

Cook's Note: Recipe can be doubled. The brussels sprouts can be baked up to 2 hours ahead; rewarm them before serving.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Skillet Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Lardons - Tasty Trix
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Capers - Je Mange la Ville
Brussels Sprouts with Canellini Beans and Almonds - A Thought for Food
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Potato - Chow and Chatter
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter - The Local Cook
Golden Brussels Sprouts - Kitchen Konfidence

Pasta with Zucchini, Parmesan and Garlic Oil

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...What do you get when finely shredded zucchini is tossed with Aglio e Olio? In my kitchen it becomes an easy entrée that's perfect for a Meatless Monday meal. If you have a julienne peeler to use for shredding the zucchini, you can have this dish on the table in about 20 minutes. I'm not much for kitchen gadgets, but this is one I heartily recommend you add to your inventory. If you haven't seen one of these, you can find one here. I'm not affiliated with these people and my purpose in featuring the peeler is to simplify food preparation rather than sell a kitchen tool. Zucchini that is finely julienned needs no cooking and can be tossed with hot pasta without additional fussing. It helps, however, to have the vegetables at room temperature if you take this route. It's important when you make a dish as simple as this to use ingredients of the highest possible quality. Fortunately, that does not always mean the most expensive. I always serve this pasta with focaccia bread and a crisp green salad to add a bit of texture to the meal. I know you'll enjoy this very easy dish. Here's the recipe.

Pasta with Zucchini, Parmesan and Garlic Oil...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
3/4 lb. dried spaghetti
1 (8-oz.) zucchini, finely julienned
1 (8-oz.) yellow squash, finely julienned
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley or fresh basil
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1) Bring large pot of water to boil; add salt. Add pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
2) Season zucchini and squash with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3) Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in small skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic. Sauté briefly, until light brown. Add pepper flakes and basil or parsley. Mix well. Remove from heat.
4) When pasta is done, drain, reserving about 1/2 cup cooking water. Return pasta to pan. Add zucchini, reserved 1/4 cup oil, garlic mixture from step 3, and 1/2 cup cheese. Toss well, adding cooking water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cheese and serve at once. Yield: 4 to 5 servings.

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Fusilli with Walnuts and Garlic Sauce - One Perfect Bite
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Fresh Garden Vegetables with Pasta - Living the Gourmet
Cold Sesame Noodles - The Parsley Thief
Rigatoni Peperonata - The Comfort of Cooking