Editorial
Front Page - Friday, October 22, 2010
Kay's Cooking Corner
Kay Bona
Small is out and big is in ... super-big, that is! There seems to be a ‘mega” race going on in the consumer industry.
I’m talking about the super-size “grocery stores” that are go-
ing up everywhere. In Little Rock,
we now have Wal-Mart Super-stores, Sams, a brand new Kroger Superstore, and soon, a Target Superstore. It’s a mega-race – I know it is! Wonder who’ll win?
Memphis has a Target Super-
store, so I have been in it a few
times with daughter and grandbabies in tow. It’s a lot like Wallyworlds. But have you had the opportunity to walk into the new Kroger superstore yet? I mean you think – you just think – you are going in to buy groceries, and good little budgeter you are, you have list in hand. However, the next thing you know you’re walking out with a whole new living room. I joke not!
I think Kroger has gone and outdone Wallyworld. (this is just my opinion). But picture this: You take your someone special out to eat at a Bistro or Sushi Bar, propose, and buy the ring. Then celebrate with a glass of wine and some cheese, and then, maybe, go check out some fun and games. Next, find the Bridal registry and go in search of fine furnishings (ones that would put Hank’s to shame) for the house of your dreams.
OK. Wedding is over, house is fabulously furnished, and baby is on the way. It’s time to find the baby registry and search out perfect little items for the new angel. Life is great. And – all done at Kroger Superstore. Seriously!
Have you been there? It’s amazing, but let me warn you, if you have not been yet, and decide to go: If you are on a limited budget, and you just want to see because you haven’t been, then leave your money at home. It’s that easy to get carried away. Kroger Superstore has everything you thought you could live without, but really – once you get in, you see you can’t. You need it and they want you to have it.
It is common to see a person pulling around two shopping carts in a regular store. I mean, some folks only come to town once or twice a month to do the heavy shopping – that’s gonna take one or two carts. But in this Kroger, you see shopping “trains”. They have little hook thingys that hook two, three – even four carts at once together. So be careful!
OK, I lied about that train thing, but you do see entire families, each with a basket! Boy that store will be hectic at Christmas!
Well, for the recipe, here is one of my favorites that is super-good, and healthy to boot!
Italian Penne Rigate
1 package Penne Rigate
1 package ground, mild
Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 package sliced fresh
white mushrooms
Salt as desired
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground
black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian
seasoning
1 can (14.5 oz.) Italian-
style diced tomatoes
2 cans (14.5 oz) crushed
tomatoes
3 cups chopped fresh
spinach
16 ounces freshly shredded
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated
Parmesan cheese, divided
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring large pan of salted water to boil; add pasta, and cook until just tender. Do not overcook. Drain and return to pan.
While pasta is cooking, in large skillet over medium high heat, brown sausage, onion and garlic, breaking up sausage. Cook until done. Add mushrooms and sauté three to five minutes. Add salt, pepper, Italian Seasoning, and tomatoes. Simmer about five minutes, stirring once or twice.
Combine sausage mixture, spinach, half of the mozzerella cheese and a third of the parmesan cheese to the pasta. Mix well then pour into large baking dish, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top and bake about 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.
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