Simon's Ordeal

Hey folks, today's post is in support for Simon. Last weekend he checked himself into the Navy's version of rehab, in an effort to get himself sorted out good and proper. I've known Simon for some 4 or 5 years now, and although he's not my oldest friend, he's one of my closest. He recognized that he has a problem and is taking steps to overcome it and become a better person, and that's something we can all strive to achieve. They say that you can like a man for his qualities, but love a man for his flaws, and this is true where Simon is concerned. I've lost count of the times when I've just rolled my eyes and groaned at Simon's escapades but despite his tomfoolery and hooliganism, his bad judgement and even badder temper, I know that inside he is a noble and brave person and has an amazing capacity for love. 90% of his troubles have their roots in either the bottle or some other excess, but now that's going to become a thing of the past. So, if and when you read this, Simon, I wish you all the best, and to anyone else out there; in support for what Simon's doing, I want you all to give up something that you know you do to excess while Simon is in the tank (1 month). Our own private, non-denominational Lent.

So, a toast....to noble causes!

Handy in the Micro wave

Handy in der Mikrowelle

Vegie and Beef Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 500g Beef Stirfry strips (or diced beef)
• 2 Cups pasta (Penne, Rigottini, Fusili)
• 1 Medium Zucchini, diced
  
• 1/3 Cabbage, shredded
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 3 fresh chili peppers, cut into thin slivers (or 3 tspn chili)
• 1 Carrot, diced
  
• 2x 440g Tins diced Tomatoes
• 1 Capsicum, diced
  
• 2 cups grated Cheese (any type will do)
• 2 crushed Garlic cloves
  
• 2 Tblspn Paprika
• 2 Tspn Oregano
  

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Cook Pasta according to instructions and set aside.
   
2. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tblspn Olive oil and saute onions and carrots for 5 mins, then add chilis, garlic, paprika and oregano.
3. Add meat to pan and brown, then add zucchini and cabbage and cook for about 5 mins. Add capsicum and cook for another 5 mins. Veges should still be slightly el'dente (helps keep their nutritious value).
   
4. In a large oven proof greased deep dish, layer the drain pasta and then the meat and vege mix. Cover evenly with the tinned diced tomatoes. Top with cheese.
5. Place in oven and bake for 15 mins, or until golden brown on top.

Put this number together when I saw I had fresh veges that needed eating, and some beef strips that i was planning on making a stroganof with. More or less chili can be used, depending on taste, and for a twist you can put about a cup of cream in with the tomatoes, and stir through half a cup of cheese as well as topping it with cheese. Or use diced cheese through the tomato. Possibilities are endless.

Enjoy!

-James, the Not So Skinny Cook.