Lychee Mojitos

Lychee Mojitos
inspired by Sweet Grass Grill, Tarrytown, NY

20 ounce can lychees in syrup
2 cups ginger ale
1 lime, cut into wedges
8-10 sprigs fresh mint
rum (optional)

Pour lychees with syrup into a blender and pureé until smooth. Pick leaves off of the mint sprigs and tear them in to pieces. Muddle the mint leaves and lime wedges in a pitcher. Pour in pureéd lychees and ginger ale into the pitcher. Fill serving glasses with ice. Add a shot of rum and fill with the lychee mixture. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Tim and Liza Goodell’s Tofu Rigatoni Casserole

Tim and Liza Goodell’s Tofu Rigatoni Casserole
cookiemag.com

1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1⁄2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic finely chopped
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 pinch dried oregano
1 12- to 14-ounce package firm tofu, drained
1 large egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
10-ounce package frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
1-pound box rigatoni, cooked al dente and drained
1 lb. fresh mozzarella, grated (about 4 cups)
3 ounces grated Parmesan (about 3⁄4 cup)

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes more.
3. Add the tomatoes and oregano. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a blender, process the tofu, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the spinach, cooked rigatoni, tomato sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1⁄2 cup of the Parmesan.
5. Drizzle a coating of olive oil into a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Add the pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top. Bake until golden and bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serves 8 – 10.

Grandma Suraci’s Stuffed Artichokes

By Teresa Suraci/Dino Covelli

Ingredients

  • 6 whole globe artichokes
  • 2 cups plain bread crumbs
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • handful chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup grated Pecorino cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Snip the pointed tips of artichoke leaves and cut off the stems. Wash and drain. Holding artichoke firmly by its base, firmly rap the top of it on a hard surface; this will open it so it can be stuffed.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, cheese, oregano, salt and pepper to taste; mix well. Drizzle in olive oil, mixing until a thick paste is formed.
  3. Press about an equal amount of stuffing into each artichoke. Tightly pack stuffed artichokes together in a large heavy saucepan or casserole. Add enough water to reach half way up artichokes and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  4. Bring to the boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, or until leaves pull out easily.