Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Culinary:

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic slices and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and sauté until garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
4. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with garlic oil.
5. Toss spaghetti with garlic oil, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the spaghetti.
7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
8. Enjoy this classic Italian pasta dish!

Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
3. Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
4. In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar salad dressing until evenly coated.
5. Add sliced chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons to the bowl.
6. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
7. Divide salad among serving plates and serve immediately.
8. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful chicken Caesar salad!

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Culinary:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
8. Enjoy this quick and delicious vegetable stir-fry!

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
6. Enjoy this classic Italian Caprese salad!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

Culinary:

1. Place pork shoulder or pork butt in a slow cooker.
2. Top with sliced onions, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth or water.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks.
5. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
6. Toast hamburger buns and place a generous amount of pulled pork on each bun.
7. Top with coleslaw, if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy these mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!