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Outdoor Cooking Equipment => Grills & Smokers => Charcoal Grills => Topic started by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 08:08:45 PM

Title: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 08:08:45 PM
Besides today being Columbus Day, it is also observed as a Nat. Day of celebration by Italian-Americans. Being half Italian the tradition continues, to celebrate my heritage. Usually an indoors meal is prepared the way my family did it, but today was Sunny and nearly 70F, so grilling part of the meal was in order.  I decided to make charcoal grilled Calabrian Pork Chops. They are simply  rubbed with sea salt, fennel seeds, and pepper powder. I used dried ancho pepper. While I was outside drinking vino,manning the grill, my better half was preparing BLT pasta while having a touch of wine herself. Both items were fabulous, although the BLT pasta was to die for.   Cento di questi giorni!  ( May you live to be 100 years!)

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Title: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Pappymn on October 14, 2013, 08:15:09 PM
Ok the poke looks killer. Can you share any family secrets on that pasta? Just between us buddies, you can trust me. ???
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: HighOnSmoke on October 14, 2013, 08:32:11 PM
That is some picture perfect cooking hikerman!
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: muebe on October 14, 2013, 09:30:27 PM
That looks fantastic Gene!

I am hungry again and I just ate ;)
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 09:44:19 PM
OK Pappy, this is for you. But you can't tell anyone, capeesh?

BLT Pasta  2 servings, can be doubled etc.

For Garlic Bread Crumbs-
1 clove garlic
1 C Italian bread cubes
1 tsp olive oil
   salt to taste

For The Pasta-
2 strips bacon, diced
1 C halved grape tomatoes
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 C thinly sliced leeks
1/4 C dry white wine
1/2 C chicken broth
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
4 oz dried bucatini or thick spaghetti
1 C fresh spinach leaves
1/4 tsp minced fresh thyme

Bring a pot of water to boil for pasta
Mince garlic in food processor. Add cubed bread, process until course.
Heat oil in nonstick skillet, med. heat, add crumbs toast til golden,3-4 min. stirring often. season with salt, set aside.
Cook bacon in lg nonstick skillet med. heat til crisp. remove bacon to paper towel lined plate. Pour off all but 1T drippings.
Carmelize tomatoes and sugar in drippings med. heat until they begin to brown, 5 min. add leeks, saute until wilted 3-4 min.
Deglaze skillet with wine, simmer until almost evaporated. Add broth, vinegar, and pepper flakes. Simmer until liquid is reduced by a third. 5 min.
Cook bucatini in boiling water according to pkg. directions.
Add the spinach,thyme and bacon to tomato mixture.
Transfer pasta to skillet using tongs. Toss to coat, season with salt.
Divide pasta among 2 plates and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
                     Manga!



Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: pz on October 15, 2013, 12:19:24 AM
Looking really good hikerman - the BLT pasta sounds like a winner
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Smokin Don on October 15, 2013, 12:27:31 AM
A great meal for Columbus Day Gene; the chops look perfect and thanks for the pasta recipe!!! Pappy told me! Don
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: sliding_billy on October 15, 2013, 04:27:14 AM
Really nice cook.
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Scallywag on October 15, 2013, 08:32:00 AM
Very nice! Saving the pasta recipie...thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: squirtthecat on October 15, 2013, 09:19:22 AM

MrsSTC's family is originally from Calabria...    Gotta try this!
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: sparky on October 15, 2013, 12:27:32 PM
i'm telling mom you gave out the family secret.  you know pappy is a blabber mouth.   :P  lol.......
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: hikerman on October 15, 2013, 12:44:50 PM
I guess I forgot to tell Pappy that he was going to have an accident. ...  ::)
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Sam3 on October 15, 2013, 01:14:28 PM
OMG! This looks great!

BTW, my wife is Italian and not feeling well. Her family is Albanese and settled in Calabria/Naples.
I will make this tonight for her.

Thank you very much for posting this!!
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: PoppyBill on October 15, 2013, 01:26:15 PM
It all looks very good. I'm storing that recipe in my 'things to try when I get time' file.
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: RAD on October 15, 2013, 07:39:23 PM
Dude, really? that looks awesome.
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Keymaster on October 15, 2013, 09:57:08 PM

MrsSTC's family is originally from Calabria...    Gotta try this!
And then they moved to Tacoma, WA  :)
Title: Re: Columbus Day Meal
Post by: Wing Commander on October 16, 2013, 04:34:19 AM
Great cook. That looks delicious.