Family Friendly Blount

Family Friendly Blount loves local brick and mortar stores.  As supporters of the 3/50 Project, we believe that it's important to visit merchants we love and show our support.  Here's the backbone of the 3/50 Project:  Spend at least $50 each month at 3 locally owned stores.  $68 out of every $100 spent locally goes back into our economy as compared to corporate chains where we see as little as $15 of the revenue reinvested in our community.  Click here to read The Hidden Power of Shopping Locally.    

With all of that said, all of the ingredients for this easy recipe are available at The Market in Maryville.  Feel free to snip a few fresh herbs from the pots outside of the store, but please don't take more than you need so we can all share the love.  

Ragin' Cajun Pasta  (3 man-sized servings, or 4 normal-sized servings)  

Ingredients

• 2 links of spicy cajun sausage (about 2/3 pound)
• 1 chunk of butter (2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup of Cruze Farm Organic Cream
• Garlic
• Handful of feta cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta (1/2 box)
• 1 tomato (Pope's hydroponic tomatoes are the best!)
• 2 slices of bacon (Benton's, please)
• Grated parmesean
• Fresh parsley (or cilantro for a brighter flavor)
• Garlic bread
• *Optional:  Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
• *Optional:  Gator Hammock Hot Sauce

Bring salted water to a rolling boil for penne noodles.  Brown spicy cajun sausage, drain, slice and set aside.  In the same pan over medium-low heat, saute freshly minced garlic.  Combine butter and heavy cream.  Whisk until combined.  Do not salt - trust me, you won't need it.  Add a handful of feta cheese (you can substitute parmesan or mozzarella instead of feta, but those cheeses are less salty and you may need to add a dash of salt).   Continue to stir while cheese melts until smooth.  Once the water comes to a boil, dump 1/2 box of penne and boil to taste.  While the water boils, cook bacon, dice tomato, and finely chop parsley (or cilantro).  Add the meat to the sauce and stir until noodles are done.  If you prefer a spicier pasta, add Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning or Gator Hammock Hot Sauce while the noodles finish.  Drain noodles and add to the sauce.   Garnish with bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh parmesan cheese.  

You have to use Mother Earth Meat's spicy cajun pasta.  It's the best.  The handmade sausage is prepared at The Market with fresh, high quality ingredients.  To learn more about The Market, visit www.themarketinmaryville.com.  The Market is located on the corner of Washington and High at 606 High Street.