Why are most comfort foods bad for you? Molly's favorite comfort food isn't exactly on the heart healthy menu, but she loves it! It makes her feel comfy, because it is warm and cheesy (and it's pasta.) The biggest reason she finds it comforting is probably because I make it when she needs a little extra love. Herbed Fettuccine Alfredo was on the menu this week and out of respect for my family's heart health, I lightened it up. It's been a week from “below” every evening at my house; we had tons of homework. Molly was working extra hard to complete her work that wasn't due until the end of the week, but she also was kind of freaking herself out! To to lighten the mood ( the Alfredo recipe wasn't the only thing that needed to lighten up!) I told her that I would make her one of her favorite meals. Even better, I’ll make your “comfy meal” I said. A big smile appeared. Of course, our meal would also include our family favorite, pounded chicken. This week our pounded chicken was Carlinne's Tuscan Style recipe. We all were comforted by Molly's favorite meal, and I hope you and your family will be, too.
Cook 1 pound of fettuccine. Melt a half a stick of butter in a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 clove of garlic, minced. Cook 2 minutes. Whisk in 6-8 ounces of mascarpone cheese and 1 cup of fat free milk. Once all ingredients are melted together, toss in the fettuccine. Add a bit of pasta water, a little at a time, if your sauce is too thick. Add 1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and chopped herbs, basil, oregano and thyme. Serve immediately with a few shakes of red pepper flakes.