Pasta with broccoli rabe.

I saw this recipe a couple years ago and have actually been dying to try it, but I can never find broccoli rabe (also called rapini) in the store. They have it at a local market (Henry’s) every once in awhile but they are always out when I see the sign for it. Well, today I saw it at the store and had to pick it up. It’s a little bitter like other dark greens, but very tasty - like a cross between spinach and broccoli. I will definitely try this one again, maybe even adding some additional chicken, veggies or cherry tomatoes.

Recipe
From Martha Stewart

Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 1/2 pounds broccoli rabe, rinsed, trimmed, and cut in 1-inch pieces
1 pound shaped pasta (orecchiette, bowties, rotini or your favorite)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 or 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; Salt generously. Add broccoli rabe. Cook until leaves are wilted, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli rabe to colander; drain well. Return water to a boil, and add pasta; cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until soft, 30 seconds, being careful not to brown. Add anchovy fillets, if using, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broccoli rabe; cook until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add pasta to broccoli rabe mixture; toss to combine, adding reserved cooking water as desired. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Serve with Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

These are a yummy twist on a potato side dish. They are soft and crispy at the same time.

Recipe
Adapted from Everyday Food

2 garlic cloves
coarse salt (like kosher) and fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 - 2 T olive oil
1 1/2 pounds small gold potatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick (you can use a mandolin to make the slicing easier if you have one)

Directions

Preheat oven to 475. Finely chop garlic and sprinkle with salt. Press the flat side of a chef's knife back and forth across garlic to make a paste. Transfer to a small bowl and add the thyme and olive oil and stir to combine. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss potatoes with garlic mixture. Bake until browned on underside, 20-25 minutes, mixing halfway through.

40 Cloves and a Chicken

I love to watch Alton Brown on Foodnetwork and this is one of my favorite of his recipes. It is pretty fragrant, so beware - your house will smell like garlic all day. The roasted garlic comes out so soft and sweet. And, the saucy oil is the secret. I try to get a bite of chicken, a little soft garlic and some oil in each bite to get the best flavor. I use my enameld cast iron pot so I can brown the chicken and roast it in the oven in one pot.

Recipe
From Foodnetwork

1 whole chicken (broiler/fryer) cut into 8 pieces (or I buy the picnic pack and use 4 legs and 4 thighs)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 sprigs fresh thyme
40 peeled cloves garlic
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Toss with a 2 tablespoons olive oil and brown on both sides in a wide fry pan or skillet over high heat.

Remove from heat, add oil, thyme, and garlic cloves. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Remove chicken from the oven, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, carve, and serve.