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Kitchen Staple Creation

March 28th, 2007 at 12:31 am

We returned from our weekend away to a refrigerator that looks like this:



[At least there's some good beer to drink whilst we feast on Country Crock and cat food.]

I’m having an especially busy week at school and don’t have a lot of time to go shopping. Plus, I need some time to think through my grocery shopping plan of attack since I will be in the vicinity of an Aldi next week.

Sounds like it’s time for another Kitchen Staple Creation!

We all know pasta is a great solution for meals in a hurry. Some nights a bowl of pasta topped with marinara from a jar and a handful of frozen veggies hits the spot. But other times, I’m really in the mood for something more imaginative.

Penne with Spinach and Raisins is definitely one of my favorite “Go To” pasta meals for when sauce from a jar won't do the trick. The bite of the red pepper combined with the sweetness of the golden raisins is almost enough to make you think you’re in Sicily (almost). Golden raisins were not a typical staple in our house, but now I always keep a box on hand specifically for making this dish.



Penne with Spinach and Raisins

Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
4 gloves garlic, crushed
10-12 ounces spinach (I use frozen)
1 14.5 oz can Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup golden raisins
½ tsp salt
¼ - ½ tsp crushed red pepper (depending on taste)
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
12 ounces cooked whole wheat penne

1. In large sauté pan, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until golden. Add spinach, beans and spices. Cook ~ 5 minutes, stir in broth. Heat through.
2. Add cooked penne to spinach mixtures. Toss and enjoy!

Posted in Cooking | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Kitchen Staple Creation”

  1. robex Says:
    March 28th, 2007 at 12:41 am 1175042518
    1175042518

    That looks (and sounds) absolutely delicious!

    What time would you like us to arrive for dinner?

  2. KEALINA Says:
    March 28th, 2007 at 02:46 am 1175049995
    1175049995

    know what's funny... our fridge almost looks like that... mostly because DH and i haven't seen any tempting loss leaders in the past two weeks so we haven't been shopping...

  3. newlyfrugal Says:
    March 28th, 2007 at 02:32 pm 1175092368
    1175092368

    That is definitely creative! If it didn't have spinach in it I would even be tempted to try it. Smile One of my favorite quick and cheap meals is doctored up mac & cheese. It is good with hamburger and salsa OR cream of chicken soup (undiluted) and chicken OR sour cream and ham. And no matter what I put in, it always comes out tasting great. My 2.5 DS wouldn't eat mac & cheese at school because there was nothing in it. Too funny!

  4. fairy74 Says:
    March 28th, 2007 at 04:51 pm 1175100666
    1175100666

    ha, ha that looks like our fridge too, we've been gone visiting family every weekend for the last month (which is when I usually do the shopping). Very creative solution!

  5. daylily Says:
    March 30th, 2007 at 04:24 pm 1175271857
    1175271857

    This sounds fantastic. I usually keep some golden raisins on hand but recently haven't had any.
    I bought some at the store yesterday and I am all set to try your recipe!

    If I get around to it after the weekend I'm going to either post a recipe for you or PM it to you.

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