Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach

Below is a DELICIOUS pasta salad that was shared with our family through our Aunt Debbie's friend JoAnn. This can be served hot or cold and with our without chicken. We usually buy a rotisserie chicken, cut it up and put it in the salad and have it for dinner. Also the cranberries can be substituted for a jar of sun dried tomatoes if you prefer that instead. Enjoy!

Bow Tie Pasta w/Spinach

1 lb Bow Tie Pasta
1 bag Baby Spinach
1 bag Dried Cranberries
3-4 cloves Chopped Garlic
3 oz Pine Nuts
½ cup Olive Oil, approximately
Salt & Pepper

In a dry pan, toast pine nuts, set aside in pasta bowl.
In same pan add olive oil, garlic, cranberries, salt & pepper and heat thru
Boil pasta
Add pasta to pine nuts
Add olive oil mixture, toss
Add baby spinach raw, heat from oil and Pasta will wilt spinach
Serve hot or room temperature.

Monday, August 9, 2010

My Latest Greatest Discovery...

I wanted to share this because I noticed that it is also available to Washingtinians, now if it is in your area at all that I am not sure of...but.. they are always opening up new locations so there are the possibilities.

I joined a food co-op called Bountiful Baskets. This is only our 3rd week getting a basket but I am having so much fun with it. It can be a little tricky because you never know exactly what you are going to get, it's like Christmas morning with fruits and vegis. You receive about $35 worth of produce for $15 (regular) and $25 (organic). And since it is a co-op it is all volunteer based. It's the same quality as you would get at your local grocer, just takes out the middle-man and you get much more for your money.
This week was my favorite so far, we got...Bananas, catelope, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, pears (I'm going to make Eileens Roast w/Pears and honey and mustard), celery, lettuce, slicing tomatoes, broccoli, green peppers, and I was able to order 7 dozen of fresh made (no preservatives) flour and corn tortillas - freezable or shareable - for $10.00. We have also participated in getting 5 loafs of 9 grain bread for $10.00, very very yummy! They have different options each week of extras you can add if you would like.
It's tax free but a 1.00 handeling fee.
In the past we have gotten...banana squash, mangos, aprictos, nectarines, cauliflower, potatoes, pinapple, limes, white asparagus, cherry tomatoes.

Anyway... if any of ya want to check it out go to www.bountifulbaskets.org and go to Locations, change state to WA and see if it's in your area. If not, I am sure there are yummy markets and food co-ops right around your corner!