Farfalle Pasta Salad

There are so many pastas to choose from and I'm falling in love with the wheat and whole grain pastas.  I like my pastas al dente anyway and these pastas have the best texture and 'toothiness', plus the flavor is incredible, plus Barilla's has protein...nice.  Instead of just a pretty backdrop and filler to dishes, the pasta can now add its own wonderful flavor and protein to enhance the dish.  Hello?!  LOVE it!

Looking for a quick, easy and beautiful addition to your July 4th weekend menu?  Try this!

1 Box of Barilla Whole Grain Farfalle (bowtie pasta)
1/2 cup of julienned (thin strips) Sun Dried Tomatoes
4 oz of julienned Fresh Basil - use as much as you want and save some for garnish.  (I love basil.)
1/4 cup Romano Cheese - freshly grated
Fresh Squeezed Lemon - (key ingredient)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - to taste

Once ingredients are combined, squeeze the lemon juice from a fresh lemon into the salad - watch for seeds - and do NOT substitute bottled lemon juice.  Drizzle olive oil over pasta salad just enought to moisten.  Stir.  Place in refrigerator and let sit.  The pasta will soak up olive oil, so add / drizzle more olive oil until slightly moist.  Add a little bit at a time.  Note:  You do not want mega amounts of olive oil rolling around in the bottom of the serving dish.  Chill.  Garnish with fresh basil and more grated romano.  Serve!

This is a simple, basic recipe.  Add artichokes or feta cheese for a zippier flavor instead of romano. 

Have fun.  Be safe and enjoy the fireworks!

2010 Market Schedule - UPDATE

Freight House Farmer's Market 2010
Attending: May 1st through June 26th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Davenport, Iowa

Bloomington Farmer's Market 2010
Attending: May 15th through October 30th, 2010
Saturdays, 7:30 am to 12 Noon

Ottawa Old Town Farmer's Market 2010
Attending Occasionally: Beginning July 10th, 24th and 31st through October 30th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

Ottawa Riverfest Market 2010
Saturday, July 31st & Sunday, August 1
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Downtown on Jackson St. - Ottawa, Illinois

Peoria Heights Market 2010
Attending: June 16th through September 29th
Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Peoria Riverfront Market 2010
Attending Occasionally: Beginning July 3rd and 17th through September 25th
Saturdays, 8:00 am to 12 Noon

SPECIAL NOTE:  Market schedule is subject to change.  In the event of heavy rains or the anticipation of severe weather, JAVA & Co. will not be in attendance.  Please email javaandco@live.com if you have a special order request or have any questions. 

Thank you!

JAVA & Co.'s Television Debut

Wednesday was an early morning - up at 3:15 am to drive one hour and make a 5:30 am curtain call.  This was our first television spot and so far, our 3rd year of business is off to a good start.  These public relation and marketing opportunities are appreciated and greatly valued - especially for a small, family owned and operated local business.  Thank you for all who tuned in to watch and we look forward to visiting with you at the Riverfront Market in Peoria this year and in the years to come!

Visit the following link to view the broadcast:
 
WEEK News 25 - NBC Affiliate

Jamie Knoll
Owner / Co-founder

JAVA & Co.
Small Batch Recipes
http://www.javaandco.com/