Lemon Scented Olive Oil Muffins

When this lovely lady invited J and I to a brunch at their place yesterday, I knew exactly what I'd make: Lemon Scented Olive Oil muffins.  I came across the recipe when I was doing research for new muffin recipes (read about all of them and why I like to bake muffins so much here) and have been dying to try it.

I woke up early and ventured out to the grocery store around 8, which was perfect because hardly anyone was there which never happens on a Sunday!  I ended up making two batches of this recipe because I wanted to be sure that I had enough for the brunch and was disappointed in the small amount of muffins the recipe makes the first time around (10 muffins).

You'll also notice from the photos that I made mini muffins this time.  J had brought to my attention that we had a mini muffin pan that we received as a wedding gift and have never used.  I thought that these lemon muffins would be the perfect mini muffins and they definitely were!

Lemon-scented Olive Oil Muffins, taken from Cooking Light

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup organic low fat sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon rind (zest of approximately two small lemons or 1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons fat free milk
1 large organic egg
1 organic egg white
Cooking spray


For glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind, plus extra for garnish
3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of approximately two small lemons or 1 large)


Kitchen Supplies:
Microplane/Zester
2 mixing bowls
Muffin tins--regular or mini sized
Whisk
Wire rack

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Level off one cup of flour with a knife and combine in a large bowl with sugar, salt and baking powder.  Stir completely with a whisk and once combined, create a well in the bottom of the dry mixture.

Combine sour cream, lemon zest, olive oil, milk, egg and egg white together in another smaller bowl, whisking until combined.  Pour wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and mix until just moist.

Spray muffin tins liberally with cooking spray and spoon in mixture.  If using regular size muffin tins, I recommend measuring 2 tablespoons out for each muffin.  If using mini size muffin tins, a 2 teaspoon measuring spoon works great!

Bake for 25 minutes (12-13 minutes for minis) or until the muffins spring back when touched lightly in the center.  Remove from tins immediately and place on a wire rack to cool.

Meanwhile, combine powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and lemon juice, whisking to combine.  Once muffins are cool, drizzle a small amount of glaze over each muffin.  Top with a light sprinkle of lemon zest and let set, approximately five minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves: 10 (18-20 if minis)
Serving size: 1 muffin (2 if minis)
Calories: 166

I wasn't sure how the olive oil would fare in this recipe but it is such a small amount that I hardly noticed it was there! The muffins are a bit denser because of it but the lightness and freshness of the lemon keeps it from feeling heavy.

Have you ever baked with olive oil?  Do you like lemon desserts?  I didn't used to, but after making these muffins I am definitely a fan!

Happy Monday everyone!

30 for 30: Week 2

As promised, here are the outfits from week 2 (plus some since I have moved reveal day to Sundays).  I am getting to the point in the challenge where I've worn every top at least once and most of my bottoms as well.  I will be really glad when this challenge is over.

Day 8

On the eighth day, where I shared pictures and details from our Fondue Party, I was wearing this bright little outfit.

Black and white checkered skirt, thrifted

Black button down blouse, New York and Company

Pink cardigan, NY&C

Black nylons, JCPenney's

Knee high black boots, Aldo's

Day 9

When I was losing my cool and having technical problems with photos on the blog, I was comfortable wearing the following:

Black slacks, NY&C

White tank top, Old Navy

Red cardigan, NY&C

Black tiered necklace, NY&C

Brown glasses, Guess

Red flats, Payless

Day 10

In which I learned to roast a chicken and I share my breakfast eating habits for the week.

Straight leg or skinny jeans, American Eagle

Blouse, Anthropologie

White cardigan, Old Navy

Silver flats, Payless

Woods

Day 11

I wore sweats most of the day while I did laundry and baked these muffins.  I changed into real clothes around 4:00 pm because we had friends over that night for games.

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Blue three quarter length shirt, Forever 21

White cardigan, Old Navy

Silver flats, Payless

Day 12

Another sweats type of day until I went to the grocery store and made this delicious homemade pasta.

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Red long sleeve shirt, Forever 21

Grey wrap, gift from a wedding

Silver flats, Payless

Day 13

While I shared these weekend teasers, I was wearing this cute little outfit (one of my favorites thus far!)

Magenta skirt, NY&C

White tank, Old Navy

Brown cardigan, Old Navy

Brown flats, Macy's

Necklace, Anthropologie (gift)

Fossil Watch, Macy's

Brown glasses, Guess

Day 14

My new glasses came in, a few days earlier than they had originally quoted me.  I also shared 100 things that make my soul sing.

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Brown button down, NY&C

Brown Emu boots, Macy's

Fossil watch, Macy's

Brown pear shaped necklaces, Macy's  (I wore them on our wedding day!)

Black glasses, Ted Baker

Day 15

In which I shared memories from our unforgettable trip to Springfield, IL to President Lincoln's Presidential Library and Museum.

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Mustard ruffled top, NY&C

Brown cardigan, Old Navy

Brown flats, Macy's

Brown tiered necklace, NY&C (gift)

Black glasses, Ted Baker

Day 16

In which I got some unexpected but much anticipated mail and shared photos of my new glasses.

Khaki pants, JCPenney's

Black long sleeve shirt, Forever 21

Blue blouse, Anthropologie

Fossil watch, Macy's

Black Mary Jane's, Payless

Day 17

This picture was out of focus, which I didn't realize until today when I went to post these photos.  No matter, on Friday I shared my dream outfit to wear to the Oscar Watch Party we are attending this evening--you know, what I'd be wearing if money was no object and I wasn't in the middle of this challenge!

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Red long sleeve shirt, Forever 21

White cardigan, Old Navy

Black Mary Jane's, Payless

Black necklace, Forever 21

Day 18

Another Saturday that I spent mostly in sweats until we went to dinner at Schlafly Bottleworks to celebrate J's birthday (it's on Tuesday but with a big bar exam related test next Saturday, we celebrated early since he will likely be studying on his actual birthday--boo!)

Denim leggings, Walmart (not pictured)--I couldn't bring myself to call them jeggings seeing as I got them from the Mart!

White tank, Old Navy

Red cardigan, NY&C

Silver flats, Payless

Day 19

I woke up early this morning to make lemon scented olive oil muffins for a brunch we were attending (pictures and details to follow) and have plans to make jalapeno-cheddar cornbread muffins (ditto for photos and details) for our Oscar party this evening.  

I'm not sure about this outfit, I sort of feel like a bumble bee but it works I guess.

Skinny jeans, American Eagle

Black long sleeve shirt, Forever 21

Mustard yellow ruffled top, NY&C

Silver flats, Payless

Quick Observations:

• I did better accessorizing this week than I have previously.  
• I found some jewelry I forgot I owned, which is always a bonus.
• I am noticing a trend on the weekends where I don't get dressed until late afternoon.  Not going to lie, I sort of love this!
• I probably could have included shoes in my 30 items (especially if nylons and leggings weren't included) since I wore the same silver pairs of shoes a lot this week.
• I probably could have included fewer skirts and pants than I did, especially since there are still a few in my closet I have yet to wear.  Right about now, I would love to have a few more tops or cardigans in my 30 for 30 rotation!

So there you have it, another week (plus a few days) of the challenge.  If you made it through this lengthy post, my hat is off to you!  As for me, I am off to go make some cornbread...

Oscar Watch Party

Because I had so much fun creating an Oscar Fashion lovely last week and because my shopping ban is still in effect for fourteen more days, I decided to create another Friday's Fancies and share it with you all.

This time I created an outfit that I would love to wear to the Oscar Watch Party Ashlee and JY are having at their casa on Sunday.

J and I are bringing True Grit jalapeno cornbread as well as 127 Hours' Water and Mountain Dew.  With our offerings, I'd wear:

A ruffled cream skirt with brown belt for a little girly yet rustic look
A three-quarter length pink top with a large bow at the collar--it is still a bit cold here, you know
Some powder beige matte ankle booties with a cream ribbon for some Hollywood drama
A dark brown coat with a full skirt, perfect for making our grand entrance
A cool mint purse for taking home all the swag
A vintage mint cocktail ring for a splash of color and old school sophistication
Smoky quartz earrings for a little sparkle and shine

Oscar Watch Party by ktrefinishingschool on Polyvore.com

Blouse, 29 GBP
Silk coat, $450
Rue21 crochet skirt, $22
Beige ankle boot, $460
Kate spade tote bag, $297
Smoky quartz jewelry
Retro jewelry, $9.99

Are you going to watch the Oscars?  Who's your pick for Best Picture?  Best Actor? Best Actress?  Can't wait to see who's right on Monday!

You've Got Mail

When I came home for lunch today I had a wonderful surprise waiting for me in my mailbox.  Want to know what it is?

My journal for the What Would Journal Project by Lindsay over at Scenic Glory!  

You see I was one of the lucky 8 who were selected (by random--I'm never this lucky!) to first receive the journals for this project.  There are just a few guidelines I must follow:

• I can include whatever I want so long as it fits inside the journal
• I get to keep it for a few days and must return it within a week's time to let someone else have a chance to create and inspire
• I can have other friends and family members contribute if they wish :)
• I can use several pages but not too many so as to give others a chance to participate!

I'm not sure what I will create yet, but I have a few ideas bouncing around in my head.  For now, I'll give you a preview of the direction I think my journal entry will take but only time will tell for sure:

Image taken via weheartit

I know how I'm going to be spending my weekend!

What would you journal about, friends?

New Glasses and about that 30 for 30 Challenge

I picked up my new glasses on Tuesday afternoon and so far I am loving them!  Not only can I see better but they are a nice break from my other glasses, which I had for over two years.

They are Ted Baker frames and have the cutest case ever.

See.  I think the little splash of color totally makes the whole thing!

You may have noticed I haven't posted this week's 30 for 30 challenge post yet.  Like this girl, I have decided to post them on Sundays from now on.   Of course, I decided this after Sunday had past.  While I get on schedule, it means this week's post will contain more images than usual and it will have a few pictures with me in my new glasses!

Do you wear glasses? Contacts? Or do you have 20-20 vision?  I'm curious!

Leftovers Lunch

I love leftovers.  There I said it.  I think sometimes they can get a bad rap but I love them because it means you get to enjoy the rest of a great meal again the next day (or the day after that).

Today's lunch was just that, leftovers, which is what I have almost every day for lunch but these were special leftovers.  They were sushi leftovers from our Japanese dinner last night.

Before

You see, back when I bought dashi and miso paste to make homemade miso soup for this Japanese bistro dinner I had a lot of leftover ingredients (try a pound of dashi when each soup calls for 3 teaspoons) so I knew that they would be making an appearance again soon.  That reappearance was last night.  This time I made homemade California rolls, miso soup and edamame.  The leftovers were today's lunch.

I decided to dress up my plate a little since I was having the best of all leftovers (in my opinion) and pulled out some Asian inspired plates and soup spoons I had scored at Goodwill for less than two dollars!  The lunch was delicious, just as delicious as dinner was the night before.

After

And I was in such a good mood afterwards, I decided to move our very heavy couch for Woods and dig out all of his play toys he shoves under there.  I found the following:

4 pens
3 hairties
2 straws
1 q-tip--gross!
3 ball toys that have bells in each of them
1 catnip mouse
1 Santa string toy (his favorite)
7 milk rings (a close second)

To say it looked like this is no exaggeration.  That should keep him busy for a while!

What's your take on leftovers?  Love them or leave them?



And because I know Woods' girlfriend would love to see what his favorite toys are, I am linking up with Jenn for What I Ate Wednesdays :)

Blueberry Power Muffins with Almond Streusel

As I mentioned in this post, I made blueberry power muffins with almond streusel on Saturday afternoon.  I love making muffins on the weekends because between the muffins and some hard boiled eggs, I have breakfast ready to go for the whole week.  I usually pack my breakfast in a small bag with a tupperware of milk and eat it once I get to work, allowing me more time to get ready during the time of day when I am moving the slowest!

I had never made streusel before and now that I know how easy it is, I will be topping lots of my muffins this way for a little extra goodness!  The yogurt (I used half yogurt/half sour cream because I ran out of yogurt!) helps keep these muffins, baked with whole wheat flour and oats, from tasting dry.  The fresh blueberries add beautiful color and help create little caverns inside the muffins themselves, which are delightful to bite into.

Ingredients:
For the muffins:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups organic vanilla yogurt--I used 1 cup of vanilla yogurt and 1 cup of organic sour cream
1/2 cup fat free milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and dried


For the streusel:
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup slivered almonds, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted


Kitchen Supplies:
Muffin tins (the recipe makes 18 muffins)
Muffin paper cups, if desired--I just spray the tins with cooking spray and pop them right out afterwards--less waste!
2 tablespoon measuring spoon
Toothpick
Wire racks for cooling
Three mixing bowls (small, medium and large)
Whisk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine flours, oats, granulated sugar, baking powder and soda and salt in a large mixing bowl using a whisk.  Make a well in the center of the mixture.

 In a smaller bowl, combine yogurt, milk, egg, oil and vanilla extract, whisking until combined. 

Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry mixture and fold in together until just combined.  Gently fold in blueberries.

Spray tins with cooking spray (or line with paper cups) and spoon two tablespoons worth of mixture into each cup.  We have some odd sized measuring spoons and cups from AllClad, including a two tablespoon measuring spoon that I use for this purpose. 

In the small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, almonds, melted butter and flour until it resembles a crumb consistency.  Sprinkle some of the crumbs over the tops of each muffin and bake tins for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out cleanly.

Allow to cool in the tins for ten minutes on top of wire racks before removing.  Serve warm or at room temperature!

Serves: 18
Serving size: 1 muffin
Calories: 244

As you may recall from last week, I had eggs and bacon (prosciutto) for breakfast every day which leads me to today's question: do you like a sweet or savory breakfast better?  Or perhaps both?  I can't wait to hear your answers!

Remember When Wednesday: Lincoln Land

In honor of President's Day this week, I thought I'd share with you the remainder of our trip to Springfield in the Spring of 2009 as this week's Remember When Wednesday post.  

Just as a recap (read more about it here) a good friend Gary made available tickets to the celebration of the bicenntenial of Abraham Lincoln's birth in Springfield, IL where we got to hear President Obama speak.  Something I did not mention before is that J and I want to visit all of the Presidential libraries in the United States (can you tell we were political science majors?) which is why number 46 on my 130 list is to visit 3 numbers of Presidential libraries before I turn 30!  Gary knew that we eventually wanted to visit all of the libraries, which was one reason he invited us on the trip with him.

The excitement and once in a lifetime opportunities didn't end with the bicentennial dinner though!  The next day we had lunch with some of the other donors to the Presidential Library and Museum (since my dad's friend Gary was a donor), including Chaz Ebert (Roger Ebert's wife) and a rich businessman from Texas who is good friends with Stedman Graham who was supposed to attend the dinner but at the last minute was unable to.  Throughout the lunch, he kept mentioned Stedman, which was surreal to say the least.  It must be noted that while I am from California, these are the only "celebrities" that I've ever interacted with.  Therefore lunch was interesting but a little nerve wracking since we'd never been around such high society people before!


After lunch, Gary, J and I were treated to a personal tour of Lincoln's tomb, Lincoln's home in Springfield and later the Presidential Library itself by a local historian and member of the Abraham Lincoln Society.


Here are a few pictures we took while at Lincoln's tomb.

Local legend has it that rubbing Lincoln's nose is considered good luck, which explains why the brass on bust is only worn at the nose!

The entrance to Lincoln's tomb in Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery.  Lincoln, his wife Mary Todd and three of their four sons are buried here.

 

In 1901, after an attempted grave robbery, several disinterments and the building and restoration of the vault, Lincoln's body was laid to rest a final time through the door above, some twenty seven years after his death in 1865!  

The Lincolns' home in Springfield.  This house and the entire neighborhood has been restored to appear just as it did when the Lincolns lived in Springfield in the 1850s and 1860s.

When we arrived at the Presidential library, we were greeted by the curator of the museum, who gave us a personal, guided tour of the museum.  The museum is wonderful and the way the curators and designers mixed medias with artifacts, wax figurines, music and video to present the lives and history of the Lincolns was truly magical.  It came as no surprise to me when I learned that some of the people at the Epcot Center in Disneyworld were consulted during the design of the library.  If anyone has a chance to visit the library, I cannot recommend it highly enough!

We then were taken on a private tour to the vault of the library, a place few people get to go and a place J and I never would have gotten to go to by ourselves!  But thanks to Gary's generosity, we got to to take an elevator into the bowels of the library where we saw, among other things, one of the three original copies of the Gettysburg Address.  As a history lover, I could not have been more excited and awe struck at the document in front of me!  The curator held the fragile paper in his white gloved hands as we peered over the pages: 


Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. 

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.



Happy belated President's Day everyone!

100 Things: That Make My Soul Sing

After reading this lovely lady's post over the weekend, I decided to share with you all a working list I have in my paper journal of people, places, and things that make me happily and or as I have it phrased in my journal, things that make my soul sing!

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. J
2. My family

3. Woods (so the first three are in order)

4. Tea with cream and sugar
5. My sister
6. Lists (obviously)
7. Crossing things off lists
8. Cooking
9. Farmer's Markets
10. Walks with J
11.  Lunch with friends
12. Catching up with my mom
13. Reading books
14. Reading These Is My Words
15. Laughing with J when Woods does something funny

16. Journals
17. The way a page that has been written one feels when you touch it and turn the page
18. Our wedding

19. Laying flat on the back of a horse looking up a blue sky
20. Horse whiskers
21. Giving a horse a kiss on its nose
22. Puppy Breath
23. Letter writing
24. Getting real mail (as opposed to bills and junk mail!)
25. The smell of freshly bathed babies
26. Fresh cut flowers
27. A well designed room
28. Walking into a clean kitchen in the morning (or anytime)
29. Fresh clean sheets on a bed
30. Chai lattes
31. Anything with pumpkin in it
32. Music
33. My guitar
34. Bonfires in Michigan
35. Adventures and day trips with J
36. The smell of Fall
37. The smell of rain after a summer thunderstorm
38. Watching storms come in off the lake in our screened in porch
39. Fires in fireplaces

40. Candles
41. Sunday night dinners
42. History
43. Pictures
44. Staying in touch with friends
45. Catching up with old friends
46. Traveling
47. Retreats
48. Thrift store shopping
49. Talks on the hammock in Michigan, especially with my sister Madi
50. The first night (or day) of a vacation
51. Jam sessions by the lake with my brother Dan and aunt Bridget
52. Lazy Christmas mornings with my family
53. Reminiscing with family and friends
54. Halloween
55. Carving pumpkins with J
56. My grandparents
57. The smell of my parents house
58. The smell of my grandparents houses
59. Going on walks with my parents and their dogs

60. Christmas carols
61. Listening to Manneheim Steam Roller with the lights off and only the lights of the Christmas tree to light the room
62. The first warm day of Spring after a long winter
63. Fireworks

64. Dog parks
65. Bulldogs, especially English and French ones!
66. Warm blankets on cold nights
67. Naps
68. Saturday mornings at the barn
69. Friday nights
70. Texting Dan during ND football games
71. Entertaining
72. Good conversations
73. Blogs
74. Memories of my horse Pal

75. The smell of the beach
76. Sunsets

77. A movie that has good movie trailers beforehand
78. Volunteering
79. Attending church
80. Holding hands

Image taken from weheartit here

81. Lazy Sunday afternoons
82. Trying a new recipe and having it be a success!
83. Boating and water skiing with J's mom in the summer time
84. Splashing in puddles with rain boots

Image taken from weheartit here

85. Learning about history
86. Family stories
87. Making new friends
88. Going to concerts
89. The feeling after a good workout
90. The taste of a cold beer after a long day
91. The smell of freshly baked cookies
92. When your new favorite song comes on the radio while you are driving to work
93. The way Woods greets me at the door every time I come home, whether I've been gone minutes or days
94. Fluffy down comforters
95. The sound of a fan while I sleep
96. When someone comments on my blog!
97. Finishing a really good book
98. The china set my grandma (Mom's mom) gave me when we got engaged.  It was given to her by my grandpa's mother (her mother-in-law) when she got engaged to my grandpa!
99. The pearls I wore at our wedding--they were a present my grandma (Dad's mom) had received from my grandpa on their wedding day fifty years before.  I felt blessed to have worn them as my something borrowed on our wedding day.

100. Love

What would be on your list?

Fresh Pasta Rollatini with Spinach and Prosciutto

On weekend mornings, J and I like to watch the Food Network.  It often gives us great ideas for our menu for the week and is just a relaxing way to wake up and get moving.

This Sunday, I was watching Giada at Home while J got ready to head to school for his weekend class that he was taking.  He watched about five minutes of the episode but I was able to watch the whole thing.  The episode was hilarious.  Giada's aunt Raffy came to visit and make her family's recipe for pasta rollatini.  The only problem was that Giada had changed the recipe and Raffy, being a strong Italian woman, would have none of it.  I have never seen Giada come so unglued before; it was hilarious!

However, once they made the "new" rollatini, Raffy came around and both ended up very pleased with the dish.  It looked so delicious I had to try it myself.  Giada warned that it took a bit of effort to make the dish, which it did, so I am glad I attempted it on a day when I could take my time in the kitchen as opposed to trying to make it after work during the week.  The payoff is really great and if you have the time (1-2 hours total) I definitely recommend it!

The homemade pasta is made in a food processor, which makes pulling that part of the meal together in a snap.  I am making all of my homemade pasta in my processor from now on!

Ingredients:
For the dough:
1 cup cake flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 egg yolk--you will use two egg yolks throughout this recipe.  I saved mine in a tupperware, labeled it with the date and will be using it to make an egg whites omelet later this week!
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup of cold water


For the filling:
(1) 10 ounce package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly--I usually thaw my spinach in the microwave then either squeeze it dry in a clean kitchen towel or else push the liquid through a fine mesh sieve with a spoon
3 ounces (3 slices) sliced prosciutto, diced
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, chopped, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg--I added this because I love the flavor combination of spinach and nutmeg!


For the rest:
1 egg
1 tablespoon of water
Butter, for greasing glass dish
3 tablespoons softened butter, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 cups warm marinara sauce--this recipe is so labor intensive, you will want to use pre-made sauce (store bought or canned if you canned some over the summer)


Kitchen Supplies:
Food processor--you could mix the ingredients for the dough by hand (similar to this) but if you have a food processor, I recommend you use that instead.  Much easier and less time intensive!
Plastic wrap
Kitchen towel or fine mesh sieve for draining spinach
Pastry brush
Rolling pin
1 piece of cheese cloth, cut in half
4 pieces of twine
Large pot for boiling pasta logs
Mixing bowl for filling
Rectangular glass dish for baking rollatini
Sharp knife

In a food processor, quickly pulse together flours, egg yolk, salt and olive oil.  With the food processor running, slowly stream in the water until the mixture comes together in a large ball.  Remove blade and turn ball of dough onto a floured surface.  Work with it lightly as you would if you were kneading a pizza dough for a minute or so.  Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, mix the drained spinach, chopped prosciutto, egg yolk, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, pepper, and if desired, nutmeg together using a fork.

After thirty minutes, remove ball of dough from the fridge and return to floured surface.  Cut dough in half and set aside one half.  Press other half into a small disc then roll out into a circle to approximately 8 inches in diameter.  Spread one half of the spinach mixture over the pasta, leaving a 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance around all edges.

Brush edges with egg wash mixture and carefully roll the pasta as you would a jelly roll.  Pinch the ends together to seal the log.

Place roll on a piece of cheese cloth.  Roll up the log, leaving the ends loose (the  cheese cloth log will have a tootsie roll like appearance at the end)  Tie ends with a piece of kitchen string.  Repeat with other half of dough.

The cheese cloth will help the fragile pasta stay together until it cooks and generally keeps all of the ingredients together.  If you have a clean white kitchen towel you don't mind parting with, you can use this too--this is what Raffy grew up doing.  In fact, during the episode she criticized Giada for using cheese cloth because it leaves tiny waffle patterns on the dough (I found that they become indistinguishable when you cut the pasta roll into its slices).

In a large stockpot, bring water to a boil and using the two "tootsie roll" ends to hold onto the roll, carefully lower them into the boiling water.  If you are debating between using a wider, more shallower pot and a taller, narrower pot, I recommend using a shallower one so that the pasta doesn't get too bent--a complaint Raffy made during Giada's episode.  Boil for fifteen minutes then remove with 2 sets of tongs, again removing the pasta by the two ends as opposed to the middle, which could cause the pasta roll to crack and break.

Let cool on a counter for ten minutes.  Once cool enough to handle, cut off the ties and slowly unwrap the pasta rolls.  Using a sharp knife, cut the rolls into slices and then place in a greased glass baking dish.  You will get twelve slices out each roll and will end up with three overlapping rows of pasta.  My secret to getting even cuts is to cut each piece in half, then half again so that the area you are working with is a lot smaller.  I've found it's easier to get three equal cuts out of one piece than trying to eyeball twelve equal cuts out of a larger roll!

Scatter pieces of butter across the tops of the rolls as well as the additional Parmesan cheese.  Place under a broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese and brown the butter.  This part takes a bit of attention so you don't burn it and ruin all of your hard work!

Serve with a small dish of marinara for dipping and devour enjoy!  The ends, while small, are the best part because they get a little crispier and taste more like a delicious bread so you may have to fight your hubby over them :)

I probably could have let our dish go a little longer under the broiler to get further browning but I was worried about burning it and starving at that point!


Note: this could easily be turned into a fancy appetizer by dividing the dough (and filing) into fourths to create more bite sized rolls with could be served with toothpicks and sauce for dipping.

This is what Woods did while I slaved away in the kitchen.

Since he didn't help, he didn't get any of the food!

Has anyone else made rollatini before?  Now that I know how simple it is to make the dough, I'd like to make this again with different fillings.  Any suggestions?

Linking this up to Tasty Tuesdays.