Lemon Pepper Pappardelle with Broccoli and Bacon

I absolutely love Trader Joe's and when I saw their lemon pepper papperdelle pasta, I knew I had to get it.  The lemon pepper flavor shines in this pasta and it is delicious.  Add some broccoli and bacon to this lemon pepper papperdelle pasta and you have one amazing meal.   I also used my new garlic press from the pampered chef and it is awesome!  You will see what it looks like in some of the pictures below.  I feel old when I get excited about kitchen gadgets!  Haha!  Overall, this took me less than 30 minutes to make and would be a perfect weeknight meal when you are short on time.  Enjoy!

Lemon Pepper Pappardelle with Broccoli and Bacon

Printable Recipes

Ingredients

1 package lemon pepper papperdelle pasta (from Trader Joe’s)

1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup chicken stock, low sodium (or use water)

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

4 or 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Cook lemon pepper papperdelle pasta according to package directions.  (Boil for 8 to 10 minutes and drain.)

Cook bacon in microwave by laying bacon slices on top of a couple paper towels.  Cover bacon slices with additional paper towels.  Microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes. Check to make sure they don’t burn after 4 minutes then if needed continue cooking for additional 30 seconds at a time.

In a large pan, over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic.

Next, add in broccoli florets and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

Pour in chicken stock or water.  Cover pan and cook broccoli for 5 minutes.

Remove cover.   Season broccoli with salt and pepper.   Add in cooked pasta, butter and crumbled bacon.

Toss with parmesan cheese.

Serves 4. 

Brie and Apple Panini

I loved this Brie and Apple Panini so much that I have eaten it for breakfast and dinner now.  The combination of brie and apple is delicious.  This was so easy to make too, especially if you have a Panini press like the Cuisinart Griddler.  Since I'm obsessed with TJ's aka Trader Joe's and have recently discovered their Mini Brie Bites thanks to my sister-in-law, I decided to try their Middle Eastern Flatbread too.  The TJ's Flatbread is a close second to the Brooklyn-based Aladdin Flatbread introduced to me by my cousin Cathy from Petite Therapy.  I mention it in my Baba Ghanoush post because the Aladdin Flatbread is so good but not in DC!  I need to make this Brie and Apple Panini again soon because it was that awesome.

Brie and Apple Panini

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

Granny smith apple, sliced thin

Brie, sliced (I used Trader Joe’s Mini Brie Bites.)

Flatbread (I used Trader Joe’s Middle Eastern Flatbread.)

Directions

Pre heat your Panini press. (I have a Cuisinart Griddler.)  You could also use a stovetop griddle with a heavy pan on top or press.

Place sliced brie on one side of flatbread.

Top Brie with sliced apples.

Fold flatbread in half and place onto Panini press.

Cook until cheese is melted and bread is lightly browned, it will only take a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes).

Serve immediately.

Panko Crusted Baked Cod

Light, lemony and healthy is how I would describe this Panko Crusted Baked Cod.  The flavor is wonderful and the fish is tender and flaky.  I served the fish over garlic couscous and it was delicious.

I used the frozen Alaskan Cod from Trader Joe's and I thawed from frozen in package in the refrigerator for 24 hours.  It is a great deal to buy the frozen fish at Trader Joe's and the Alaskan Cod was under $4 for about 1 pound.  This was a quick and easy dish that I will definitely be making again.

Panko Crusted Baked Cod

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound cod fish fillet, cut into pieces

¼ cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 ½ to 2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Coat baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Rinse fish if needed and pat dry with paper towel.  Season fish with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, melt butter and mix in lemon juice.

In another bowl, add in panko.  (Additional salt and pepper may be added.)

Dip fish into butter lemon mixture.

Next, coat fish with panko.

Place fish on a baking sheet.

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.

Serves 2 to 4.