Summer Lovin'

Tonight, some ladies at work are hosting a bridal shower for our supervisor. I am in charge of bringing a pasta salad. I searched high and low for something that was different then the run of the mill pasta salad with pepperoni. Don't get me wrong, I love that salad but its not even June yet and I have a feeling I will have my fair share of it by the end of the summer.

I searched Pinterest and saw this pesto pasta recipe that I thought sounded not only 'fresh' in the definition that most people use it; not slang, but also unique. So, as most people do who find such recipes and don't have all the ingredients on hand...I hopped in the car and went to the store.

As I sit here writing this, my salad is sitting in the fridge cooling for the event later today. I suppose I should maybe try it before I leave, huh? My track record has been pretty good lately with tasty things, I wouldn't want to ruin it, would I?

ASPARAGUS PESTO PASTA

INGREDIENTS:

-2 CUPS SMALL PASTA SHELLS 

-1 BUNCH OF FRESH ASPARAGUS (MORE OR LESS TO YOUR LIKING)

-1/4 CUP OF ALMONDS (WHOLE)

-1/2 CUP PARMESAN CHEESE (I USED SHREDDED ROMANO)

-1 PINCH COARSE SALT AND PEPPER (OR MORE/LESS TO TASTE)

-1/4 EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

-2 CLOVES GARLIC (I OMITTED THIS TIME AROUND)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the asparagus to a plate and pat dry. KEEP THE WATER (do not drain). Let cool 5 minutes.
2. Once the asparagus has cooled, transfer it to a food processor. Add the garlic, almonds, cheese, salt and pepper. Pulse until combined. With the motor running, add the olive oil until you get a pesto consistency. Taste and salt if needed.
3. In the meantime, bring the water back to a boil and cook the shells until al dente, about 6 minutes.
4. Drain and toss with asparagus pesto. Serve hot or at room temperature. 

They were so pretty after cooking, I couldn't resist but take a picture.

I also added some sliced tomatoes for added color.

 

Skinny, with a Touch of Cinnamon

It's a rainy day here in Minnesota; so much so that the rain gauge said we got 5 inches in 24 hours. It is my last free week day from work until eternity so I thought I'd give a recipe that my mom gave me this past weekend a try. I enjoyed it but thought it needed something but haven't figured it out yet. Therefore, you are going to get this recipe in it's full form and you too, can decide what it needs.

As a side note, my dad and husband went on a BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) trip for a week with my uncle and (one of many) cousin. I was informed through an email that my uncle was going to be starting a blog on their adventures (Wow! It must have been a good trip) as well as past and present. As I was skimming through the photos of their trip some I had a chuckle at, and others I had to sit in awe at. I have only been there once but the view takes my breath away.every.time.

Imagine going to bed with a view like that!

Now, the title of this recipe is, "Skinny Muffin," therefore, try not to go outside those parameters and make it an artery clogging-good time!

Skinny Muffin

INGREDIENTS:

1 Pkg Stevia

1 Tsp. Baking Powder

1 Egg

1/4 Cup Flax seed (Ground)

2 Tsp. Cinnamon

2 Tsp. Coconut Oil

DIRECTIONS:

1) Put all ingredients into a coffee mug

2) stir until all ingredients are mixed

3) Microwave 50 seconds

...And Enjoy! See, not only are they 'skinny' on the ingredients but also the directions!

The Ingredients

Looks a bit 'weird' but it's not too shabby!

Unselfish Love

There won't be any recipe today; only a random thought that crossed my mind today.

I was reminded while doing some errands around town and how there truly are some genuinely good people in this world. 

I thought back onto a paving stone I found one day when my husband lived and worked in New Ulm, Mn. I was walking in a park downtown and I found it. From then on I think of it often. Apply it to every day life and see just how much happier you are.

Your Unselfish Love

Did Make a Difference