The Betty Crocker Project : Beef & Artichoke Pasta

So this morning, I had this whole rant about how the NBA terrible tattoo situation was out of control and how in life sometimes there are no second chances. (Yes - That was a tattoo of a dragon flying towards a basketball being held like a crystal ball and that other guy has Abe Lincoln on his neck)

That blog made sense because this was a recipe that has 2 versions - one fast and one exceptional! It was a blog entry about how the kitchen forgives and you can always come back and try again. Then I saw this and  I just had to share :

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Craziest F#?ing Thing I've Ever Heard - Gored Bullfighter
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Fox News

I wasn't one of those folks who celebrated when bullfighter Julio Aparicio was gored. Though I have to admit my first thought was - "Karma's a Bitch."

I mean I would slap that guy something awful given the chance but I don't wish torture and death on anyone - even a freaking jerk face like him. Just because I am pro-animal doesn't mean I'm anti-human and I wouldn't be much of an advocate for animals if I didn't think there was a way to change people's hearts and minds towards animals - even a freaking jerk face like him. I mean isn't that really - at the most basic level - what the animal rights movement is about? Aren't we just asking people to not be a jerk to the those who depend on our compassion?

Having said that - I couldn't agree more with the intro to this piece from The Colbert Report and I sincerely hope that Senior Aparicio thinks a little bit more about his life choices and the barbaric butchery he is responsible for. He had a choice to get in that ring - the bull didn't.

OK - Soapbox put away let's make some fake Beef & Artichoke Pasta!

Beef & Artichoke Pasta (The Fast Way)

• 8 oz of Spinach Pasta ( I went with the spirals but there is so many to choose from)
• 1 Jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts (get the 6oz jars that are already halved or quartered - you're using the marinade so don't drain)
• 1 Small Red Onion (chopped)
• 1 Cup Vegan Sour Cream
• 1/2 Cup Nutritional Yeast 
• 1 Package Gardein Beef-less Tips (you can use your favorite fake beef here but you are recreating roast beef or steak and I think this is the best substitute)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Olive Oil for cooking

Cook and drain pasta using the directions on the box.

In your little cast iron skillet buddy, heat about 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil at a medium heat. Then add Gardein and heat - flipping several times - till it is brown on all sides. Then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Then in the same skillet, heat 1 Tablespoon of the Artichoke Heart Marinade til it bubbles at a medium heat. Cook Onion in the marinade, til they begin to become tender.

Stir in Sour Cream and heat until hot. Stir in Nutritional Yeast, Artichoke Hearts and Gardein and heat until hot.

Add the Pasta, Salt and Pepper and toss. Serve warm with some of the Sunflower Herb Bread and enjoy a lovely night making fun of NBA tattoos.

Beef & Artichoke Pasta (The shockingly good one - pictured above)

• 8 oz of Spinach Pasta ( I went with the spirals but there is so many to choose from)
  
• 1 Jar Marinated Artichoke Hearts (get the 6oz jars that are already halved or quartered - you're using the marinade so don't drain)
• 2 Tablespoon Margarine
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 4 Tablespoon Nutritional Yeast 
• 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3 Tablespoons White Wine 
• 1 Teaspoon Olive Oil 
• 1 Cup Soy Milk 
• 2 Tablespoons Daiya Mozzarella (shredded)
• Pinch Celery Seed
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon Braggs
• 1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 Cup Peas
• 1 Package Gardein Beef-less Tips (you can use your favorite fake beef here but you are recreating roast beef or steak and I think this is the best substitute) 
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling over the top
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Olive Oil for cooking

Cook and drain pasta using the directions on the box.

In your little cast iron skillet buddy, heat about 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil at a medium heat. Then add Gardein and heat - flipping several times - till it is brown on all sides. Then remove from the skillet and set aside.


Then in the same skillet, heat Margarine until it is completely melted. Then add Garlic. Let it brown for less than a minute. Then add, Nutritional Yeast, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Olive Oil and White Wine. Keep stirring until the ingredients are completely mixed and starting to bubble. Then add Soy Milk, Oregano, Braggs, Parsley, Celery Seed, Daiya Cheese, Peas and 1 Tablespoon of the Artichoke Heart Marinade Keep stirring. Once this is completely mixed and bubbling, stir in Gardein.

Put the Pasta and Gardein Sauce Mix in a bowl and toss. Add Salt, Pepper and Artichoke Marinade mix to taste. Dump a bunch of the Vegan Parmesan Cheese on top and think about all the good karma you are getting by being vegan.