A Week in My Life: Week 21

I've decided to move these posts up to Fridays instead of posting them on Saturday. Here's what the past week looked like:

Luis and I actually spent quite a lot of time at various beaches this week. The weather has been perfect, and we're taking advantage of my time off before I start working full-time. On a side note, Life of Pi is amaaaazing.

 

I got pretty sunburned... 

Downtown Kenosha is such a photogenic city! I love this...

 

I love old signs like this. On another note, I really want to go see a production at this theater!

Does anyone else's cat sleep on their back like this? Is this normal? Poor thing, her fur hasn't completely grown back in after her surgery.

We had one really rainy day this week, so I whipped up some (gluten-free) French toast! Yummm.

I don't know why but this Jimmy John's delivery guy really made us laugh. Not only was he speeding like crazy, but it was funny to see the sandwiches chilling in the little basket as he zoomed by. Freaky fast... 

I made some crazy-good pasta this week. It was the perfect balance of warmth and nuttiness (I love that word).

Tonight starts most of the graduation celebrations for Carthage College! So I'm heading to their New Alumni Convocation and Promenade dinner tonight. I can't believe it's done. Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Spaghetti with Broiled Parmesan Tomatoes

One of my favorite meals growing up was my mom's spaghetti. She made it very simply, with sauce and maybe some ground beef thrown in. It was so comforting to me, and I therefore came to equate spaghetti with my childhood and all of its comforts. 

It was surprising to me when I realized that since I got married and moved out of my childhood home, that I had yet to make spaghetti! So here I am, sharing an incredibly simple pasta recipe that I know you're going to love.

Spaghetti with Broiled Parmesan Tomatoes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 package spaghetti

1 package of Campari tomatoes (you can really use any tomato, this is just what I used)

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste

6-7 fresh basil leaves

Directions: In a saucepan, heat crushed tomatoes over medium heat. When air bubbles start to pop, add the tomato paste and stir to mix with the crushed tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to season. Meanwhile in a large pot, fill less than halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to directions on the box. Drain pasta and pour back into the pot. Pour the tomato sauce into the pasta and stir to coat.

Preheat the broiler. Slice the Campari tomatoes and lay slices on a baking sheet. Place enough shredded cheese to cover the tomato. Place under broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned on top. Remove from oven and place 3-4 slices on each serving of spaghetti. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves and serve immediately.

Enjoy! xoxo

Pasta alla Tomato Cream Sauce

Growing up, I went through a large period in my youth where I believed that making everyone happy was what it took to be liked. I tried to dress like everyone else, go along with the same fads as everyone else, pretty much BE like everyone else. If someone asked to borrow a pen, or my finished homework, I would say yes because I wanted them to like me; most people never returned the pen...

Fortunately, I came to the realization that I was surrounding myself with people who didn't care about me at all. They only tolerated my presence because I always said yes.

Once I got to high school, I surrounded myself with genuine, real people who encouraged me to be me. I left "friendships" that were toxic, spent time cultivating myself, and started focusing on things that truly matter in life. I suddenly knew the meaning of happiness; I stopped forcing a circle into a square and embraced what I was given. 

I still had moments of severe insecurity and times of uncertainty, but this time it was different because I had people around me who helped me see reality. My parent's, friend's, and family's always led me towards truth. 

My passion for cooking/baking is something that also changed over time. I hated being in the kitchen when I was younger. My mother literally had to force me to be in the kitchen when she cooked dinner so that she could attempt to teach me a thing or two. (Don't worry mom! I retained all that you taught me!) Sometimes I would find ways to slip away and not have to watch her tenderize beef or properly slice an apple... 

I was home one evening by myself when I felt hunger pangs in my stomach. I wanted pasta. A hearty, delicious, pasta dish. What came out the other end was incredible. 

I've attempted to post this recipe at least five times. But I always forget to take pictures because I'm so focused on finishing the food so I can eat it! But I finally took it slow and recorded it properly so I could share it with you. After everything I've made for dinner, this is still my husband's favorite dish. 

Pasta alla Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

1/3 cup of olive oil

2 small Vidalia onions, chopped

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

1/3 cup white wine vinegar

1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream (more or less depending on how creamy you prefer it to be)

Salt and pepper

1 box bowtie pasta

In a saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until onions are yellowed, about 5 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste. Add can of crushed tomatoes and stir to coat with onions. After a few minutes, add the tomato paste and stir to mix. Tomato mixture will start to bubble. When it does, add the white wine vinegar.

Meanwhile, cook the noodles in a large, drain, and return to pot. Pour the tomato sauce into pot and stir to coat noodles. Add the cream and stir. Add more if you prefer it to be more creamy. Serve immediately!