Penelope

Penelope

http://www.penelopenyc.com/

159 Lexington Ave

New York, NY 10016

It's Friday night and I am at home, writing this drivel. Yes, this is what old, boring folk do. One awesome dinner with the bestie, a nice bottle of white wine, and a couple of HBO shows, it's time to turn in for the night. After an endless and tiresome work week, we decided that a comfort meal at Penelope in my neighborhood was exactly what the doctor ordered. Always spot on, there's no wonder this place has at least an hour wait any weekend morning. Now to the food. 


Special thanks to Christie for the photography. Also for looking like a dork with me and taking pictures of the food.

Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip

Christie showing off the artichokie goodness.

Grilled Three Cheese (swiss, fontina, and white american cheese) with artichoke, tomato and pesto

Olive Garden Sucks... but damn, those Breadsticks are amazing. Here's how to avoid the place and do it yourself!



Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks recipe (makes 10-12)

adapted from chef in training and full bellies

Ingredients
Dough:
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
Topping:
1 stick unsalted butter (or 1/2 cup margarine)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water and allow to sit for 10 minutes, covered. Mixture should be frothy.
In separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. First, add in the yeast mixture. Then, add melted butter. Mix with paddle attachment of stand mixer or wooden spoon until fully combined.
Knead dough for a few minutes just until dough is smooth, but do not overknead. Grease or parchment paper-line a cookie sheet. Pull off pieces of dough and roll out into strips.
Cover the dough and let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour.
Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes, longer if you like them crispy on the outside.
In the microwave, combine the topping ingredients. After 6 or 7 minutes, brush the bread sticks with half of the butter mixture.
Continue to bake, then right after you take the breadsticks out of the oven, brush the tops with the rest of the butter topping. Let cool for a minutes or so, and eat.