Presto Pasta Night #194 - Happy Holidays

Hard as it is to believe, this is the last Presto Pasta Night Roundup of 2010. It's also that time of year when everyone is frantic with the holiday season. So I'm happy to say this roundup is filled with easy to prepare, stress reducing pasta dishes that will carry over to 2011 easily.


Special thanks to Kirsten of From Kirsten's Kitchen to Yours for hosting - Great Job! And thanks to all of you for sending in those awesome dishes.


I wish you all best wishes for the Holiday season and hope to see you back often in 2011 to carry on our delightful tradition of sharing pastas every week.


Even Presto Pasta Nights needs to take a brief vacation, so the next PPN Roundup - #195 is scheduled for January 7th. I'll be hosting so you can send your dishes to ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com. In fact, you can start sending them in now and hopefully we'll have a really huge roundup to start 2011 in style.


Happy Holidays!

Presto Pasta Night Roundup #193

This week, Rachel the Crispy Cook hosted and did a wonderful job at that. Presto Pasta Night #193 will be hard to beat... so many amazing dishes and all of them really simple to prepare, which is a serious bonus during this insanely busy time of year.

Thanks everyone for your totally delicious dishes!

Next week Kirsten of From Kirsten's Kitchen to Yours will be hosting for the third time, so we know it will be great - as long as you share your tasty pastas with her. It's the last one for 2010, so I do hope you plan on joining in the fun and telling all your friends to do the same. Just mention Presto Pasta Nights & Kirsten in your post, and send the link to kirstenmlindquist (at) gmail (dot) com with a cc to ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com. In the meantime - happy eating and a big THANK YOU to all who've shared their dishes this week.

Presto Pasta Night Roundup #192

This week's Presto Pasta Night has hints of Spring and warm, comforting dishes perfect for cold Winter nights. Check it out! And thanks everyone for your great stories and delicious dishes.

Next week, we are lucky to have Rachel, The Crispy Cook hosting for the second time. Just send your entries to her by Thursday night so she can publish the roundup on Friday. Her email is oldsaratogabooks (at) gmail (dot) com and send me a cc at ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Whetting Your Presto Pasta Night Appetite

I thought I'd share some awesome dishes I found while doing a little pasta surfing, just to whet your appetite for your own Presto Pasta Night entry. I'm hosting this week over at Once Upon a Feast. Check it out and then send in a pasta dish of your own. Just mention Presto Pasta Night, and me and then email your URL link to ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com
So, in no particular order and I'll leave the photos to them...

101 Cookbooks (a favorite spot of mine - gorgeous photos, delicious dishes... in other words, perfect and this Winter Pasta with all its greens is high on my list of must makes.

ifoodtv has its own list of pasta blogs for you to surf.

BBC Good Food I stumbled across this Peas, Bacon & Macaroni in an old email and think it's perfect for winter as well as summer. Here are even more tasty baked pastas from them.

Check out fineCooking's Culinary School Videos of Homemade Pasta Dishes.

I could go on forever, but I think it's time for you to dig in and choose your own favorite. Happy Pasta Hunting!

Presto Pasta Night Roundup #191

It's a little late this week, but Presto Pasta Night Roundup #191 was worth the wait and Denise of Oh Taste n See , our wonderful host this week, did a great job putting it all together. Thanks everyone for those mouth watering pasta plates.

Next week it's back to me, so start thinking about what you're planning on making for PPN #192 and send your entry to me ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday.

The Latest Presto Pasta Night Roundup - Wonderful, as Usual

Debbi, of Debbi Does Dinner hosted Presto Pasta Night #190 and what a great job she did. Of course, she couldn't have done it without all these luscious dishes... provided by some wonderful food bloggers. Thanks everyone for such a great job. But enough from me... dig in!

And don't forget that next week, Denise of Oh Taste n See will be hosting. Just share a pasta, mention Presto Pasta Night, Denise & Oh Taste N See with a link and email to ohtastenseeblog (at) gmail (dot) com with a cc to me: ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.

PPN #189 Roundup

UPDATE: Helen's feeling better and here's the real PPN #189 Roundup.

Poor Helen, of Fuss Free Flavours is still feeling poorly. We're all hoping you get better soon. In the meantime, since it's already Sunday, I thought I'd do a temporary roundup with entries from those of you who cc'd me. If your delicious pasta is missing, send me the link and I'll add it.

Andrea of NummyKitchen sent it a very yummy Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta

Nico of Cocoa & Coriander shared this Great Northern Beans in Tomato Olive Sauce over Linguine. Who says meatless can't be meaty!

Pam From Apples to Zucchini brought another meatless pasta - Roasted Butternut Squash Lo Mein that looks tasty.

Deb of Kahakai Kitchen shares not only a lovely sounding Ditali Con Ceci e Vongole, but a terrific cookbook as well.

So far it looks like a totally vegetarian day - but even I, the supreme carnivore would be happy with any of the above and a dish of this one from Claire of Chez Cayenne - Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry.

Rachel, The Crispy Cook whipped up a gluten free Spaetzel with Mushroom Sauce.

Lime Cake made this Shredded Tofu Salad that has me drooling for summer, but she assures me that it's awesome for the winter, served warm.

I love pesto and Sarah of Maison Cupcakes shared this one that I know I'd have to travel far to find... Cobnut Pesto Pasta.

Libby of The Allergic Kid made an awesome Homemade Pumpkin Pasta with Turkey Sausage that was inspiring.

Little Inbox's Flat Noodle sounds more romantic as Koay Teow Th'ng, but looks awesome either way.

Joanne, who Eats Well With Others and always shares... brings a delicious looking Asian Noodle Salad with Cashew Dressing.

Jen of Tastes of Home made this heavenly Rice Noodle Soup with Roast Duck & Shimeji Mushrooms.

Heather, Girlichef made a very sexy Gnocchi with Mizithra & Sage Brown Butter... need I say more?

Beth at Seventh Level of Boredom made this Giada variation that sounds wonderful even before seeing it. Sciue, Sciue.

I love the fun theme that Claudia of Honey From Rock came up with... Black & White Orzo Cheesey Bake.

Poor Helen was too sickly to even submit one of her own tasty pastas, but I did manage a couple of posts of my own...
Chili Mac, from my childhood, honoring my dad who was a WWII war hero for Remembrance Day.
and some garlicy shrimp options from me and... well lots of other chefs.

Next week Debbi of Debbi Does Dinner will be our lovely host. Send your entries to crabbymomofthree (at) comcast (dot) net and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday, November 18 . And if I've left anyone off this roundup, please email me your link.

Presto Pasta Night Roundup #189

I know there's another great Presto Pasta Night Roundup this week, but unfortunately our wonderful host, Helen of Fuss Free Flavours is under the weather and won't be able to finish her post until tomorrow. They say patience is a virtue, so everyone say a little prayer for Helen, and check back tomrrow.

Thanks everyone for playing along and sharing all our tasty treats. And thanks Helen for hosting once again... great job!

Next week Debbi of Debbi Does Dinner will be our lovely host. Send your entries to crabbymomofthree (at) comcast (dot) net and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday, November 18

Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Presto Pasta Night

One of my favorite pasta dishes is some version or other of Garlicy Shrimp.

Here are a couple of my own...

Shrimp & Asparagus Orzo with Minty Garlic Sauce

Farfalle with Garlic Shrimp & Pancetta

Here's one from Allrecipes that inspired the post.

Don't forget to send your tasty pasta dish to Helen of Fuss Free Flavours is hosting. You still have a few hours to get your entry in to her. Email: helen (at) fussfreeflavours (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

A Great Post Halloween Use of Pumpkins - Pasta of Course

I realized as I was writing this, that, in fact, I really have only one pasta with pumpkin/squash in it. It's from Chatelaine's cookbook - Chatelaine Modern Classics , that I reviewed.

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Mac 'n Cheese

The seeds of the post started right after Hallowe'en and I don't quite know what happened. I dropped the ball... or pumpkin, but it's still worth a read if you want to find some good pumpkin/squash pasta recipes from some great sources...


I love fineCooking and I especially love getting their newsletters. This month's special dish is perfect for Presto Pasta Night. Pasta with Pumpkin, Sausage & Cavolo Nero. You can get the video & recipe here.

Bon Appetit wades in with Pappardelle with Squash, Mushrooms & Spinach - and more.

Then again, there's Canadian Living to the rescue (they have a great newsletter too) with Squash & Spinach Lasagna. Not to mention five other lasagna recipes from Meatball to Lean & Fast Vegetable Lasagna and a few others inbetween.

There are lots more famous pumpkin pasta links out there, so put yours in the comment section please. And don't forget that this weekHelen of Fuss Free Flavours, a great blog. Check it out and then send in a pasta dish of your own - with or without pumpkin! Just mention Presto Pasta Night, Helen (and a link to Fuss Free Flavours) and then email your URL link to helen (at) fussfreeflavours (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Please let me know if you want to have some fun and take over the Presto Pasta Night Hosting reins for a week. 2011 is wide open.

Presto Pasta Night #188 Even Has Dessert

Normally, I let everyone know about the week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup with the usual numbered PPN logo - this week it's #188, but I had to share our dessert pasta entry... You'll have to check out all the delicious pastas to see where it's from.

Thanks, all you awesome pasta makers. And don't forget to send your delicious entries to next week's host Helen of Fuss Free Flavours, a great blog. Check it out and then send in a pasta dish of your own. Just mention Presto Pasta Night, Helen (and a link to Fuss Free Flavours) and then email your URL link to helen (at) fussfreeflavours (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Please let me know if you want to have some fun and take over the Presto Pasta Night Hosting reins for a week. 2011 is wide open.

Presto Pasta Night # 187

Another fantastic week filled with awesome pasta dishes from around the world. This week the wonderful Tigerfish of Teczcape hosted Presto Pasta Nights #187 - It's her second time and she did a brilliant job. Thank you, thank you thank you.... and double that for all of you who shared your spectacular dishes...check it out.

Next week it's my turn to host and I'm looking forward to it. I even know what I'll be showcasing... at least my intention is to whip up some gorgeous looking spicy turkey meatballs and spaghetti from The Barefoot Contessa's new cookbook How Easy Is That?. It looks spectacular... but I digress. Please send your delicious entries to ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday night.


SPECIAL NOTE: I thought all of 2010 weeks were accounted for, but there is an opening for a host for December 17th. That will be the last one of the year. If you're interested in hosting a PPN party... just drop me a line.

America's Test Kitchen & Easy Tomato Sauce

Do you love Cook's Illustrated - that awesome magazine that makes the science of cooking simple? I love their reviews on equipment. I love the recipes - and most important - the explanations about it all. (Check out the website) If' you're lucky, you can also watch Cook's Country - their TV show that really steps things out. Or just check out the America's Test Kitchen site for it all.

But this is the Presto Pasta Night site, so why am I talking about this? Well I happened upon This link is for the perfect Italian dinner... homemade Ciabatta... They really do take the mystery out of baking bread and, for me, that important element of how long to wait, how much flour to add, when is sticky a good thing... you get the idea... and a Quick Tomato Sauce for Spaghetti. You'll learn all about differences between cooking quick & slow tomato sauces and the reasons for them.

Don't forget that Tigerfish of Teczcape is back this week, hosting for the second time. So send your awesome pasta recipes to tigerfish1101 (at) yahoo (dot)com (dot) sg and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Where will your inspiration come from this week?

Presto Pasta Night #186 - Almost Here, Keep Checking

It's that time of the week when Pasta lovers everywhere are looking for their fix. This week Claire of Chez Cayenne is putting it all together. And my sneak previews say it's fantastic. So keep checking her site. I'm off to play with little ones. Who knows, maybe we'll even make some pasta of our own. Thanks all, in advance.

Next week, the fabulous Tigerfish of Teczcape will be back hosting for the second time. So send your awesome pasta recipes to tigerfish1101 (at) yahoo (dot)com (dot) sg and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by next Thursday so she can get it together for Friday's roundup.

Keep Checking for Presto Pasta Night #185

I know everyone is eagerly waiting for this week's Presto Pasta Night. Of course, Claudia of Honey from Rock is in Hawaii, which means we'll have to wait a bit for her to post. (It's only 8am here on the East Coast). I know it's going to be awesome from the sneak previews I've been getting.

Thanks everyone (in advance) for great recipes, great stories, and Claudia for putting it all together.

I'll be posting in all the right places later, but now I'm off foraging with my daughter. You read right. We're going foraging for seaweed (mulch for her garden and compost? - I'm not sure what) and rose hips. It's a long story that starts with a cool book I wrote about... The Wild Table: Seasonal Foraged Food and Recipes and I'll share our adventure soon.

Next week Claire of Chez Cayenne will be our wonderful host. Please send your entries to her (I actually have mine ready to write about) cdmcculloch7 (at) gmail (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.

Whole Grain Pasta - Does Not Mean Giving Up Taste

The New York Times had an article today about whole grain pastas that's worth reading. It's really for those pasta lovers who turn their noses up at anything other than wonderful semolina pasta. But these days, even Garafolo (one of my favorite pasta makers) has healthier varieties to choose from - farfalle, fusili, penne & spaghetti. High on my list of NYT recipes to try....Pasta with Caramelized Onion, Swiss Chard & Garlicky Bread Crumbs.

I I also thought I'd share a few favorites whole grain pastas of my own...Spaghetti with Walnuts & Parsley (above) is truly delicious and had us licking the bowl and wishing I had made more.

Pasta with Spinach, Chickpeas & Goat Cheese is another favorite around here, especially on days when I'm too tired, too frazzled, too...whatever, to do much thinking and planning.
And don't even get me started on the Farfalle with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans & Pancetta - I'm drooling here.
What's your favorite whole grain pasta dish? Claudia of Honey From Rock (another great blog) is hosting this week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup. Please send all your tasty treats to claudiariley (at) yahoo dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday

Presto Pasta Night #184

Jennifer of Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat is our wonderful Presto Pasta Night host this week. And while I usually try to wait until the host has published, I'll be heading out early and I don't want any of you to miss a moment with all the awesome dishes that everyone has lovingly submitted. So keep checking Jennifer's blog and enjoy.

Thanks everyone for such fantastic pastas, I'm always impressed at the variety and sheer deliciousness of them. I can't wait to dig in ...first reading, then making and...of course, best of all eating them.

Next week, Claudia of Honey From Rock (another great blog) will be hosting. Please send all your tasty treats to claudiariley (at) yahoo dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday (October 14).

Better Late Than Never PPN #183

I know I'm late with this awesome roundup... but I'm blaming it all on my first cold of the season. Good thing there are lots of easy to make comfort pastas on this week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup.

Next week's wonderful host will be Jennifer of Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat – don’t you just love the name! Check it out and then send in a pasta dish of your own. Just mention Presto Pasta Night, Jennifer (and a link to Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat) and then email your URL link to jenisnape (at) gmail (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Please let me know if you want to have some fun and take over the Presto Pasta Night Hosting reins for a week. December and beyond are wide open.

Presto Pasta Night #182

What another great Presto Pasta Night Roundup. This week Bellini Valli of More Than Burnt Toast did an awesome job hosting. I love her intros almost as much as I love each entry. Thanks Val! And thanks to all you fantastic pasta makers.

Don't forget that next week, I'll be hosting. Just send your entries to ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.

Presto Pasta Night #181

Presto Pasta Night #181 is up and ready for all of us to savor. Thank you so much Abby of Eat the Right Stuff, for being a fantastic host, yet again. And thanks to all of you for your awesome entries. I can't wait to make my way through each and every one. Which one will you try first? After reading Joanne's moving story, I'm desperately in need of her comforting pasta.

Next week, another of my favorite foodie bloggers will be hosting - Bellini Valli of More Than Burnt Toast. What wonderful pasta will you dream up? Just email your entry to valleygurl43 (at) hotmail (dot) com and cc ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.

Great Pasta Recipe Resources

It's another week at Presto Pasta Nights. This week Abby of Eat the Right Stuff is hosting...for the third time, I might add. Giant thanks, Abby.

So to get you all in the mood for pasta...like any of us need encouragement...here are a few great places to find them on the web...

From Martha Stewart & Everyday Food there's Spaghetti Carbonara and more...

From fineCooking there's an awesome looking Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Shrimp and more...

From Donna Hay, I couldn't resist buying the latest copy (Issue 51 here in Nova Scotia) for the cover recipe -Pasta with Pancetta & Porcini Crumbs (not on the web so you'll have to wait for me to make it...or buy the magazine...a better option. But from the website...some slow cooked lamb shanks pasta with pesto and more...

So what are you waiting for....send your delicious pasta dishes to abby (at) eattherightstuff (dot) com and cc ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday and come back for the roundup on Friday.

Presto Pasta Night #180

It's hard to believe...180 roundups...a bazillion pasta choices and it doesn't seem to be slowing down or getting stale. This week Nic of Lemon & Cheese was our wonderful host and the dishes have me drooling. Check out Roundup #180 and see for yourselves.

Next week, Abby of Eat the Right Stuff is hosting Presto Pasta Night for the third time so be sure to send her your entry. Write a delicious post, mention Presto Pasta Night and Eat the Right Stuff, then email Abby the link abby (at) eattherightstuff (dot) com and cc ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Thanks again all you pasta loving PPNers for sharing some great dishes this week and thanks Nic for a great first time as host...any time you want to repeat the experience, let me know.

Presto Pasta Night #180

This week, Presto Pasta Night #180 is being hosted by the lovely Nic of Lemon & Cheese. Since I'll be out until later today, I wanted to make sure you all check periodically to see the roundup.

And to remind you that next week, the fantastic Abby of Eat the Right Stuff, will be hosting PPN for the third time! You can send your delicious entries to abby (at) eattherightstuff (dot) com by Thursday and cc ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com.

Presto Pasta Night #179

Somehow today, everything seems to be going in backward time. That said, a fantastic Presto Pasta Night Roundup is ready for you to start working on.

Nic of Lemon & Cheese is our awesome PPN host for next week. Her blog is great. Check it out and then send in a pasta dish of your own. Just mention Presto Pasta Night, Nic (and a link to Lemon & Cheese) and then email your URL link to feglet98 (at)hotmail (dot) com and cc me - ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com

Please let me know if you want to have some fun and take over the Presto Pasta Night Hosting reins for a week. October and beyond are wide open.

Presto Pasta #178

I must admit that I didn't make any pasta this week...well one with just some jarred pasta sauce to feed two little boys, so in my world that doesn't count. But I've lost five pounds in just a couple of weeks with only minimal slipping off the South Beach Diet wagon.

That said, I'll be bookmarking this week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup - #178. Amy

of Very Culinary did a wonderful job. Her little intros are almost as delicious as each dish. I can't wait to give each on a try.

Thanks Amy for such a great job - any time you want to do it again let me know. As for the rest of you terrific PPNers....merci, gracias and ....well ....thank you in every language!

I can't believe that summer is done...okay perhaps not officially, but next week it's SEPTEMBER! Where did the Summer go? I'll be hosting PPN for the week, so send your entries to me ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com. Will you be making one more Summer treat or already planning something Fallish?