Wednesday, February 4, 2009

My First Video...Pasta Woodsman Style

There's some benefits to having a husband in the business...the video production business that is. For one I get a cool cooking video, like the one below, for free.

When my husband and his friend Don get together I know there's going to be some sort of filming going on. Little did I know, this past weekend, they'd be filming me.

An entertaining instructional video is how they portrayed it...We'll keep you completely anonymous they promised...Just let us eat the finished product they asked.

How could I resist their pleas.

So we set out late in the afternoon; me to make Pasta Woodsman Style (adapted from Lidia Bastianich) and them to try and make me famous. I'll admit I was a little nervous at first and somewhat stressed. Knowing I wouldn't be seen or heard made it slightly easier to handle. In the end I think it turned out great.

What do you think?

Now I just need to talk them into doing more of these.

Pasta Woodsman Style (my version)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3 sweet Italian sausages, peeled and crumbled
1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed, cleaned, sliced thin
1 can 28oz canned Italian plum tomatoes
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted and drained
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 lb pasta
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt

Bring 6 quarts salted water to a boil in an 8-quart pot over high heat.

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy skillet over medium heat, toss in the garlic, and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Crumble the sausage into small pieces, cook until the sausage is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Stir about half the mushrooms into the sausage mixture. Add the remaining mushrooms as those in the pan wilt, making room for more. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. If the mushrooms give off liquid, allow time for the juices to boil off before the mushrooms start to brown.

Pour the tomatoes into the skillet, stir in the peas, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat so the sauce is at a lively simmer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook a minute or two. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil. Cook until the sauce is lightly reduced about 5 minutes. Pour in the cream and bring to a boil. Spoon the ricotta into the sauce and stir gently to mix.

If the skillet is large enough to accommodate the sauce and pasta, fish the pasta out of the boiling water with a large wire skimmer and drop it directly into the sauce in the skillet. If not, drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and pour in the sauce. Bring the sauce and pasta to a boil, stirring gently to coat the pasta with sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated cheese. Check the seasonings, adding salt and pepper if necessary. Spoon an additional cup of ricotta over top of pasta and serve immediately.

21 comments:

  1. Very professional! I liked the music and the large type instructions!

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  2. I loved it!! It was really good, I can't wait to see more! Don't forget about me when you become rich and famous!!!

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  3. Wow! That looks delish! And the video filming and production are excellent. High compliments to all. Now - when do we eat???

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  4. That was FABULOUS!! I loved the format, and the sound effects! You're on your way, girl! Oh, and I am sooo envious of your stove top. What brand is it?? I'm looking for a new one, and I may have to get another electric range- ugh- that is, unless I can convince the hubs to run another gas line ;-)

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  5. What a great job, enjoyed the video and loved the music, sham we didn't get a look at you, (beautiful girl)I'm sure. Pasta looks great, going to try making it.

    Keep up good work and keep video's coming.

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  6. That video is really well done. Everything you need to know in a minute and a half. Keep doing them. I also adore Lidia - anything she makes is fine with me.

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  7. Absolutely LOVED it. You gotta take the resources at your disposal and make magic: like finding that special ingredient or local produce in mega-chain land OR taking quality filmers within an arms reach and have them make you famous!

    Brilliant. Do it again!!

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  8. T., I did not have the sound on and still thought the video was FABULOUS! I love when you smash the garlic and that FLASH! SMASH!

    Great pasta sauce for me. Very low cal! ha.
    I love Lidia.

    I think your husband should film you for every recipe. It was so easy to follow.

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  9. Oh, the video looks so professional... I LOVE IT! As for the pasta, mmm, serve me up a big bowl of that right now!

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  10. That video was great. I really hope you do more of these. Kudos to you and the husband. I am so happy that I get to experience your love for food whenever I want now :)!

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  11. So freakin' cool! I loved it! Two thumbs up from me!!!

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  12. I loved it! Not only is the recipe fab, but the video is terrific! Great job to all of you!

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  13. How fun! The pasta looks delicious too :)

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  14. I love it Theresa!! I can't wait to see more. :) Your talented husband and partner did you proud!!
    While everyone else is watching the FoodNetwork, I watch public television. Lydia is among one of my favorites and when I can't watch.. I record! :)
    Ciao and hugs!

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  15. Theresa, That was awesome! Loved the music and the quality was great! More, more!! Love Lidia too!

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  16. great job on the video! lol. :)
    Marye
    bakingdelights.com

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  17. Enjoyed the video! How lucky you are to have your own production crew on hand :-) The dish looked absolutely delicious too.

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  18. I enjoyed the video very much, I cannot wait for the next release!!!

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  19. Loved the video..very snappy music!!!

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  20. loved watching the video...nice tappy music :)

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