Pasta & Sausage

"Take me out the the Ball Game," or is it more likely, "Take my kids to the Ball Field" for games and practice everyday. Now, you still have to feed them before they go and you have to think of something to cook. Also, your husband or wife comes right from work to the field and is hungry. You need something that is easy and quick to cook and can be portable. You can't go wrong with this dish, because who doesn't like pasta and sausage and it can be put in plastic-ware to be eaten at the fields.

Start with oil, crushed garlic, one sliced onion, two sliced green peppers and about 1 pound of sausage in one inch pieces and fry up in a large saute pan. You know the one that I got at Acme. While that is cooking, boil off a pound of pasta, any brand will do, I used the ziti type this time. When the sausage and the vegetables are done, just add a 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, the pasta and season with basil, Italian seasonings, and salt. Cook for a couple of minute to ensure everything is hot and serve or pack it up to go. Don't forget the grated cheese!

Frittata

Yes, I love to make and eat the "Frittata" or what is know as the "Italian Omelette." This is the way I get the kids to eat the leftovers next day for breakfast. Leftovers such as pasta, vegetables and meats can easily be an ingredient for the Frittata. Coupled with scrambled eggs and of course, grated cheese, you just can't go wrong.

To start, heat up a deep sauce pan with butter and garlic, (enough butter to coat the entire pan or use a non stick pan.) Then add you leftover meats or vegetables. Cut or dice up the vegetables and meats and saute in the pan. What I used this morning was ziti, red pepper, and some zucchini. I thought I had some leftover bacon or sausage, but they ate it all. Next add the pasta and cook everything until tender or hot if they already have been cooked. Beat about 6 eggs so you are able to get air into those puppies. (the eggs) Pour the eggs into the pan and slowly cook on low heat. Now, add my favorite ingredient grated cheese. I believe that the grated cheese and the pasta make it Italian. Or is it just what we always have on hand to cook with. Also, if desired add basil or Italian seasonings and salt & pepper.

Slowly cook on low heat and try not to burn the bottom. The best thing to do is when it starts to get firm on the sides, place the pan in the oven at about 350 degrees and continue to check and see if it is cooked throughout.

When it is done, take it out of the oven and flip that bad dog (the Frittata) onto a serving plate. That's why you need to use a non-stick or well grease pan for the Frittata. Garnish the top with parsley and more grated cheese.

Max, as usual, stalks around the table waiting for the kids to drop a morsel or when no one is looking, swipes it off the table. Bad Dog!