Kittencals Seafood Pasta Salad

KITTENCAL'S CREAMY GREEK-STYLE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cool the pasta in boiling water until al dente; drain then rinse well under cold water.
• Place the pasta in a large bowl.
• Add in cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives and cubed feta cheese; toss to combine.
• For the dressing; in a processor place the garlic clove and process until minced.
• Add in all the remaining ingredients except the mayonnaise;process until well blended (about 20-30 seconds) then add in the mayonnaise and process until combined.
• Pour over the salad ingredients in the bowl; toss to combine (if you prefer a creamier salad then add in more mayonnaise to taste).
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

KITTENCAL'S SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a pot cook the shell pasta in boiling water until al dente (leave slightly firm, do not over cook) drain, then rinse the pasta under cold water then allow to drain very well then transfer to a large bowl.
• Add in cooked shrimp, crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, cubed mozzarella cheese and thawed peas or black olives (if using) toss to combine.
• In a bowl whisk together the mayonnaise with salad dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning (start with 1 teaspoon Old Bay and add in more to taste) pour over the salad and toss to combine, then mix in the hot sauce.
• Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
• If the salad is too dry for your liking then mix in some whipping cream or more mayonnaise.
• Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or more before serving (the longer chilling time the better).

KITTENCAL'S CAESAR TORTELLINI SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl combine the cooked tortellini with chopped lettuce, Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese; toss well to coat.
• Season with black pepper to taste and salt if desired.
• Top with sliced cherry tomatoes and croutons.
• Serve immediately.
• Delicious!

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN TOMATO PASTA SAUCE AND PARMESAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Prepare the meatball recipe as directed on the recipe; transfer to a plate cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use (the meatballs may be prepared up to 1 day in advance).
• Drain the diced tomatoes over a strainer.
• Coat bottom of large heavy-bottomed pot with olive oil, heat over medium heat.
• Saute onion with bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and crushed chili peppers for about 5-7 minutes or until the onions are transparent.
• Add in fresh garlic; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste;mix and stir for about 2 minutes or until well combined with the onion mixture.
• Add in the wine; stir well to combine.
• Add the 2 cans crushed tomatoes (can use 3 cans if you are freezing some sauce) and the drained diced tomatoes, stir and bring to a light boil; boil for 5-8 minutes then reduce heat to low.
• Add in uncooked meatballs to the sauce (if you are adding the meatballs uncooked do not stir for 30 minutes or you may run the risk of them falling apart in the simmering sauce).
• Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 3-5 hours (the longer you simmer uncovered the thicker and richer your sauce will be so don't be afraid to simmer even 6 hours!) adding more salt if desired.
• Skim off any fat that might gather on top of sauce.
• Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate (with the meatballs in the sauce) a minimum of 1 day or up to 4 days before using.
• Use as much as desired then freeze the rest for another meal, just reheat the sauce on top of the stove or heat in microwave (this will freeze well for up to 6 months).
• Note: if desired, you can bake the meatballs in the oven before adding to the sauce.

KITTENCAL'S TUNA SALAD SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Drain the tuna then hand-squeeze out any excess moisture; place in a bowl then flake with a fork.
• Add in all remaining ingredients up to the Tabasco sauce; mix until well combined, adjusting all seasonings to suit taste.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours (more is even better!).
• Divide onto bread slices with lettuce leaves and slices tomatoes.
• Delicious!

THE ULTIMATE CREAMY CHILLED SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Mix ingredients in order given; season to taste with salt & pepper.
• Garnish with chopped chives and lemon wedges. Cover and keep refrigerated until serving time.
• Best chilled for 6 to 8 hours to allow flavors to marry.
• Serve well chilled, atop a bed of crisp salad greens.
• A lovely light summertime main-dish, or starter. Serve this salad well-chilled with a crusty baguette, butter, and a good bottle of white wine (such as Chablis).

KITTENCAL'S FAMOUS CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• In a small 2-cup mini food processor, process/mince the anchovy fillets and garlic together until finely minced (do this together and firstly, otherwise it will not get minced properly with the other ingredients).
• Add in the remaining ingredients, and process for 30 seconds, or more until well mixed.
• Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Thin with buttermilk (or milk) for a thinner consistency if desired.
• Store in fridge, covered in a glass container for 3 or more hours before using (the flavors become stronger when left in the fridge for a longer time).
• Toss desired amount of dressing with Romaine lettuce and croutons.
• Sprinkle with more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

KITTENCAL'S CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl toss together chicken with celery, onions and cranberries.
• In another bowl mix all dressing ingredients until well blended; add to the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
• Cover and chill for a minumum of 4-24 hours.
• Just before serving mix in grape halves then season with black pepper.
• POACHING CHICKEN-------.
• Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan.
• Cover with water and 1/2 teaspoon salt (and 1 bay leaf optional) bring to a simmer.
• Lightly simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let sit in the water for about 10 minutes.
• Cool and chop.