Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells


Ingredients:
1 box jumbo shells pasta
1 box of frozen creamed spinach
1 medium onion
1 medium sized container of ricotta cheese
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 packet of shredded mozzarella cheese
oregano
basil
salt
pepper
garlic
rosemary
olive oil

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Fill 3/4 of a large pot with water and set over medium-high heat to boil.
2. Add the jumbo pasta shells, about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and salt to liking.
3. Finely chop the onion and heat up the frozen spinach in the microwave.
4. Place a pan over medium heat and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add the onion.
5. Cook the onion until tender. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary to liking.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the creamed spinach. Also add 3/4 of the ricotta cheese. Season again to liking.
7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and remove from heat. Let cool.
8. Fill shells with the onion, spinach and cheese mixture, and place in oven-safe baking pan.
9. Cover shells with pasta sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top until shells are covered.
10. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Finale

I can't believe it's taken me a whole semester to make a trip to Finale, an awesome dessert place located in Coolidge Corner (and other parts of Boston).

The restaurant has a very sophisticated feel about it. There are tables with white tableclothes and dim yellow lighting and soft music playing in the background. The waitstaff wear sleek black clothing with black aprons to complete the professional look.

Finale has a great dessert and wine selection. You can expect Cheesecake and Creme Brulee, but there's also Peanut Butter Pie and Bourbon Pecan Tart. My favorite is their Molten Chocolate cake. It's a chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate center, served with ice cream and and toasted almonds. If you're looking to share and want a bigger portion, order the Magnanimous Molten. It comes with a bigger cake and more ice cream, yum!

Finale also has dessert sampler plates. You can choose from nine different selected desserts, and create a sampler of 6 or 9 desserts. This is a great option if you can't decide on one thing or if you want a mix of creamy and fruity. It's also a great way to share a little bit of everything if you choose to go with someone. I definitely recommend trying the Manjari Mousse!

The restaurant doesn't only serve dessert (although that's the best part). There's also a full lunch a dinner menu.

I think Finale is a great place to complete your meal or just visit on those week nights when you're really craving something sweet. Check it out!

Finale
1306 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 232-3233