Paccheri with Peas & Barese Sausage Al Forno and the Value of Blogger Friends

It’s raining on this first day of spring. Not a cleansing healing  rain , but a gloomy one to me anyway. It’s like the world is crying. Japan, Wars both declared and not, The Middle East, unemployment, and even this cutie Knut who

Knut

decided to pack it in and leave us. Life is hard and no ever promised it would be easy. But our dreams , determination, faith and friends sustain us through the journey.When you don’t have those, you have nothing. I’ve been thinking of my friends, both real and virtual. Also how lucky I am to have many of virtual friends turn into real friends. They inspire , help, and lend a a shoulder to you in your hour of need. I’ve been thinking about Jeanne who lost her  beloved father this week, Marie who always has an encouraging word  , Barbara who has turned from more than  a web developer to a friend. There are many more friends real and virtual out there who are always there with tips, leads, and humor. These friends bring comfort to my life. You can say I’m in a contemplative mood these days.But I’m lucky to have my circle.

A good dish always soothes a troubled soul. Marie took me to Caputo’s at long last. Any ennui I felt lately vanished as we roamed the cheese room, and pasta aisles.Nobody knows Italian American food like Marie. She directed me to to the right purchases with advice on how to prepare the items.

So this Sunday as I wait for my Certain Someone to come back home from a business trip abroad, I  cobbled together this rich and comforting dish baked al forno ( in the oven). Using fresh Paccheri ( a large rigatoni) and Barese sausage ( small narrow sausage flavored with garlic and parsley, no fennel) simmered in white wine and finished off in the oven. Lots of cheese and heavy cream, lightly seasoned with nutmeg, and peas for spring.

Before the recipe I want to announce the winner of the $100 giveaway from US Wellness Meats. Congratulations Cheryl Lee Ferguson.I will email you with instructions to claim your prize.

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Paccheri with Peas & Barese Sausage Al Forno

  • 1 package of fresh Paccheri or Rigatoni
  • 2 cups shredded Mozzarella
  • 3/4 lb Barese sausage
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 qt heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • grated nutmeg
  1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  2. Boil salted water for pasta.
  3. In a skillet simmer your Barese until gray in color and almost done.
  4. Place sausages  on a baking sheet and brown in oven until done ( about 10 minutes ). Cut into small bite size pieces.
  5. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F.
  6. Boil Paccheri until al dente ( about 6 minutes). Remove from heat and drain.
  7. In a bowl beat the three eggs with heavy cream. Add salt and pepper. Season generously  but carefully as cream dishes diminish salt in flavor.
  8. In a another large bowl combine drained pasta, cream and egg mixture, Mozzarella Cheese  and chopped sausage.
  9. Place combined mixture in a baking dish or casserole . Top with shaved Parmesan,   a sprinkle of grated nutmeg,salt and pepper.
  10. Bake at 350 for approx 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cream egg mixture should not run if pierced with fork and the dish should be bubbling.

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9 thoughts on “Paccheri with Peas & Barese Sausage Al Forno and the Value of Blogger Friends

  1. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle

    Means a lot to have you mention me and know that it’s reciprocated…you are not just my client, you too are also my friend! I look forward to the day when we can actually break bread together, friend.

  2. TeachGirl

    Friends are good to have and you are a very good one. 🙂 This dish sounds really nice, have to try it.

    Have a great week!

  3. thecakedcrusader

    Now that’s a dish to come home to!

    There are so many terrible things happening in the world on large and small scales that I think all you can do is be grateful for what (and who) you have. Things will always improve eventually.

  4. bellini

    A lot of the bloggers that we know become dear friends over the years. You are lucky to gave such good friends near and far, especially ones that take you to markets and show you around. The fresh paccheri looks delicious Coco.

  5. Bren

    i love cleansing rain, too but those gloomy ones make me want to stay curled up in bed. and i totally agree–blogger friends have been incredibly wonderful and so much fun establishing! 😉

  6. Louise

    I’m sure by the time you read this comment, CS will be home safe and sound and that gorgeous meal will have been completely devoured. Here’s hoping April brings cleansing rain and no more snow!!!

    Thanks for sharing, Courtney & Congrats to the winner!!!

  7. The Duo Dishes

    We’ve all made a few connections with people we would’ve never met if not for our blogs. Must be a reason why we’re all still doing this and enjoying it–the personal connections. You’re a great lady, and that’s why you’re at the top of the pack. Love this dish too.

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