Il Semplice (The Uncomplicated)

A few weeks ago, I bought 2 cookbooks.  Well, they were of course on sale.

One was Guy Mirabella's Eat Ate, I was attracted by the gorgeous cover and the absolutely beautiful layout within.  Priced at $12.99.

I also picked up Friday Night Dinners by Bonnie Stern.  I have been a fan of her recipes in the National Post and thought it was time for a copy of her book, for $9.99.

Then one night I took the liberty and matched up one recipe from each book and made a lovely meal.

Chicken with Rosemary and Garlic

Linguini with Zucchini, Spinach, Lemon and Pine Nuts

I am always weary of grilled chicken in fear of a dry and tasteless piece of meat.  I did not get that with this recipe.  It was so flavourable because there were also red pepper flakes, lemon peel and salt and pepper in the marinade.

I grilled them on an iron skillet and they turned out perfectly.  The leftovers were great on a salad as well!

Chef Mirabella mentioned in his book that this is the most popular pasta in his café and I absolutely understand. It looked and tasted uncomplicated and down to earth. I could picture us enjoying this alfresco somewhere in Italy with some lovely wine, watching life goes by....

http://www.bonniestern.com/bonnies-cookbooks/friday-night-dinners/

http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/recipes/recipe-linguine-with-zucchini-spinach-lemon-and-pine-nuts/a/29164

Chicken 9/10
Pasta 9/10