Penne Beef and Mushroom

Early this week, my husband and I were discussing about our Christmas menu for this year. Like what I'ved mentioned before, we're doing a simpler line of dishes. As discussed, our main dish is going to be pasta and as requested by my one and only, he asked me if I could whip up something similar to Banapple's Penne Bolognese. It may seem easy. From the texture, the over-all presentation and considering the availability of ingredients. But the question now is... will I be able to nail the exact same taste and flavor?

As always, this has been the part I enjoy the most--- making the dish my own by concocting a different mixture of flavors. It may be richer or chunkier. It can also be an all- natural, salt-free dish. Aside from fresh ground beef, there are several ingredients that I love adding with the sauce. Chunks mushrooms and fresh parsley. For me, fresh parsley is more than just a garnish. It's flavor can turn an ordinary spaghetti to a gourmet dish.
 
Ingredients:

• 1/2 K ground beef (sirloin)
• 400g penne
• 500g tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup crushed fresh red tomatoes
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• A bowl of chopped button mushrooms
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil for sautéing
• A dash of salt and ground pepper

 How To:

• Cook penne al dente! Set Aside.
• In a sauce pan, saute minced garlic in olive oil until light brown.
• Add ground beef . Stir until cooked.
• Add crushed red tomatoes and stir for a few minutes.
• Add chunks of button mushroom and parsley. Stir.
• Add tomato sauce or preferred spaghetti sauce. Set on low fire and keep stirring.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well.
• Add salt and ground pepper to taste.

1. Plating can be individually. Set cooked penne in a pasta plate, top with prepared sauce and grated mozzarella cheese.
2. In one platter. Mix sauce with the cooked penne and top with grated Mozzarella cheese.

 Ready to serve. Enjoy the Holidays!

Caesar My Caesar

S&R Caesar Salad (Php129)

Banapple's House Salad (Php120)

Tender Bob's Chicken Caesar Salad (Solo at Php235)

Chef d' Angelo Make Your Own Salad ( Eat All You Can at Php150)

Let me make this post simple. I am a sucker for Caesar Salad!

At home or when eating out, as much as possible I try to fit a bowl of Caesar Salad in my every dining experience. I've tried several restaurants serving Caesar Salad. The salad dressing is very basic, it's the mixture of veggies that gets me. There are 4 important key ingredients that makes up a delicious Caesar Salad 1. freshly prepared croutons 2. grilled chicken 3. fresh and crunchy Romaine lettuce 4. fresh parmesan cheese.

I must admit, my favorite right now is the Caesar Salad from S&R. It has been a routine that after shopping, I pack myself with a bowl to go and another for dining- in.