Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. February is American Heart month, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has some great advice for anyone looking to help his/her heart get or stay healthy. You can start at home with what you’re eating!
Lemons are known for their tart and sour flavor, but as an ingredient, this citrus fruit is the perfect complement to both sweet and savory dishes. Another source of the lemon essence is lemon extract, which is an easy way to keep the lemon flavor on hand in your pantry. And don’t discount the lemon rind in your recipe! A dash of rind goes a long way and adds that luscious lemon burst of flavor. Don’t limit lemon to only sweet treats – a touch of lemon adds the perfect accent to any recipe. Simply add lemon juice on your poultry and fish before cooking for healthy flavor in a flash. Sweet, savory, healthy and easy – lemons are the perfect ingredient to make your taste buds sing.
Lemon Angel Hair Pasta with Pine Nuts
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, reserving
- 1/4 cup cooking water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water; drain well and set aside.
- In small nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, stirring, one minute. Transfer to large bowl and add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Season to taste.
- Add pasta with reserved cooking water to bowl and toss together until well combined. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 297 Calories from fat 29% Fat 10g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 9mg Carbohydrate 45g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 3g Protein 8g Dietary Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 1/2 fat
Pine nuts are considered to be an aphrodisiac so make this lover’s lemon pasta side of choice with whatever you are serving! Watch toasting pine nuts carefully as they burn very quickly!
Spicy Advice: I recommend using fresh lemons and parsley- but if not in the mood, hit the bottle (of lemon juice).
Written by: Holly Clegg, Culinary Expert
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