🫛🫛🫛Eat Your Peas....and Love Them! 🫛 🫛🫛

Published: Tue, 07/02/24

Updated: Tue, 07/02/24

All about Peas, Hay and Straw Pasta Recipe, save 20% on a Cestari Pasta Machine, and more!
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Quote Of The Day

"Peas are not just a humble side dish, they are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate any dish to new heights." - "The Joy of Cooking

🫛🫛🫛Eat Your Peas 🫛 🫛🫛

~A Few Words From Susan~

Fresh peas have a short season, but it is oh so sweet while it lasts!  I spend a lot of time shelling and freezing them, as they are a treasure for winter dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd's Pie, and all types of pasta dishes .  Today's video teaches one of my favorite pasta dishes that uses peas - Hay and Straw, a delightful mix  of cream, cheese, peas, and ham.


This issue also explains how to use the three main types of peas, includes a 20% off coupon for our pasta machine, and an opportunity to get a free mini turntable.


We are also introducing a new feature this week.  In each issue, we'll announce a winner of a free Cestari product - of your choice.  The winner will be randomly selected from subscribers each week, and announced at the bottom of the newsletter.  If you are the winner, just send us an email at [email protected] letting us know which product you'd like and where we should ship it.


Best,

Susan

Trivia Question❓

What is the term for a pea plant that has both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Paglia e Fieno (Hay and Straw)

Tip of the Week

Today's tip is all about peas!


Did you know that you can easily freeze peas for later use?

Simply blanch the peas in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

Once they are cool, pat them dry and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

The Different Types of Peas, Explained

Peas come in three main types, each perfect for different culinary uses: snap peas, snow peas, and shelling peas.


Snap Peas

Snap peas are celebrated for their thick, juicy, and sweet edible pods. These peas are often so sweet they can be enjoyed directly from the garden, making them an ideal healthy snack, especially for children. Snap peas tend to be the first to mature among pea varieties, with some ready to harvest in as little as 60 days.

Culinary Uses: 
Raw: Snap peas are delicious when eaten raw, providing a sweet and crunchy snack straight from the garden.
Salads: Add them to salads for a fresh, crisp texture.
Stir-Fries: They hold up well in stir-fries, adding a delightful crunch.
Dips: Serve raw snap peas with dips for a healthy appetizer.

Snow Peas

Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, have edible pods similar to snap peas but are typically flatter with smaller seeds inside. These peas are a staple in many Asian dishes, particularly in stir-fries. Snow peas are also delicious when lightly sautéed in butter or added fresh to salads. Their delicate sweetness and crisp texture make them a versatile addition to many recipes.

Culinary Uses:
Stir-Fries:Snow peas are perfect for quick stir-fries, adding a light and crunchy element.
Sautéed: Lightly sauté them in butter or olive oil with a sprinkle of salt for a simple side dish.
Salads: Incorporate raw snow peas into salads for added texture and sweetness.
Steam:They can also be steamed and served as a simple, healthy side.

Shelling Peas

Shelling peas, sometimes referred to as "English" peas or "garden peas," differ from snap and snow peas as their pods are fibrous and inedible. Only the peas inside are consumed. These peas are perfect for freezing and canning, retaining their sweet flavor and vibrant green color. Freshly harvested shelling peas are a world apart from the canned peas many remember from childhood.

Culinary Uses:
Sautéed:Quickly sauté shelling peas in butter for a delightful side dish.
Pasta:Add them to pasta dishes for a pop of sweetness and color.
Soups and Stews:Incorporate them into soups and stews for added flavor and nutrition.
Purees:Puree cooked shelling peas and use them as a spread on toast or as a base for dips.

Whether you prefer the sweet crunch of snap peas, the tender bite of snow peas, or the classic taste of shelling peas, there is a variety that will suit your culinary needs and garden conditions. Happy eating!

Special Offer for Newsletter Subscribers

Save 20% on Cestari's Pasta Machine.  The recipe book includes a recipe for both spinach pasta in addition to the basic recipe, so you'll be all set to make Hay and Straw pasta . Save 20% with code HAYANDSTRAW through July 9 at the Cestari store on Amazon

Readers' Hacks for Peas

James from Boston shares, "For an easy weeknight dinner, toss cooked snap peas with olive oil, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish."


Emily from Denver suggests, "Try adding fresh snow peas to your morning smoothie . They blend well and add a nice nutritional boost without altering the flavor too much."


Michael from Portland comments, "Blanch shelling peas and add them to your homemade pesto. It adds a sweet, fresh element that pairs perfectly with basil and garlic."


Grace from Nashville mentions, "For a quick appetizer, fill small tart shells with a mixture of sautéed peas, ricotta, and mint. It’s a refreshing and elegant bite."


Henry from Atlanta advises, "Add fresh shelling peas to your risotto for a burst of sweetness and a vibrant green color. They complement the creamy texture perfectly and add a touch of spring to the dish."

The winner of this week's Free Cestari Product is Lyla Schleider. Please select your product from the Cestari Store on Amazon , and send us an email at [email protected] letting us know what you'd like, and where we should ship it.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Perfect Flower

GET A MINI TURNTABLE ON US! 

We'd love to feature some of your best tips and tricks. Please let us know what you know!  You can submit your thoughts by replying to this newsletter, or sending them directly to [email protected] with the subject "Newsletter-July."  Every subscriber whose contribution we use will receive our MINI TURNTABLE as our thank you gift.


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