Pinterest Interest - February

I've got to give a shout out to Pinterest.  I am seriously addicted to that site.  Here are some of my favorite images collected during February.  Enjoy.

Pinned via Yukako Obo from vindictive2elle.tumblr.com

Courtesy of Amy Osaba at amyosaba.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie O., The Colors, JFK in the background.  Perfect, courtesy of http://jcrew.tumblr.com/page/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward. Together. Timeless.  Courtesy of Crushculdesac.tumblr

School Valentine, Idea Courtesy Of faboolous.blogspot.com

Courtesy of landeesseelandeedo.com

Courtesy of Sunday-suppers.com

Decadent. Courtesy of Epicurious.com

Perfection.  Thank you Laduree, I hope to visit you someday.  Courtesy of The Moving Beast

Pasta, Butter and Cheese

Growing up, one of my favorite dishes on the planet was a dish my Granny introduced me to.  I think the first time she made it for me she was trying to cheer me up....and it worked.  She "whipped up" the most amazing pasta.  Just noodles with a ton of butter, seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesean cheese.  Voila.  I was in love.  I think I ate my pasta like that...and only like that for YEARS.  As a mom, I introduced the delicacy to my kids...and they adore it.

This year we are trying to eat better, and I'm even trying to eat a Gluten free diet.  (Greg and Jessica - that's for you.)  So, I've been experimenting with pastas.  Corn and Quinoa are my favorite so far.  Last night I decided to make pasta, and was out of pasta sauce.  So,  I gave my old favorite a shot.  Instead of breadcrumbs....I added a little extra salt and pepper. It was AMAZING.  Seriously, I was standing over the stove just picking pieces out of the pot. (Surely not the best etiquette)

















Here is the super simple and yummy recipe:

• One package of Trader Joe's corn penne pasta
• 1.5 TBSP of butter (decadent, I know)
• Fresh shaved parmesean cheese (as much or as little as you like), I happen to like a lot
• Generous salt and pepper

A little pinot grigio to go with it and I was very happy.

Let me know if you give it a try!
All the best to you
-V

Roasted Carrots & Malbec

Last night I was browsing in the produce section and spotted fresh carrots with the greens still attached, I LOVE those.  Last Christmas we roasted them with duck fat and they were fantastic!!  I didn't have any duck fat, but I wanted those carrots.  I even felt special carrying them out of the grocery store with the greens peaking up over the top of my bag.

I decided to roast them with coconut oil, and used a version of this recipe from Nutmeg Nanny.  I skipped the dill and "eyeballed" the oil.

Here are some pictures of my adventure.

Love the greens on the carrots!

Ready for prep work.

Here they are!  Peeled, trimmed and roasted at 425 with coconut oil, salt and pepper.  YUM!

Paired the carrots with a Malbec (our house favorite!) Flank Steak and Spaghetti Squash

 

It was a successful meal, and the kids LOVED the carrots.

Kickstarter - First Time

I just had to back this upstart company...sounds like a company with great soul and FANTASTIC cookies!  I like that The Cookie Department and it's owner Akiva Resnikoff use local and organic ingredients, and take pride in their product.  I believe in quality and heart over volume when purchasing products.  I look forward to seeing what Akiva and The Cookie Department do in the future.  If you can, consider donating a little something to get them to their goal.

If you haven't had an opportunity to check out Kickstarter, please do! It is a very cool way to help an upstart you belive in.

Wonderful & Low Carb

One of my resolutions for the New Year is to eat healthier (fewer carbs and lower fat) and lose some weight while I'm at it.  I am a lover of great food, so the idea of cutting back on some of my favorite breads and other fabulous carbs is a bit of challenge. 

I found this amazing recipe at epicurious.com.  For dinner tonight I am planning to pair this with seared scallops and sauteed mushrooms.  Enjoy!

Avocado and Watercress Salad