to can or not to can...

Aleta P. asked what products can be canned, and if I had a list of those that could not be canned. Here is a link to a page on the church's provident living website that explains what should not be canned.click here for list

Lemon Pepper Pasta

This is an easy recipe that can be adapted to any flavor.

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cup of flour (I like to use bread flour)
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
2 lemons
2 tbsp ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Put the flour and salt in a food processor. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the eggs.
2. Add the eggs to the flour and salt and mix until blended. Mix until it becomes a dough ball.

3. Knead for 5 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let the pasta dough rest for about 20 minutes.
4. I used a pasta roller for this next step. You can roll it out by hand with the help of a rolling pin too. (I found that using regular flour does not roll out easily if you are rolling it our by hand look for Farina flour) Roll the pasta through the thickest setting first gradually getting thinner and thinner. Cut into the desired shape of noodles.


5. To cook bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the pasta in the pot and cook for 3 or 4 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks really fast so keep an eye on it. Salt the pasta while it is cooking.

6. Drain and serve with your choice of sauce. I have tried this flavor with tomato sauces and Alfredo and both are great. I served it with butter and cheese.


Variations:
Chile noodles-add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red chiles to the eggs, before you mix the flour in.
Tomato noodles- add 2 tbsp tomato paste to the eggs, before you mix the flour in.
Spinach noodles- add 5 ounces of cooked drained spinach to the eggs before adding the flour. The dough may be sticky if it is add a little more flour.
Herb noodles- Finely chop the herbs (basil, parsley, sage and thyme are good ones) add to the eggs before you add the flour.

Ward Announcements

Each month we will feature items for you to include in your storage. For the month of January the items are rice and/or potato pearls. Both of these items can be dry packed. To find out the recommended quantity use the food storage calculator on the column to the right. The household items are hand soap and dish soap. If you are a member of the Fruita 2nd ward you will have an opportunity to order rice and potato pearls during your auxiliary meetings.

black bean brownies

I got this recipe from my sister, Melissa, and thought she must be crazy. I told Greg about it and he thought I was crazy. I made them with great hesitation and when i was done i licked the bowl.

ingredients:
1 package brownie mix
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup of water


directions:
1. Drain and rinse your black beans and place in a food processor or blender with the water. Mix until smooth.

2. Add the black bean and water mixture to the brownie mix and stir together.

3. Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for about 35 minutes. I used an 8X8 pan. To test if the brownies are done place a knife or toothpick in the center if it comes out clean then they are done.

I found that the brownies are a little more fudge like. I will however be making these again. you cannot taste the black beans at all. Thanks Melissa. Enjoy!

zuppa toscana

this is a recipe i found on the internet that is of the olive garden recipe for zuppa toscana. it is super good.

ingredients:
1 lb of ground italian sausage
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 large white onion chopped
4 Tbsp bacon pieces
3-4 cloves garlic chopped
8-9 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb sliced russet potatoes
1/4 bunch of kale

directions:
1. Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes in a pot. Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic for about 10-15 minutes or until the onions are tender.
3. Mix together the chicken broth and onion mixture and bring to a boil.
4. Add the potatoes and cook until soft, about 30 minutes.

5. Add the heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in sausage.
6. Add the kale just before serving.

This is a soup that has a little bit of heat in it. I am not a big fan of greens but the kale in this is sooo yummy!