Friday, May 25, 2012

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs!


Here are my favorite recipes from this week.


Baby Pasta Shells with Asparagus Marinara
c/o Skinny Taste
Ingredients
pasta

  • 8 oz baby pasta shells (gluten free use brown rice pasta)
  • 1 bunch thin asparagus, tough ends removed
  • 1 1/2 cups homemade marinara sauce (recipe follows)
  • 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
sauce
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2-3 large cloves garlic, smashed
  • 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I love Tuttorosso)
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
Directions
pasta
Boil about 4 inches of water in a large pot, when boiling add asparagus and cookabout 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender crisp. Drain and chop into small bite sized pieces.


Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (you can use the same pot from the asparagus not to dirty too many dishes). Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.

While pasta is cooking, in a medium saucepan heat 1-1/2 cups marinara sauce. Drainpasta and RESERVE a cup of the pasta water.

Return pasta back to the pot and toss with marinara, asparagus, grated cheese, salt and pepper and a 1/4 cup of the pasta water or as needed to loosen the sauce. Divide between four bowls and top with fresh pepper and more grated cheese if desired.



sauce
In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer about 15 - 20 minutes, add basil just before done.



Lighter Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
1 tsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/2 pound angel hair
1 cup freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan
1 tsp dried parsley

Directions
1- Heat the oil, garlic, and butter in a large pot. Stir frequently. After 1-2 minutes add the salt, pepper, chicken broth, and milk.
2- Bring the broth to a boil. Add the angel hair and allow it to cook according to packaging directions. Then add the cheese, stirring well. Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley. Serve immediately.

Parmesan Potato Cake
Ingredients
1 large russet potato, grated
1/2 small yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Salt & pepper

Directions
  • In a skillet, on medium high heat, saute your onions until translucent and then add in your garlic. Turn off heat and put onion mixture in a bowl. Reserve the skillet for later.
  • After you’ve grated your potato, squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel and place the drained potato in the bowl with the onion mixture.
  • Add in the basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper and cheese.
  • Combine and mix well.
  • Form the mixture into small patties and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet that you cooked your onions and garlic in, add some olive oil and place on medium high heat.
  • Place about 2-3 patties in the skillet (depending on what size your skillet is) and cook the patties until they’re cooked through and brown on both sides.
  • Repeat step 7 until all the patties are cooked.
  • Thursday, May 24, 2012

    Let's Get Specific

    It's almost Friday and thank goodness. Today I wanted to get really specific with a style of dress- the colorblock with pleats. It's sleek, colorful and sophisticated.

    One of my favorite color combinations, and I especially like this dress because I can wear a bra and still be cool.

    Lord and Taylor, DKNYC Sleeveless pleated dress, $95
    Very professional and and easy to dress up for an evening event. 

    Great colors on this maxi, I would add a longer necklace and some bright nails.

    These sleeves are fabulous, and the dress is perfect for a date or dinner with a client.

    What do you think about pleats? I like them when its the correct size and fit. You need to make sure the pleat elongates the waist and does not attract attention as it might if it's too tight.

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, May 23, 2012

    Shades with Style

    Hey lovebugs! I hope you are getting through the week with a smile. Even though it has been a rainy week so far in DC, I know that the sun will come out soon; and when it does, you gotta be ready with some sassy shades. Right now, I'm loving colorful frames because they add a great pop to any outfit.

    Urban Outfitters, South of 5th Cat Eye Sunglasses, $16
    How fabulous are these? I need a silk scarf and a convertible asap.

    Anthropologie, Rhetorical Shades, $58
    These are so mod and wonderful, the color mixing is perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

    American Eagle, Foldable Icon Sunglasses, $7
    You've gotta love this punchy color and the price!

    House of Harlow, 1960 Nicole Sunglasses, $99
    OK, and I had to include one fabulous and fancy pair. How chic are these?

    Switch out your usual tortoise shells for something fun and punchy like one of these pairs. There is a style and color for everyone. 

    Be fabulous today!

    Tuesday, May 22, 2012

    Linen Tee

    It's tee time lovebugs, and when it's hot and you want something that isn't cotton, turn to linen. It's a great, breathable material that can switch up your usual cotton tee and shorts combination.

    I'm layering this quiet tee with some baubles, some long necklaces and maybe some chambray tie waist shorts.

    Banana Republic, Double layer linen tee, $28
    A simple and easy to throw on a go top. This tee also comes in three other colors.

    What a great yellow. This is great for a Saturday picnic or dress it up for the office with a black pencil skirt.

    Free People, Jammy Striped Tee, $40
    I love the pattern changes in this shirt, the great neckline also adds some drama.

    I love linen for summer because it is a great texture change. Just make sure to invest in some dryel to clean these items!

    Be fabulous today!