144.6...Weeknight Bolognese

On Friday night, I whipped up an easy bolognese sauce. I knew it was going to rock because it was an Ina Garten recipe. I was right.

Weeknight Bolognese (Serves 4 to 5)

Recipe from Ina Garten

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp good olive oil, plus extra to cook the pasta

1 lb. lean ground sirloin

4 tsp. minced garlic (4 cloves)

1 Tbsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 1/4 cup dry red wine, divided

1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

3/4 lb. dried pasta, such as orecchiette or small shells (I used penne)

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color and has started to brown. Stir in the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 more minute. Pour 1 cup of the wine into the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 Tbsp salt and 1 1/2 tsp. pepper, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, a splash of oil and the pasta, and cook according to the directions on the box.

3. While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the nutmeg, basil, cream and the remaining 1/4 cup wine to the sauce and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss well. Serve hot with Parmesan on the side. 

Printable Recipe

Thursday night we went to the 1st Chargers Preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. I’m so happy football season is back! We ended up defeating the Cowboys 17-7. I enjoyed a cheeseburger while I was there.

Friday morning’s breakfast was the usual.

I went to Zumba and then ran errands with my son. He wanted to go to Olive Garden for lunch. I do love their salad there….

I ordered the Garlic Rosemary Chicken which was on their lighter menu.

It clocked in at 400 calories and was actually pretty good! I would order it again!

Dinner was the Weeknight Bolognese and a salad. 

Saturday morning’s breakfast:

Then I got to working prepping for some family to come over for a barbecue. During all the prep I had a turkey sandwich for lunch. No plate needed.

Finally everyone came over. I put out some cheese, crackers, chips and dips.

Dinner was Pollo Asado (from Trader Joe’s) tacos, topped with diced onion, cilantro, My Favorite Guacamole and Pico de Gallo. I also grilled some corn and served Creamy Cole Slaw to go with it all. 

Dessert was Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie and ice cream. 

Fabulous dinner! There were NO leftovers. I love that!

Sunday morning we took my brother in law and his family to Pacific Coast Grill for brunch. I’m determined to try everything  on the menu so this time I ordered the Lobster Huevos Rancheros. 

Another winner! This restaurant really knows how to brunch!!!

The rest of the day was spent in our backyard. Kids swam, adults relaxed. I ended up getting the baking itch and made a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie.

I cannot wait to share this recipe with you. It’s a keeper for sure!!!

Dinner was at our club for Burger Night. I had a turkey burger lettuce wrapped with red onion, tomatoes, arugula, chipotle aioli and sweet potato fries.

Exactly how I like to end my weekends.

Breakfast today:

I tried a new class at the gym: Hula Hoop Cardio Blast. Now, I’ve peeked in on the class in the past and saw them using the hula hoops as tools for balance and using them as small weights (they weigh 2 lbs). Being that I don’t know how to hula hoop, I was glad to see they weren’t actually hula hooping. So I decided to give it a try today!  It turns out, they actually DO hula hoop in the class…like for half the class!!! Instead of walking out (I was SO tempted), I decided to give it a try even though I knew I’d look like an idiot. Guess what people?? I figured how how to hula hoop! I’m 38 years old and was able to hula hoop for the 1st time in my life. Yes, I looked like the idiot of the class but I stuck to it and made it work.

Lunch was a turkey sandwich, carrots and hummus at home. 

I dropped my kids off with my mother in law and sister in law at a hotel they are staying at nearby to hang with their cousins. Tonight we are going out with friends from out of town. 

Wednesday my kids go back to school. Summer went by TOO fast. I’m not ready.

When was the last time you tried something new even thought you felt like a fool?

Technorati Tags: Burger Night, Chargers, Creamy Cole Slaw, Everyday, Grandma Ople's Apple Pie, My Favorite Guacamole, Olive Garden, Pacific Coast Grill, Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie, Weeknight Bolognese