Spaghetti Fritters with Arugula and Walnut Pesto | Friday Night Bites

I adore Oprah.  She is someone who is insightful, inspirational, a thought leader, motivator and role model.  Her positive influence has reached all ends of the earth.  With the ending of her daily talk show and the emergence of her OWN network, her positive impact continues to inspire people.  I love learning and growing.  Oprah’s Master Class series along with Life Lessons are among my favorite shows on her network. 

Over the weekend, I sat down to watch the Master Class episode with Cindy Crawford and it was such an authentic view into her life experiences, thoughts and lessons she has learned.  I identified with many of her insights especially about marriage and to root your love in friendship.  My hubby is truly my best friend. 

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Her comment to be present each day resonated with me.  When I was nineteen years old, I was hit head on by a drunk driver and needless to say, I almost literally died that night due to some complications along with breaking both femurs.  That life changing experience provided a different lens for me to look through. Each day is a gift.  Think positively. Make a difference. Find your passion. Be confident. Give. Cherish your significant other, friends and family. Appreciate yourself. Live each day to the fullest!

It was inspiring to watch Cindy’s journey to really being comfortable in her own skin.  I identified with her completely.  As each year passes, I am more and more comfortable in my own skin and that is when life gets even better.  Writing this blog has been an evolution for me and positive in so many ways.  I found a passion and executed on it.  Who knows where it will take me, but that is half the fun of the journey. What is your passion?  Are you making it happen?  If not, go for it!  You have nothing to lose and all to gain.  Take chances and risks.  It sounds cliche, but life does go by quickly and you can't repeat it, so live it to the fullest.

If you have been a reader or follower of my blog, you know that I have a passion for appetizers.  Thus the evolution of my Friday Night Bite series was created.  This week I was inspired by Jamie Oliver’s Spaghetti Fritters.  They are tasty on their own, but with a dab of handmade Arugula and Walnut Pesto, it is simply elevated to the next level.  It is a simple appetizer that would pair perfectly with a great Italian red wine.  Manja! Manja!

Spaghetti Fritters

3 oz. Spaghetti, broken in half

1 egg

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

5 Scallions, trimmed and minced, white and green

1 ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano

1 teaspoon Dried Red Chili Flakes

1/3 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese + additional for sprinkling

Zest of half lemon

8 to 10 Grinds Pepper

½ teaspoon Salt

Oil for pan frying

Boil the pasta in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes.  While the pasta is boiling, crack the egg into a large bowl and whisk.  Add the garlic, scallions, oregano, chili flakes, parmesan cheese, and lemon zest and mix well.  Season with salt and pepper.  

Drain the pasta well and add to the mixture.  Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated well.  Pour two tablespoons of oil in a skillet and heat it on medium.  Use a fork or your fingers to place about a couple tablespoons of the pasta onto the pan.  Slightly swirl the pasta to form a flat circle.  Fry it on medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side.  Once done cooking, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Serve hot.

Arugula and Walnut Pesto

4 Cups Arugula leave, packed

1 Cup Shelled walnuts, lightly toasted

1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

10 Garlic cloves, peeled and rough chop

1 teaspoon salt

Cracked black pepper to taste

Over medium heat, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and lightly sauté the garlic cloves for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

In a food processor, combine the Arugula, walnuts, sautéed garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Process until smooth.  Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.