Peas Prosciutto and a Lemon Pasta Recipe

Since getting my pasta maker (okay cutting blades for my Kitchenaid) I have been having major delusions of grandeur (not to be confused with alcohol induced hallucinations – that’s something altogether different that includes thinking that I can dance like someone from Dancing with the Stars or am as sexy as a Victoria’s Secret model).  Delusions that include never buying  store bought pasta again.  Or creating the next unbelievably delicious gluten free pasta or some kind of exotic pasta flavor that everyone would be clamoring for.  Yes, sometimes the inside of my head is like the Food Network on acid – there, I admitted it.

I picked up some fresh English peas (already shelled – SCORE!) at the farmer’s market and instantly thought they would go really well with some kind of lemon in the dish.  While driving home I had the brilliant idea that lemon pasta would be fantastic with them.  (cue the circus music as I start thinking of how I’m going to make lemon pasta)

I picked up some Bob’s Red Mill semolina flour and found a fantastic recipe on the back that I knew I could bastardize into the pasta that I had envisioned.  To reduce the gluten, and to prove to myself that I can make anything (more delusions of grandeur…I was having one hell of a week), I used half semolina flour and half brown rice flour.  The consistency came out really nice.  When cooked, the strands were ‘clean’ and not at all gummy (as sometimes pasta can get a little starchy/gummy).

I was looking for a sauce that was really clean and simple because I wanted to be able to taste all of the flavors in the dish.  Also wanted something that wasn’t heavy.  So I just sauteed the peas with some olive oil and chopped up prosciutto I had around.  Such a simple dish, but the flavors of each ingredient really stand out nicely.  Oh, and if  you’re not having a delusions about making your own pasta, you might be able to find some lemon or lemon pepper pasta at the grocery store that would work well in this dish also.  But let me be frank here: it is quite cool to tell people you make your own pasta.  Your friends might look at you all weird (mine do that anyway), but inside they’re totally jealous that they don’t know how to make their own pasta.

Relationship Advice

Delusions of grandeur may work to your advantage if you think you are the next Food Network Star in the making, but when it comes to relationships, delusions of grandeur are not your friends.  As I have heard from many people that they prefer examples, to straight up advice, to understand and mull the intricacies of relationships I give you the following e-mail a good friend of mine received.

A little background: Sue has been in a great relationship with her guy for two years (not with G).  She, like many women (yours truly included), has several male friends who have never been on her relationship radar in any way shape or form beyond friends (that would be G) .

Dear Sue:

I would never be one to criticize or second guess the decisions you make with your life, except when it comes to your romantic life.  I feel that I can make this bold statement as we have been through so many of your relationship roller coasters together throughout the years – and I have always been by your side.  Your rejection of me as a romantic partner is taken as a complete slap in my face and a broken allegiance to me.

You say that you never considered me as the romantic lead in your life because “we’re just friends,” but deep down inside on some plane of your intelligence you knew that I had an undying love for you.  I’m not sure if you are that naive as to think you were just reading things that weren’t there or if you just didn’t know what to do with your feelings towards me – so you covered them up and called them friendship.

I could continue on about all of the things about me that make me perfect for you.  If I was a more self-important man I would go on about my loyalty, great contributions to society, my love of children, financial stability, intelligence, strong moral code and (dare I say) handsome good looks.  But you already know all of these things.  Of course I could go on and on about all of the things that would make us the perfect couple, but you’re a smart woman you probably already know these things too but for whatever reason, have chosen to ignore them.

I won’t compare our relationship to the one you have with him, because it’s futile.  They’re as different as night and day.  Suffice it to say, you are making a huge mistake.  I can say this with the utmost authority because I know what I have to offer you.  I am caring, thoughtful, loving, funny and reliable.  Again, I won’t waste your time going on with the list because you already know these things.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of my feelings towards you.  Bottom line is I have and always will love you, over the years you have signaled to me that you love me too, continuing on with this other guy in the face of our reality is hurtful and negligent to both of us.

Okay, so I feel better now.  Looking forward to talking with you this weekend.

Love,

G

Serves 4

Ingredients
Lemon Pasta Recipe

Adapted from Bob’s Red Mill

1 Cup Semolina Flour
3/4 Cup Brown Rice Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Eggs (beaten)
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Pasta Sauce Recipe

3 Ounces Prociutto (sliced into thin strips)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Pound (shelled) English Peas (can use 1 bag of frozen peas)
Kosher Salt

Directions
Lemon Pasta

Combine semolina, brown rice flour and salt.

Add beaten eggs, lemon juice and olive oil.

Mix to make a stiff dough.  Knead 10 minutes or until dough is elastic.

Wrap dough in (non terry cloth) towel or place in plastic bag and let rest for 20 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out to desired thickness and cut as desired (or run through your pasta machine).

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add pasta and cook until tender (usually about 2 – 3 minutes).

Then drain pasta.

Pasta Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Once hot, add prosciutto and cook for 2 minutes.

Add peas and cook until heated through.

Once peas are heated through, add in pasta and toss to coat.

Remove from heat.

Serve in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of kosher salt.

Technorati Tags: delusions of grandeur, Easy Cooking, Easy Recipe, Easy Recipes, english peas, Fast Dinner Recipe, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Recipes, lemon pasta, Main Course, pasta recipes, prosciutto recipes, Relationship Advice, Sauce

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