Like tonight's dinner...but, let me back up a bit. The latest edition - Donna Hay Magazine, Autumn 2008
has just about every page dog-eared. I couldn't resist the cover - easy chicken, leek & mushroom pie - even though that will have to wait for cooler weather.But on to the recipe...
Donna's version calls for spaghetti and fresh oregano, but I was really in the mood for the shrimp noodles I had on hand. They're subtle and, truth be told, I really never taste any shrimp, but they're easy to whip up even on a hot summer day. And I just bought a big bunch of basil two days ago that is already looking sad and starting to wilt. I was tempted to use some of the Mint & Cilantro Pesto , I had left over from yesterday's delicious dinner Grilled Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine, but I'm glad I resisted the urge. It was perfect as is.
That said, even while we were eating this plate of pure heaven, I was already thinking about what herbs I'd use to go with the Black Pepper Fettuccine I'll be using next time. And should I add some thinly julienned red peppers to give it more color?...hmmm.
This week Presto Pasta Night is being graciously hosted by Michelle at Greedy Gourmet and I know her roundup will be wonderful. Please send all your entries to her directly...michelle AT greedygourmet DOT com
And so, my question to you...who inspires you to be creative in the kitchen?
9 comments:
My inspirations are my husband, of course... he is constantly pushing my culinary buttons and trying to get me to do different things...
And my grandmother... who would buy a recipe book and try ANYTHING out of it... she made some pretty weird, and GOOD stuff... and it taught me to always try anything once...
Can't wait to see the roundup!
Ruth
So many people inspire me, and they are almost too numerous to mention. I love the Food Channel which brings Chefs from all over the world into our lounge rooms. BUT I do have a special one as of today.
I took out of the library “Cucina” by Angela Hartnett. One of Britain’s Top Chefs. I have had my nose in this book and I want to make everything!!! She was a protégé of Gordon Ramsay, and runs the Connaught Hotel. She has earned a Michelin Star, so pretty clever don't you think?
I have seen her on TV and really like her presence…seems like a nice person to work for.
Don’t you love talent being rewarded.
Cheers
I find you pretty inspiring because you are honest, kind and, seemingly to me, totally without fakery.
Those things go a lot farther with me than recipes.
Corinne, So Simple, thanks for sharing your inspirers and Judith...thanks for the personal note...I blush!
Ruth, for me it is my husband. But what really makes me creative besides any particular person or chef is, the color of a dish! I decide the color combinations and then pick the ingredients to go with my color selection!
Well, it all started with my grandmother - world's best cook.
After that, I would have to say that Molly Katzen was another big influence on me.
And I must say that the internet has lately provided me with more inspiration than I can handle! Amazing resources here.
Ruth, I also love Donna Hay! Her recipes are so simple, but yet so flavorful!
This is the first time I've come across shrimp noodles and wondered what they tasted like. They don't sound up to much though, so rather just top the pasta with the real deal, eh? The zucchini, chili and basil makes the dish look grand though!
For me it's Zoe and her mama, who've taught me all about the Greek food that I cook, eat, and blog about.
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