Friday, October 17, 2008

A quick meal, a lousy photo

What can I say? It's been difficult for me to take the time to photograph the food. I'm usually starved by the time it's done. I find myself working away at the computer for hours until my butt tells me it's time to stand up and move. Then I move to the kitchen, throw something together from whatever I've got around and get back to the computer again. The only saving grace is that I love to shop for food. For some women, it's shoes, and while I also love shoe shopping, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Henry's (our Wild Oats) is where I prefer to spend an hour or so. Hey - it's cheaper than a pair of Jimmy Choos!

I finally figured out how to make the different galleries for my website. Now I'm involved in the tedious details of that task, and I'm not a woman who relishes time spent in the details. But when I look at a completed gallery......well, I'm hooked. So I plod on. I'm not sure it's the best way to maintain a critical eye, this plodding. But it IS a way to get the job done.

So in the meantime, I turn to my pantry and find a package of red chili fettuccine. Fast and spicy - gotta love that! That prompted a trip to Point Loma Seafood - the best seafood in San Diego. Besides, it got me out of the house! A few clams, some scallops and shrimp and a bottle of clam juice and I was set to go. Is there anything easier than fettuccine with seafood?

Saute some garlic in a glug of oil. Canola is actually better for this, as it can be heated to higher temperatures without changing it's chemical structure, and therefore losing it's health benefits. Add some clam juice and white wine. (One for me, one for the pot.) Add fresh clams if you have them - canned if you don't. Or if you've got a small army to feed, you can add a can of clams in addition to some fresh ones. Cover the pot and reduce the heat. Cook until the clams open - about 6-9 minutes, depending upon the size of your clams. When the clams start to open, add the scallops and shrimp, stir and cover the pot again until the clams are done.

While you are doing this, you should have the pasta boiling. Drain when it's al dente, and that timing depends upon your pasta. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stir to coat, season to taste with salt and pepper and divide into bowls. (One for me, one for the cat.) (Only kidding!!) Grate some fresh parmesan cheese over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and force yourself to stay away from the computer while you eat!

8 comments:

anya said...

Food shopping is one of the pastimes I relish too! :) In connection with my move and so, I spent more money on proper kitchenware than I did on shoes and other fashion accessories, and I'll tell you what, I am not ashamed! ;)

glamah16 said...

Having spent the past 20 years or so in retail, I hate dept stores to spend my free time. Give me a grocer any day!In fact due to a low dollar, when I do travel and shop, I make it more food centric, as everything is so global/common now fashion wise.

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

I'd rather go food shopping any day than shoe shopping -- or clothes shopping -- I even like trips to the grocery store. How strange am I?!

Unknown said...

Anya - Getting new kitchenware is like having Christmas any time of the year!

Coco - I couldn't agree with you more! I love to bring back goodies from my trips - and those goodies usually go in the kitchen.

Lydia - Well, I guess we're a pair of strange birds, then. I suspect we're part of a larger flock....

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Your chickpea tagine looks excellent and so does your quick meal.
Yes, I do have to force myself to stay away from the computer at least for meal times;0))

Mike of Mike's Table said...

Sounds like a great quick way to enjoy clams. And lol about a plate for the cat ;-) And add me to the food shopping club...its a strange pleasure of mine.

Anonymous said...

"glug of oil", LOL! I don't know why, but those words made my day.
Fettucine with seafood is one of those perfect combinations for everyday! Which reminds me, I haven't had much gettucine lately, time to get cooking!

Unknown said...

MKIHC - Thanks! I'll be stopping by your blog more often.

Mike - The cat always lets me know when she'll be dining with me.

Diane and Todd - Always happy to make your day! And welcome back, Diane. ;-)