Lemon Pasta with Scallops

This a perfect Valentines Day dinner to make together. One of you does the pasta, and the other the scallops.

And if there’s only one of you - call someone you like and make it together over facetime :) Read the whole recipe all the way through first (always a good rule btw).

Serves 2

Pasta

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicier

Kosher slat & fresh ground pepper to taste

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for plating

1/2 pound any kind of pasta you like, though longer noodles definitely fit better here

2 tablespoons chopped curly parsley

1. Add pasta to heavily salted boiling water, stir lightly to keep from sticking

2. About 1/2 way into the pasta cooking time, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil and garlic - you don’t want the garlic to burn, just sizzle lightly

3. After about 30-45 seconds, add the red pepper, stir then put in the lemon zest and juice - mix well and keep on low (btw, if making the scallops this is when you should start heating the pan, see below)

4. When the pasta is al dente (still a bit firm when you bite it), remove from the water with tongs and put into the pan (save about a half cup of the pasta water) then top with the parmesan

5. Add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and mix really well to coat the pasta - if you want it a bit thicker, add more cheese

6. Season with salt & pepper and add the parsley - mix well again and plate, finally topping with a little more Parmesan

Scallops

6 sea scallops, the large ones, out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking

Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1. When you get to step 3 of the pasta, heat a skillet on medium (mostly) high, and season the scallops with salt & pepper

2. Add the butter and oil to the pan, and when melted add the scallops

3. Cook a couple minutes or until you get a good crust on the bottom, then turn over a cook another minute and a half or so

4. Plate with the pasta

Homemade Hummus

Doesn't get much better than this.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• ⅓ cup tahini
• 1 - 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained (reserve the liquid)
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ½ tablespoon fresh parsley, rough chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Paprika
• Pita

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a food processor with the metal ‘S’ blade, add garlic and lemon juice
2. Process about 1 minute, until garlic is minced then scrape down sides of the bowl with a spatula
3. Add tahini, garbanzo beans and cumin
4. Continue to process another 2 to 3 minutes - add reserved liquid until hummus is relatively smooth and scoop into a serving bowl
5. Make it pretty with a little parsley, a good drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of  paprika
6. Serve with pita bread/chips, vegetables...whatever your heart desires

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WATCH ME MAKE THIS...

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Green Goddess Dressing

It’s 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather accepts the Best Actor Award for Marlon Brando in The Godfather, All in the Family was huge on TV and Green Goddess Dressing was all the rage – and still should be.  

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley 
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, coarsley chopped
• 2 green onions, white & light green parts coarsely chopped
• Juice of one lemon
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 3/4 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1.  Put all ingredients in a processor and blend until smooth 

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Finlandia Napoleons

Wait till you see how easy and crazy delicious these are. Made with #Finlandia Creamy Gourmet Cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• Finlandia Sweet Lemon Creamy Gourmet Cheese*
• Raspberry jam
• Powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Roll out a defrosted sheet of puff pastry to make it approximately 30% larger, and poke all over with a fork 

3. Then cut into 2” x 3” rectangles, place on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown,15-20 minutes - remove and let cool
4. Using Finlandia Sweet Lemon Creamy Gourmet Cheese spread a 1/8” inch layer on one rectangle, top with another rectangle, add another layer of cheese and finally a layer of raspberry jam – 
5. To serve, add a final dusting of powdered sugar.

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*Finlandia Butter can be found at Vons, Albertsons and Safeway. Finlandia Cheeses are also available, in Southern California at Costco and other fine retailers.

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Lemon Butter Sauce

Makes about 1/3 cup
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 7 minutes

Really... do you need to hear anything more than just lemon & butter? 
I think not – though if you did, shallots & parsley are the rest of it. 

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup lemon juice
• Pinch Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon shallot, finely chopped
• ¼ stick cold Finlandia butter*, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Warm a small pan over medium-high heat and add lemon juice and shallot
2. Cook until reduced by approximately ½, then add butter 
3. Slowly swirl butter into the mixture until thickened, season with salt and add parsley
4. Stir to mix and serve

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*Finlandia Butter can be found at Vons, Albertsons and Safeway. Finlandia Cheeses are also available, in Southern California at Costco and other fine retailers.

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OLD SCHOOL SHRIMP SCAMPI

Not sure how you beat this. And considering this is "Super quick dinner week" and it goes from zip to amazing in less than 15 minutes...you gotta make it.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb fresh large raw shrimp (21-30 size)

• 1/2 pack spaghetti

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/3 cup Dry Vermouth

• pinch red pepper flakes

• 3 tablespoons curly parsley, finely chopped, (flatleaf will do)

• 1/2 lemon, fresh juice

• lemon wedge for serving

• drizzle of EVOO

• Optional: handful grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. In large pot boiled salted water add spaghetti, cook al dente

2. While that cooks... In a large skillet, on medium heat, add butter, oil, garlic, cook 30 seconds

3. Add vermouth, red pepper flakes, simmer 4 minutes to reduce liquid

4. Add shrimp, these guys only need 2 minutes, flip cook for 1 more minute

5. Add lemon juice and half parsley

6. Drain pasta, add to skillet coat in sauce

7. Serve garnished with parsley, drizzle of EVOO and a wedge of lemon. Sprinkle of Parmesan if you feel like it.

WATCH ME MAKE THIS

GREEK CHICKEN WRAP

Proof you can eat healthy quickly, this takes 5 minutes. 

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup deli roasted chicken breast meat, shredded
• 1/4 cup English cucumber, skinned, thinly sliced half rounds
• 1/4 red onion very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• pinch Kosher salt
• 2 pita breads
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup greek yoghurt

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix chicken, red onion, cucumber, fresh herbs (keep a pinch aside for garnish)
2. In small container mix oil, lemon juice, and Kosher salt, pour dressing into chicken/mix and coat well
3. Warm pita breads, 1 minute each side in dry skillet
4. Build: pita, chicken/salad mix, yoghurt, garnish with pinch of herbs

WATCH ME MAKE THIS

Perfect Homemade Lemonade

Serves 4-6

Easy and delicious homemade lemonade. Of course wonderful by itself, but it really gets going when you add bourbon or vodka or whatever in it - you decide.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (5-6 lemons)
• zest of 1 lemon, strained remove pips
• 2 cups cold water
• ice

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat 1 cup water then add sugar, cook and stir 2 minutes to dissolve to make basic sryup
2. Add zest to syrup, let it cool or if in a hurry, warm is ok too
3. Add syrup to lemon juice, add cold water, stir well
4. Serve chilled with lots ice

WATCH ME MAKE THIS... 

CILANTRO AND LIME SAUCE

Muy bueno, and muy simplico (perhaps not a real Spanish word but it's really good).

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 8oz non fat greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons mayonaise
• 1 big handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 lime, zest and half of juice
• good pinch Kosher salt 
• pinch of red chili flakes

DIRECTONS

1. Throw everything in a processor, blitz and serve. Or chill in fridge until you need it.

Serve with anything... chicken, or as a dip for some fresh veg...list is endless. I tried it with a simple fillet of grilled Halibut, awesome!

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WATCH ME MAKE THIS.. 

Cannoli

I used to HATE cannoli's, until I made these. Light and delicious, they’re nothing like the overly-sweet versions you find elsewhere. And did I mention the raspberries? 

Serves 3

INGREDIENTS

• 12 store bought cannoli shells
• 1  1/2 cup ricotta
• 2 tablespoons fine grain sugar
• 1 cup organic raspberries
• zest 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting
• Piping bag or ziplock bag

DIRECTIONS

1. In large bowl beat the ricotta and sugar, add zest, break raspberries up, mix well, chill mixture in fridge for 30 mins
2. Pipe the mixture into shells (use a piping bag or a ziplock bag and cut corner off
3. Serve, dusted with powdered sugar 

WATCH SAM MAKE THIS >>>

Shrimp & BBQ Sauce

Makes about 2 dozen large shrimp

My great friend 'Tommy the Fishmonger'  whips this up in seconds and clearly it's as easy and delicious as it gets.  

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound large shrimp (21/25's would be ideal), shelled, deveined and butterflied
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup Hungry Chef Original BBQ Sauce or whatever bbq sauce you like
• Fresh rice for serving
• Lemon wedges
• Green onions, diced for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat cast iron skillet or wok on high add butter and shrimp and cook until shrimp are almost done, 2 to 3 minutes
2. Add bbq sauce to shrimp and heat until sauce is bubbly about a minute
3. Serve shrimp on rice, with a squeeze of lemon and garnished with green onions

Greek Hot Dogs

Makes 4

Yes the tomato and cucumber are nice, refreshing & certainly delicious.  But what really makes this is the quick tzatziki. It adds a crazy amount of flavor that had us wanting a 2nd & 3rd.  

INGREDIENTS

• 4 hot dogs
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup cucumber, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 wedge lemon
• Pinch of Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup diced tomato
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and diced small
• Butter
• 4 hot dog buns

DIRECTIONS

1. Make small diagonal slits on all sides of the dogs and cook in a non-stick pan
2. Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice & salt - mix well
3. When dogs are almost cooked (and you'll know cuz the slits will open and it'll get gorgeous and slightly brown) butter buns and cook on a flat griddle until lightly brown
4. Spread tzatziki sauce on a bun, then place a dog, then add tomato & olives
5. Eat

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Bucatini with Asparagus and Prosciutto

Serves 2

A perfect and satisfying lunch or dinner that you can make in under 20 mins.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb Bucatini pasta

• 1 pound asparagus, thick ends removed

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 1/2 lemons, juiced

• Pinch Kosher salt

• Fresh ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

• 4 thin slices Prosciutto

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

Directions

1. Bring 2 pots of water to a bowl

2. Cook pasta according to package instructions in one, and the asparagus in the other until just starting to get tender

3. Immediately plunge asparagus into a large bowl filled with water & ice - (this will stop it cooking), drain on paper towels - cut into 2 inch lengths

4. Whisk lemon juice, Dijon, olive oil, Kosher salt and pepper in a small bowl, set aside

5. Crack eggs into 2 small dishes being sure not to break the yolks

6. Stir vinegar into a 3rd pot of just simmering water, and using a spoon, stir water in a circular motion to create a mini whirlpool, then carefully slide egg into the center of the pot

7. Cook uncovered about 4 minutes or until poached

8. Drain pasta, return to pot with asparagus and some of the vinaigrette - mix well

9. Plate pasta, top with torn pieces of prosciutto, Parmesan and finally the poached egg

Lobster Pasta

Serves 3-4

Yum

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails, uncooked
• 1/2 large yellow or white onion, diced
• 1 small green pepper, diced
• 1/2 pound shell type pasta
• 1 large clove, or 2 small cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
• 1/3 cup cup parsley, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Extra virgin olive oil, for finishing

Directions

1. Steam lobster tails about 12 minutes or until done, let cool slightly, remove meat and cut into bite size pieces
2. Cook pasta until done
3. While the lobster steams, cook onion and green pepper in a little oil until softened
4. Put in garlic, and cook about 1 minute
5. Add red pepper, butter, lobster and season with salt & pepper
6. Stir well then put in parsley & lemon zest
7. Combine and heat through, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil

Lox & Bagel

Serves 2

The food of my people doesn't get much better - unless you change it up a bit and go with an inspired yogurt/dill/caper thing instead of the usual cream cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 tablespoon dill (dried or fresh)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• Pinch of Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
• 2 whole wheat bagels
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces lox
• 1 large, beautifully ripe tomato, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds

Directions

1. Put yogurt, capers, dill, lemon juice, salt & pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine
2. Slice bagels in half and either toast, then butter - or butter first then grill on a non-stick surface until golden brown (grilling is better)
3. Spread yogurt mix on 2 of the bagels, then add tomato, some onion, season with a little more pepper, lots of lox and finish with bagel top
4. Slice and eat

Citrus Soy Scallops

Serves 4

Too many people overcook scallops and it's time to stop. If you overcook yours, I'll have to come over and knock you in the head. You simply need lots of heat and little time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 lb large sea scallops
• peanut oil

Directions

1. Place all ingredients except scallops in a glass or ceramic shallow bowl.
2. Mix well and add scallops.
3. Marinate 5 minutes each side at room temperature. If you marinate scallops too long, they'll get mushy.
4. Transfer scallops to a plate and reserve marinade.
5. Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large saute pan over high heat until hot and almost smoking.
6. Add scallops (cook in batches if necessary to keep from being too crowded) and saute quickly until seared brown and just cooked through - about 2 minutes a side.
7. Remove from pan.
8. Add marinade to pan and boil until reduced to about 1/3 cup, about 2 minutes.
9. Drizzle scallops with sauce.

French Martini

Makes 1

Chambord is raspberry liquer and a great addition to your bar - or cupboard, too - as it's great even just on ice cream.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Vodka
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1/2 ounce Chambord
• 1 lemon twist

Directions

1. Put ice in cocktail shaker
2. Add all ingredients and shake well
3. Pour into glass, add lemon twist and drink

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Cheater Seafood Paella

Serves 8

Paella can be one big pain in the, well - you know. This...is not.

Ingredients

• Two 7-ounce packages Rice-a-Roni Spanish Rice
• One 28 ounce can tomatoes to make the Rice-a-Roni
• 3/4 pound raw shrimp, peeled & de-veined
• 1 pound fresh mussels
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Cook rice according to package directions
2. When the rice has about 7 minutes left to cook, add shrimp and mussels and re-cover
3. Remove the lid, stand back and marvel at your excellence
4. Serve with a big fat wedge of lemon on the side - but don't serve any mussels that didn't opened - because they were d.o.a. and that's no bueno