I truly love the Christmas spirit !
I know I enjoy Christmas more now than even as a child. Setting up my home, buying presents, decorating, baking – I love it all ! And I find so much happiness in the season.
This weekend we bought our tree. Daniel always wants a real one & I’m happy to agree ! It smells amazing and is always fun to pick out.
After our “mistake” last year of forgetting to cut the bottom off (fresh cut to soak up the water) we were on the ball with making sure we did everything right this year!
Here is our photo from last year- fully decorated tree & my brother in law helping us cut off the bottom ! It was quite the sight ! Did not want a repeat !
Today we picked and decorated the tree. Got our new dining set delivered and enjoyed a perfect night of wine, pasta and hockey.
I love this season. It simply makes me happy!
Here’s what I created for dinner ! Was superb, if I do say so myself.
Sauce:
Olive oil
3 garlic cloves
3 green onions
1 white onion
1/4 orange pepper
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 can diced tomato
1 can tomato purée
Salt & pepper
30-40 uncooked shrimp
300 grams ricotta
Do this:
Olive oil in a hot pan , then add your onions and garlic. Wait a couple minutes then add the mushroom and orange pepper. I diced the pepper.
Next add the diced tomato. Plus salt and pepper.
Followed by the purée.
Let this simmer for 20 minutes.
In the meantime make your pasta. I went with a fusilli , but I think linguini would have been better ! Will do that next time.
Cook to your linking, I’m always al dente. Strain and set aside.
Once your sauce becomes aromatic add the shrimp.
2 minutes later add your ricotta. I recently did a television shoot with celebrity chef David Rocco and he told me about adding ricotta right into tomato purée ! Never did this before, but wow this is a good idea !! Great creamy/ cheesy texture.
Let this simmer for 10 minutes, shrimp should turn from black to pink.
Now serve over top of your pasta.
This is a great dish for entertaining over the holiday season or just curling up on the couch. Wine on the coffee table pasta in hand. Good company is all you need !
Top with parmesan.
Enjoy!
-Rachel
RACHEL SCHOUTSEN 