Posts Tagged ‘ pasta ’

Tropical Rhode Island

June 28, 2010
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No…not tropical island! I said, “Tropical Rhode Island.” It’s true, folks.  According to Mark Searles, we are experiencing tropical humidity levels today.  I believe every word.  It is sticky out there!

I didn’t set an alarm today, but I was up and running by six…apparently my body is well-trained!

Total Distance: 3.0 miles

  • Mile 1 – 8:44/mi
  • Mile 2 – 8:23/mi
  • Mile 3 – 8:19/mi

Total Time: 25:28

Average Pace: 8:29/mi

It was a good run, but I learned a lesson in headbands.  I wore a new one thinking it would keep the hair and sweat out of my eyes.  I give it two thumbs down!

This headband slipped right off my head and into the road multiple times.  Why did I keep going back for it?! I was very disgruntled!  Luckily, one kind neighbor had a sprinkler on.  I may have run through it a couple times.  Perked me right back up!  Anyone need a new headband? This baby went for it’s first and last run today!

I needed lots of water to recover from this morning’s run.  It also took awhile for my appetite to return.  Sometimes the heat does that to me.  When I got hungry, I only wanted one thing – pancakes!

I made a batch of sweet potato pancakes and topped them with some almond butter and syrup.  Pancakes are definitely taking the #1 breakfast spot.  Move over, oatmeal! I will never give up on oats, but these ‘cakes are so much more enjoyable on hot summer days.

The rest of the day was spent here….

…impromptu beach trip!  I nearly shrieked with excitement when my gram called to say that she, my aunt, and cousins were heading to the coast.  I joined right in.  I’m feel so blessed to live near the ocean.  It’s such a relaxing and inexpensive way to spend the day.  I packed my lunchbox and snacked throughout the day – yogurt, cereal, fruit salad, and almonds.  No photo, bad blogger!

When I got home, I took the best shower ever! Every post-beach shower fits this bill as far as I’m concerned.  I always feel so fresh and clean when I get out.  And I still had plenty of time left to enjoy the day.

My mom told me that she was headed to Pilates, so I decided to tag along.  I was motivated to go because I knew it would be a great class…and it was!  I love this particular instructor.  His classes are always well-organized, controlled, and purposeful.  He plans a total-body workout and provides a great stretch at the end.  Class got me all sweaty again, but it was worth it.

I came home for a delicious dinner – Spicy Mexican Penne.

The base of this meal was one serving (~ 1 c.) whole wheat penne.  I topped it with a spicy Mexican mix:

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 c. black beans
  • 1/2 c. frozen corn
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Saute the onion over medium-high heat until translucent.
  2. Add tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices.
  3. Stir and simmer until ready to serve.

How easy is that? I had one cup of the spicy mixture atop my pasta.  I also added 2 T. shredded Mexican cheese.  I mixed this into a bowl of kickin’ pasta perfection!  I love easy meals like this – so tasty and satisfying!

I need to get myself into the AC – PRONTO!  Stay cool!

Just Monkeyin’ Around…with veggies!

June 8, 2010
By

Greetings!  Meet my new friends – the “cotton balls.”  That’s how my class lovingly referred to the cotton-top tamarins we met today.  A big thanks to Roger Williams Park Zoo for providing my students with a memorable day filled with educational experiences.  We learned all about monkeys and apes – do you know the differences? We also got to spend time visiting the great exhibits at the zoo.  Of course, the highlight of the trip was the surprise shower around noon. We got to run in the rain – how special!

A trip to the zoo makes for one exhausted teacher!  I feel like I could curl up in my bed right about now.  Don’t tempt me!  I definitely needed an afternoon snack to get me through the afternoon.

Apples and cheese…where’s the wine?! No wine needed – the sweet, crisp apple and savory pepper jack cheese were the perfect combo.  I picked up this cheese last night and it’s beyond delicious!  I’ve never been one to snack on cheese, but I can’t get enough of the spicy jalepenos in these slices.

I think my tiredness caused my hunger to fade after I prepped my snack.  I slowly munched the apple and only made it through two slices of the cheese.  I probably should have opted for an afternoon nap instead.  While snacking, I perused the blogs.  When I stumbled upon MelissaNibbles’ Easy Peasy Summer Pasta, dinner revealed itself.  I love the inspiration I can get from others, especially when mine is lacking.

I boiled some Barilla PLUS Penne and then got to work on the sauce.  I made some changes to the recipe to create a family-sized meal, but I followed Melissa’s lead.

Ingredients:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 summer squash, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 1 T. minced garlic
  • 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
  • 2 T. part skim ricotta
  • basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste

Simply saute the veggies.  Add the tomatoes and sauce.  Season and stir.  I added the ricotta at the end for a creamy touch.  It was a nice addition.  I love creating veggie-based entrees that please meat-loving palates.

There are certain vegetables that I always have on hand – onions, peppers, zucchini, squash – to make quick veggie dishes.  I find these so versatile.  I created an Asian-style stir fry on Sunday with the same vegetables that worked in this pasta dish.  They are also great for grilling, roasting, or adding to salads.

Maybe it’s a little early for bed, but I’m ready.  A quick stroll with Lucy and then stick a fork in me ’cause I’m done!

FIELD DAY tomorrow!  Gotta love June!

What veggies are always in your refrigerator/freezer? Aside from those listed, I always have the salad basics – romaine, spinach, carrots – and the “fruits” – tomatoes and cukes.

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