Healthy Cooking Demonstrations
NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo
Washington Convention Center
February 17 and 18, 2001

     Stratford University took part in the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo, an event in which the school has participated for several years. This year’s event was the most successful Expo so far. Stratford University not only demonstrated some fabulous low-fat and healthy dishes, but also hosted some celebrity guest chefs who were thrilled to work under the auspices of Stratford University.
     Some of the celebrities included:
  • Dave Caulkins of J. Paul’s Restaurant
  • Jack Batten of ChefWorks Personal Chef Services
  • Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant
  • Gail Naftalin of Gail’s Vegetarian Catering
  • Ris Lacoste of 1789 Restaurant
  • Darrell Hughes of Paolo's of Georgetown Restaurant
  • Timothy Dean of Timothy Dean’s Restaurant

     The big surprise of the event was that S. Epathia Merkerson, who plays Lt. Anita VanBuren on NBC's award winning show Law & Order, asked if she could cook with some of our chefs. Ms. Merkerson drew a huge crowd and then stayed to help serve the guests. She was incredibly kind and friendly to our students. Stratford University wishes to thank her for taking the time to join our demonstration.
     Many guests visited our booth and gathered information on Stratford’s Culinary Workshops, Friday night Fine Dining, and the full-length Degree Program. We look forward to seeing these folks and many others at our college real soon. And we hope to see everybody back at next year’s Expo. Remember, just because it is low-fat, does not mean it can’t taste delicious!
     All the chefs, who participated in the event, were kind enough to allow us to publish their recipes. Just click on the name to see the full recipe.


Seared Tuna with Noodles in Pickled Ginger and Citrus Sauce
by Chef Dave Caulkins
J. Paul’s Restaurant
Servings: 2
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

2

Each

Medallions of sushi grade tuna fillets

4-ounce portions

  
  

Salt and pepper

To taste

1

Teaspoon

Olive oil

  

1

Teaspoon

Pickled ginger

Minced

1

Teaspoon

Garlic

Minced

1/4

Cup

Onions

Julienned

1/4

Cup

Carrots

Julienned

1/4

Cup

Red pepper

  

1/4

Cup

Snow peas

Julienned

1/4

Cup

Low-sodium soy sauce

  

1/4

Cup

Orange juice

  

1

Tablespoon

Hoisin sauce

  

1/2

Cup

Chicken or vegetable tock

De-fatted

1

Teaspoon

Honey

  

1/4

Cup

Cilantro

Chopped

1/2

Teaspoon

Your favorite chile

Minced (optional)

1

Pound

Noodles (soba, spaghetti, angel hair)

Cooked

1

Tablespoon

Scallions

Sliced

  1. Season tuna with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in heavy skillet until very hot.
  3. Place tuna in skillet and quickly sear until rare or desired degree of doneness.
  4. Remove tuna from pan and set aside.
  5. Flash saute ginger, garlic, and vegetables (10 seconds)
  6. Deglaze pan with all liquids.
  7. Add remaining ingredients excluding scallions and cook until sauce reduces until thick (3 minutes)
  8. Garnish with scallions
Balsamic Vinegar Chicken with Wild Mushrooms and Peppers
By Chef Jack Batten
ChefWorks Personal Chef Services
Servings:  6
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

1/4

Pound

Red bell peppers

  

1/4

Pound

Green bell peppers

  

2

Teaspoons

Olive oil

  

1/3

Cup

Raisins

  

1/4

Cup

Balsamic vinegar

  

1 1/2

Teaspoons

Sugar

  

1/4

Teaspoon

Salt

  

1/8

Teaspoon

Pepper

  

1

Tablespoon

Clove garlic

Minced fine

1/2

Pound

Shiitake mushrooms

Quartered

1/2

Pound

Mushroom

Sliced ¼” thick

6

Each

Boneless chicken breast havles

Skinless

3

Tablespoons

Fine bread crumbs

  

3

Tablespoons

Paremesan cheese

Grated

1/4

Cup

All-purpose flour

  

2

Each

Egg whites

  

2

Teaspoons

Olive oil

  

2

Tablespoons

Balsamic vinegar

  

2

Tablespoons

Water

  

24

Each

Arugula leaves

Optional

  1. Cut bell peppers into 2” X 2 ½” strips.  Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add peppers and garlic; saute 8 minutes.  Add mushrooms and raisins; saute 1 minute.  Add ¼ cup vinegar and next 3 ingredients; cook 1 minute.  Remove from heat.  Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Place each piece of chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap, and flatten to ¼” thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  4. Combine breadcrumbs and cheese in a shallow dish; set aside.
  5. Place flour in a shallow dish; dredge each piece of chicken in flour and dip in egg whites.  Dredge chicken in breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken and cook 3 minutes on each side or until done.  Remove from heat.
  7. Place chicken and mushroom-pepper mixture on a serving platter; set aside and keep warm.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and water to skillet; stir with a wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
  9. Spoon mixture over chicken and mushroom-pepper mixture.
Citrus Cured Salmon Gravlax
by Todd Gray
Equinox Restaurant
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

1

Side

Salmon fillet

 

4

Cups

Kosher salt

 

4

Cups

Granulated sugar

 

10

Each

Lemons

 

10

Each

Limes

 

10

Each

Oranges or tangerines

 

2

Tablespoons

Fennel seed

 

2

Tablespoons

Whole peppercorns

 

3

Each

Bay leaves

Crushed

  1. Trim salmon belly and remove pin bones.
  2. Zest all citrus fruits, chop zest and combine.
  3. Combine salt, sugar, fennel, peppercorns, bay leaves and chopped zest (hereforth referred to as the Cure)
  4. Lay out one long sheet of plastic wrap across large sheet pan.
  5. Spread healthy portion of the Cure on wrap, patting flat.
  6. Lay salmon, skin-side down, onto Cure.
  7. Cover salmon with more Cure to coat.
  8. Lay another sheet of plastic wrap across salmon and seal.
  9. Wrap salmon once again with wrap.
  10. Place another sheet tray on top of wrapped salmon and weigh down.
  11. Cure for 24 hours in a refrigerator
Babaganouge – Eggplant Dip
by Gail Naftalin
Gail’s Vegetarian Catering
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

3

Each

Large eggplants

 

1

Piece

Ginger

2” piece, grated

3

Cloves

Garlic

Crushed

1/2

Tablespoon

Maple syrup

 

1/2

Teaspoon

Hot pepper flakes

 

3

Tablespoons

Cilantro

 

1

Tablespoon

Soy sauce

 

1

Tablespoon

Rice wine vinegar

 

3

Tablespoons

Lemon juice

 
   

Freshly ground black pepper

 

1/4

Cup

Tahini

Optional

   

Olive oil

Dribbled (optional)

  1. Pierce eggplant in several places with a fork.  Place them on a baking sheet, and broil in a preheated broiler for about 20 minutes, turning several times so that the skin chars on all sides.  Let eggplant cool.
  2. When cool, cut eggplant in half, remove flesh and combine with remaining ingredients
Green Bean and Walnut Pate
by Gail Naftalin
Gail’s Vegetarian Catering
Servings:  1 cup
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

1/4

Pound

Green beans

 

1

Each

Small onion

Sliced

1

Clove

Garlic

 

1

Tablespoon

Unrefined sesame oil

 

1/4

Teaspoon

Sea salt

 

1/2

Cup

Walnuts

 

1/2

Tablespoons

White miso or

 

1

Teaspoon

Lemon juice

 
   

Freshly ground black pepper

To taste

  1. Wash the green beans, and remove the sends.  Steam in ½ inch of water until tender, about 10 – 12 minutes.  Drain and set aside.
  2. Slice the onion thinly and chop the garlic.  Heat the oil in a skillet over medium ehat.  Add the onions and galric, and saute for 3 minutes.  Add the sea salt, reduce heat, and cook covered for 5 – 7 minutes, or until soft.  Uncover, raise heat to high and cook for about 10 – 15 minutes, or until well browned, stirring often.
  3. Grind the walnuts in a food processor.  Add the cooked green beans and onions, and process until thoroughly blended.  Add the miso of lemon juice and the pepper, and process for a few seconds, or until blended.  Taste and adjust seasoning
Basil Shrimp in Coconut Lime Ginger Broth w/Asian Greens
by Ris Lacoste
1789 Restaurant
Servings: 6
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
3 Cans Coconut milk (12 Ounce Cans)  
4 Ounces Ginger Coarsely chopped
4 Ounces Lemon grass Coarsely chopped
1 Each Kafir lime leaf  
1 1/2 Ounces Thai fish sauce  
1 1/2 Ounces Sugar  
18 Each Shrimp Peeled & deveined
2 Tablespoons Fresh basil Chopped
1 Tablespoon Fresh garlic Chopped
2 Ounces Peanut or olive oil  
1 Pound Honshimeiji mushrooms Sliced
3 Cups Asian greens  
1 Each Red bell pepper Finely julienne
1 Bunch Scallions Diced
    Salt and freshly cracked black pepper To taste
    Thai chile paste OR
Chinese chile paste w/garlic
 
2 Tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro -- chopped Chopped
2 Tablespoons Basil Chiffonnade
1 Each Lime  
Preferably the day before serving, prepare the broth:
  1. In a heavy based 2 quart sauce pan, combine the coconut milk, ginger, lemon grass and lime leaf.
  2. Bring just to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the fish sauce and sugar and keep covered in the refrigerator overnight or for up to three days. If time does not allow, just let the broth simmer for a longer period of time, approximately 30 minutes to infuse the flavors. You can then strain and serve immediately.
  3. Meanwhile, marinate the shrimp in the basil, garlic and oil. This can be done a day ahead also.
  4. To serve, sauté the shrimp for a minute or two until the center is barely opaque. Add the mushrooms and cook for a minute longer. Then add the greens, red pepper and scallions and toss once or twice in the pan. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place a dab of chile paste in the bottom of each bowl. Top with equal parts of the shrimp/vegetable mixture. Strain about 6 ounces of hot broth over the vegetables and top with chopped cilantro, basil chiffonnade and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Lemongrass Poached Salmon w/Honeyed Green Tomato Relish
by Darrell J. Hughes
Paolo's of Georgetown
Servings: 2
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
2 Each Green tomatoes Cored, small dice
1 Each Roma tomato Cored, small dice
1/2 Each Red onion Small dice
2 Tablespoons Honey  
2 Tablspoons White balsamic vinegar  
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper  
1 Teaspoon Parsley Minced
    Salt and pepper To taste
2 Each Salmon fillet Skinned
1 Each Red pepper Cored, julienne
1 Each Zucchini Cut into half moons
1 Each Carrot Peeled & julienne
1 Each Red onion Julienne
1 Cup Dry white wine  
2 Cups Fish stock  
2 Ounces Lemongrass Split
1 Ounce Fresh ginger root Split

FOR RELISH:

  1. Mix green tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, red onion, honey, vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper together.
  2. Let marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

FOR SALMON:

  1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. In a sauté pan, add julienne vegetables, salmon filets, wine, fish stock, lemongrass, salt and pepper.
  3. Cover with parchment paper or foil. Bring to a simmer over a medium flame.
  4. Place in a 350 degree oven until desired doneness is achieved. Remove lemongrass and ginger.
  5. Place salmon on top of rice and surround with steamed Basmati Rice.
Basmati Rice
By Darrel J. Hughes
Paolo's of Georgetown
Servings: 
2
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1 Cup Basmati rice  
2 Cups Water  
1 Teaspoon Coriander Ground
    Salt and Pepper To Taste
  1. Mix rice, water, coriander, salt and pepper in a small sauce pot with a lid.
  2. Bring to a simmer over a medium flame. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes until liquid is gone and rice is fluffy and light.
  3. Fluff with a fork. Reserve hot until time to serve.
New Orleans Red Beans
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation

1

Pound

Dry red beans

 

2

Quarts

Water

 

1 1/2

Cups

Onion

Chopped

1

Cup

Celery

Chopped

4

Each

Bay leaves

 

1

Cup

Sweet peppers

Julienned

3

Tablespoons

Garlic

Chopped

3

Tablespoons

Parsley

Chopped

2

Teaspoons

Dried thyme

Crushed

1

Teaspoon

Salt

 

1

Teaspoon

Black pepper

 
  1. Pick through beans to remove bad beans; rinse thoroughly.
  2. In a 5-quart pot, combine beans, water, onion, celery, and bay leaves.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat.  Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 ½ hours or until beans are tender.  Stir and mash beans against the sides of the pan.
  3. Add peppers, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt and black pepper.  Cook uncovered over low heat.  Remove bay leaves.
  4. Serve over hot, cooked brown rice, if desired
Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette
by Stratford University
Servings: 12
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1 Cup   Olive oil   
3 Tablespoons   Red wine vinegar   
2 Tablespoons  Balsamic vinegar   
2 Tablespoons   Dijon mustard   
1 Teaspoon Garlic Finely minced
      Kosher salt To taste
      Fresh ground black pepper To taste
  1. Whisk vinegars with mustard and garlic.
  2. Add oil in a thin stream, whisking.
  3. Season to taste
Guilt Free Chocolate Mousse
by Stratford University
Servings: 6
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
4 Ounces   Semisweet chocolate chips   
1 Tablespoon   Unsweetened cocoa powder   
1/4 Cup  Skim milk   
2 Teaspoons   Orange zest     
1/2 Cup  Granulated sugar   
1/3 Cup   Water   
  3 Each   Egg whites   
  1. In a stainless steel bowl set over top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate with the cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.  Add the orange zest and transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil.  Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring.  Occasionally brush down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water.  Cook until a candy thermometer reads 240 degrees.
  3. In the meantime, in a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until they form soft peaks.  Turn the speed own to medium.  With the mixer running, add the sugar syrup in a slow steady stream down the side of the bowl, being careful not to drip any syrup on the whip.  Continue whipping until the meringue reaches stiff peaks and looks shiny and glossy.  Whip until the meringue is cool.  Remove bowl from the mixer.  Carefully fold  the meringue into chocolate mixture in thirds until no white streaks remain.
  4. Spoon the mixture into 6 individual serving bowls.  Chill, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-1/2 hours or until firm.  Serve garnished with candied orange peels, segemented oranges, or chocolate shavings.
Gumbo 4 Your Health
by Stratford University
Servings: 10
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
8 Ounces Onion Dice, 1/2"
2 Ounces

Green bell pepper

Dice, 1/2"
2 Ounces Yellow bell pepper Dice, 1/2"
2 Ounces Red bell pepper Dice, 1/2"
4 Ounces Ham Dice, 1/2"
1 Tablespoon Garlic Chopped
5 Ounces Okra, frozen Sliced
1 1/2 Cups Tomato Dice, 1/2"
2 1/2 Teaspoons Thyme   
1 Ounce Worcestershire sauce   
3/4 Cup Tomato Puree
1 2/3 Cups Chicken stock Homemade
2 1/2 Teaspoons Crystal Hot Sauce   
6 Ounces Sausage meat     
4 Ounces Butter     
4 Ounces Flour Dark brown 
8 Ounces Chicken, dark meat Cooked, medium diced
1 Tablespoon File powder     
3 Quarts Cooked rice     
  1. In a skillet, sweat onion, green, red and yellow bell peppers, ham, garlic, and okra until tender (about 6 minutes).
  2. Add dice tomatoes, thyme, worcestershire sauce, tomato puree, chicken stock and hot sauce.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in dark brown flour.
  5. Bring to a boil.
  6. Turn down heat; add gumbo file, and cooked chicken.

Serving Ideas: Serve with cooked white rice.
Notes : Traditionally, Gumbo is flavored with a very dark brown roux, which is made by cooking equal parts oil and flour until dark brown. To reduce the fat in the recipe, the flour is cooked in a non-stick skillet until dark brown; this is a time-consuming process and should be done a day in advance.

Orange Pineapple Soy Salad Dressing
by Stratford University
Servings: 6
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1/2 Cup Orange juice Freshly squeezed
1/4 Cup Lime juice Freshly squeezed
2 Tablespoons Soy sauce, low sodium   
1 Tablespoon Sesame oil, light colored     
1 Tablespoon Pineapple juice, frozen concentrate       
1/2 Teaspoon Ginger root Minced
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Minced
       Fresh ground black pepper To taste
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large storage container; mix.
  2. Refrigerate until the flavors are blended, or about 3 hours.
  3. Serve with vegetable, fruit, and/or grain salads such as a salad of pineapple cubes, orange sections, and jicama strips, or quinoa salad decorated with pineapple, mandarin oranges, and water chestnuts.
Orange-Ginger Vinaigrette
by Stratford University
Servings: 16
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1/3 Cup Orange juice, frozen concentrate   
2 2/3 Tablespoons Balsamic vinegar   
2 2/3 Tablespoons Red wine vinegar   
2 2/3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard     
1 1/2 Teaspoons Ginger Freshly grated
1 1/2 Teaspoons Garlic Freshly minced
1 Cup Canola oil   
      Kosher salt To taste
           Fesh ground black pepper To taste
  1. Mix all ingredients (except oil) together in a mixing bowl.
  2. Blend well with a whisk.
  3. Add the oil in a thin stream, whisking to emulsify.
  4. Season to taste.
NOTES : Makes one pint
Oriental Chicken Salad w/Orange Pineapple Soy Dressing
by Stratford University
Servings: 6
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1 1/4 Pounds Napa cabbage   
1 1/4 Pounds Chicken breast Cooked
5 Ounces Romaine lettuce   
4 Ounces Snow peas Trimmed
4 Ounces Carrot Batonnet
4 Ounces Red bell peppers Batonnet
4 Ounces Yellow bell pepper Batonnet
2 Ounces Enoki mushrooms Washed
1/2 Recipe Orange-Pineapple Soy Dressing See Recipe
1/4 Ounce Sesame seeds Toasted
  1. After cooking cut chicken into matchstick strips.
  2. Select 24 nice leaves from the napa cabbage; set aside.  Shred remaining cabbage.
  3. Combine the shredded cabbage and ingredients through the mushrooms with the salad dressing.
  4. Arrange the reserved cabbage leaves on chilled plates.  Mound the salad in the center.  Serve with toasted sesame seeds.
Vegetarian Chili
by Stratford University
Servings: 10
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1 1/2 Ounces Vegetable oil   
1 1/2 Pounds Leek Dice, 1/2"
3/4 Pound Green pepper Dice, 1/2"
6 Ounces Cubanelle pepper Dice, 1/2"
1 Ounce Jalapeno pepper Minced
3 1/8 Ounces Chili powder   
3/8 Ounce Ground cumin   
2 1/2 Pounds Tomatoes, canned Dice, 1/2"
2 Each Bay leaf   
2 Teaspoons Thyme     
3/8 Teaspoon Oregano   
3/8 Teaspoon  Black pepper   
1 1/2 Tablespoons Kosher salt   
3/4 Pound Red beans Cooked
3 1/8 Ounces Black beans Cooked
  1. Saute vegetables in oil. Add spices and heat for two minutes.
  2. Add remaining ingredients except beans, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  3. Add cooked beans, simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Warm Red Bell Pepper and Garlic Vinaigrette
by Stratford University
Servings: 8
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
5 Ounces Red bell pepper oil Instructions below
10 Cloves  Roasted garlic puree Instructions below
1 Tablespoon Marjoram Finely chopped
3 Tablespoons White wine vinegar   
      Kosher salt To taste
      Fresh ground black pepper To taste
1/2 Pound Red bell pepper Used for pepper oil
1 Cup Olive oil Used for pepper oil

Vinaigrette

  1. Prepare garlic puree (see below) and red bell pepper oil (see below)
  2. Combine garlic puree, marjoram, and vinegar.
  3. Whisk in the red bell pepper oil in a thin stream and season to taste.

Red Bell Pepper Oil

  1. Wash, dry and lightly oil 1/2 pound of red bell peppers. 
  2. Place in a 350 degree oven and roast until blackened.
  3. Cool, peel, seed and puree in 1 cup of olive oil.
  4. Cook gently for 20 minutes and strain through a fine strainer.

Roasted Garlic Puree

  1. Oil lightly a whole head of garlic and roast in a 350 degree oven until soft and light brown
  2. Cool, cut head in half and press out garlic puree.
Home
Galette
by Stratford University
Servings: 2
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
1 Cup All Purpose Flour  
1/4 Cup Cornmeal  
1 Tablespoon Sugar  
1/4 Teaspoon Salt  
1/4 Cup Butter Cold
1/2 Cup Buttermilk Cold
Filling
1/2 Cup Sugar  
3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour  
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon  
1 Pinch Nutmet  
2 Cups Berries  
1/2 Each Lemon Juice

BISCUIT METHOD:

  1. Sift together dry ingredients.
  2. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the size of peas.
  3. Add the buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix with a bowl scraper gently, incorporating the liquid with the dry.
  4. Form the dough into two balls, cover with plastic wrap and flatten each into a disk.
  5. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes or overnight.
  6. Place the dough on a lightly floured table. Roll each piece to 1/8" thick circle.
  7. Dust off any excess flour. Transfer dough to a parchment lined sheet pan.

FILLING:

  1. Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small S/S bowl.
  2. Toss this mixture with the berries.

ASSEMBLY:

  1. Place half of the berry mixture in the center of each dough circle leaving a 2"-3" border.
  2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the filling. Bring up the sides of the dough pleating the edges around the tart.
  3. Bake in a 375 degree convection until golden brown and filling is boiling. (About 10 minutes.)
Italian Style Steamed Mussels Marinara
by Stratford University
Servings: 4
Amount
Measure
Ingredient
Preparation
3 Pounds Mussels, Whole Cleaned
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil  
2 Cloves Garlic Sliced
1 1/2 Cups Canned Tomatoes, Plum Crushed
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine OR
Water, Seasoned
 
1/2 Each Onion Finely Chopped
1/2 Each Carrot Peeled, Finely Chopped
3 Tablespoons Parsley Chopped
1 Tablespoon Cracked Black Pepper Freshly Ground
1/2 Pound Pasta, Dried  
During the following steps bring heavily salted water to a boil (for cooking pasta)
  1. In a separate pot, heat oil and garlic in pot until aroma of garlic is achieved.
  2. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Keep warm and reserve.
  3. In second pot, bring wine, carrots, and onions to a boil.
  4. Add mussels, cover and steam for 5 to 8 minutes or until opened.
  5. Start pasta noodles in boiling water. Cook until just under done (Do Not Overcook).
  6. Spoon mussels out and keep hot.
  7. Blend vegetables with hand blender or bar blender until smooth.
  8. Add liquid to tomato sauce, season to taste, adjust consistency.
  9. Add pasta to sauce and simmer until pasta is cooked to desired doneness and plate.
  10. Arrange mussels around pasta and sprinkle parsley over top.

NOTES : Grated Parmesan is a great finishing touch.