CALIFORNIA STYLE WALNUT & GARLIC SAUCE WITH PASTA

Here's a "meaty" sauce similar to pesto but much lighter and yet has rich undertones from the  fresh walnuts.

serves 4

1 pound dried pasta of choice

Cook the pasta as directed to "al dente"..while pasta is cooking:

In a blender mix
2 cups walnut* pieces
and enough of the boiling pasta water to create a 
paste.

The add to the blender
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup good olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 Blending with more of the pasta cooking water for the desired consistency (this is personal choice)

Drain the pasta well, and pour over the walnut sauce and mix well.
Sprinkle on any extra cheese as needed.
Serve hot

variations: add lemon zest and or minced parsley
*walnuts are high in omega 3, however if you use pecans instead of walnuts you also get omega 6 and 3!

GARLIC & EGG SOUP IN MUGS...RECIPE FOR COLD NIGHTS

CAULDITO DE AJOS
Here's something an bit more satisfying than hot chocolate on a cold and wintery evening, with some cheese and bread it will make a good supper too.

serves 4+

1/4 cup peeled, smashed and minced fresh garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
juice of 1 lemon or lime
6 cups good broth
salt & pepper to taste
2 large eggs beaten
grated zest 1 lemon or lime
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Slowly saute the garlic in olive oil for 5 mins, allowing it to become golden  but not brown.
Add the  lime juice and broth, bring to boil then lower heat to simmer, allowing the garlic to flavor the broth.(15-20 mins)
Add seasonings to taste.
Add the lime zest to the beaten eggs and very slowly stir this into the soup.
increase the heat slightly but do not boil the soup, continue to cook for 5 mins.
Remove from heat and add the cilantro.
Serve in warmed mugs

variations:
add any very small chopped vegetables to this soup, or any leftovers (chopped small) from previous meals that day.
may also serve with grated cheese for extra creaminess. 
Instead of cilantro try parsley

All Vegan Green Split Pea and Blackeyed Pea Soup, Eggplant & red pepper sauce (made from veggies picked in my garden today), Mushroom Chowder with Asparagus PHOTOS Jan 1st 2014

Hello all and Happy New Year, day time temps here in west Los Angeles is 78F and all my roses are blooming and my eggplants and bell peppers have been picked for tomorrows deliveries..enjoy the photos taken just 5 minutes ago

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