Mary Esposito Cooking Food

SHRIMP AND SCALLOP SCAMPI WITH LINGUINE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook as the label directs.
• Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp and scallops dry, then season with salt and pepper. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons butter to the pan and cook the shrimp until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn the shrimp and add half of the garlic; cook until the garlic is fragrant but the shrimp are still translucent, 1 to 2 more minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
• Add the scallops to the skillet and cook until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn the scallops, add the remaining garlic and cook 1 to 2 more minutes. Add the lemon juice and wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sauce is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Return the shrimp to the pan, then add the basil and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter; season with salt and pepper.
• Drain the pasta and transfer to a large serving bowl. Toss with the shrimp, scallops and sauce; garnish with parsley and lemon.

PASTICIOTTI OR PASTA CIOTTI

Steps:

• Dough:
• Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
• Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
• Add the milk, vanilla, and egg and use your hands to mix the ingredients into a smooth ball of dough.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and set aside.
• Filling:
• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar, making sure there are no lumps.
• Gradually whisk in the milk.
• Add the butter, place the saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thickened.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the egg yolk and almond extract. Set the custard aside.
• To Assemble and Bake:
• Divide the dough in half.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece into an 11-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick.
• Using a 3-inch fluted biscuit cutter, cut out circles of dough and press each one into the bottom and up the sides of 3 x 1 1/4-inch tart pans.
• Reroll the scraps and cut out additional circles. You should have 12 tart shells.
• Place the tart pans on a cookie sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into each tart shell.
• Roll out the second piece of dough and cut out 3-inch circles. Place a circle over each tart and pinch the edges closed.
• With a pastry brush, paint the top of each tart with the egg wash. Refrigerate the tarts for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees . Bake the tarts on the middle oven rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove the tarts to racks and let cool completely.
• Carefully remove the tarts from the pans. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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