Orecchiette With Bacon Lemon And Cream Food

BACON AND BRUSSELS SPROUT ORECCHIETTE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt and add the pasta. Cook until just under al dente, about 9 minutes. Remove the pasta to a rimmed baking sheet using a spider, allowing it to continue cooking and cool slightly. Return the water to a boil and stir in the Brussels sprout leaves. Simmer for 30 seconds. Remove the leaves to the same tray using a spider. Cool slightly.
• Add the bacon to a medium skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the bacon is brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the Parmesan, olive oil, vinegar, mustard and 3/4 teaspoon salt together in a large bowl. Add the slightly cooled pasta, Brussels sprouts and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove the crispy bacon to the bowl with a slotted spoon and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and toss gently if desired. Allow the salad to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerated up to 4 hours before serving.

ORECCHIETTE WITH SAVOY CABBAGE, PEAS, AND LEMON CREAM

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
• While pasta is cooking, heat butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté cabbage, stirring, until pale golden, about 6 minutes. Add scallions, chicken broth, and cream and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, about 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in peas, zest, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Ladle out 1 cup pasta cooking water and reserve, then drain pasta in a colander. Combine pasta with cabbage mixture and 3/4 cup reserved pasta water in a large bowl (or in pot).
• If pasta looks dry, moisten with some of remaining water.