Pasta Piselli

Growing up in an Italian household this was a winter staple and it was mom's quickest meal.  My mother, I love her to death has no concept of fast food or short cuts.  Everything she makes is a formal meal.  We all get together at mom and dad's at least once a month and you always know one you will never leave hungry, two my sister and I fight over who takes the leftovers home, three you will be there for a least a few hours so do not plan anything the rest of the day.  I made it for the first time ( I know shame on me) last night it was so cold here in Tennessee I wanted something quick, easy, and hot.   Now there a different variations of this recipe but this is the one I grew up with.

1 box Barilla ditalini pasta (cooked a dente)

chopped onions

1 cup of frozen peas or 1 can of peas

Cook pasta according to directions on the box.  While the pasta is cooking saute onions until soft then add peas cook together until pasta is done.  Drain only have the water from the pasta (some like it souper than others)  add onion and pea mixture to the pasta.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Enjoy.

Sweet Beer Bread

This is the easiest quick bread recipe I have ever made.  Only 4 ingredients and 45 minutes later and you have a delicious loaf of bread.

Ingredients:

3 cups self rising flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 (12oz) bottle beer (I used Landshark)*

1/4 cup butter,melted

Directions:  1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Stir together first three ingredients; pour into a lightly greased 9x5" loaf pan.

2) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Pour melted butter over top. 

*non-alcoholic or light bear may be substituted.

adapted from southern living "our test kitchen secret"