Artichokie Pasta..

Happy Meatless Monday!  Let's think outside of the meat box and make this amazing, delicious, fast, and most important meatless meal tonight for supper...Enjoy!

Artichokie Pasta

1 lb. of Pasta (your choice)
1 Can of Artichoke Hearts
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt / Pepper
Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta according to directions
While pasta is cooking place the artichokes, with the water, into the food processor
Pulse artichokes into small pieces
Drain pasta
Add artichokes to pasta
Season with salt/pepper
Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese

A Seed of Knowledge...

Monday morning fact...Quinoa is a seed!  Interesting isn't it.  Besides being a seed, it is gluten free, cholesterol free, and it is the highest protein packed whole grain.  It is healthy and extremely delicious.  A great main course, side dish and quinoa can be used as a filling for tomatoes and peppers.  It cooks quickly and takes on the flavors you add to it.   With all of this new found knowledge add quinoa to your shopping list (it can be found in the aisle with the rice and usually comes in a small bag) this week and try out this recipe for starters.  Trust me you are going to love the taste and texture of this super seed!  Enjoy...


1/2 Bag Quinoa
Salt/ Pepper
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more if needed)
Zest of 1 Lemon
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
6-8 Basil Leaves (julienned)

Cook quinoa according to directions on the package
Remove from heat and season with salt/ pepper
Add olive oil
Mix gently
Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice
Gently stir in basil
Serve Warm

***It is a great compliment to grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal!

Our Newest Addition...

A brand spankin' new Crock-Pot The Original Slow Cooker!  But wait is it a crock pot or a slow cooker???

Most of us, me included, have no idea the difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker so to answer the burning question...Crock-Pot is the trademarked brand name for the Rival brand of slow cookers.  Ah ha BUT the glaring difference between a crock pot and a slow cooker is the location of the heating element.  Crock pots have the heating element housed in the sides of the appliance base so the heat surrounds the food while the slow cookers heating element is in the bottom of the appliance base heating the food from the bottom.  Slow cookers might also have a thermostat for a wide range of temperatures.    Either way they both perform the same function...gently cook food low and slow giving us tender and succulent meals each and every time we plug it in.

The Crock-Pot / Slow Cooker is a great weeknight option for busy cooks.  It is optimal for tougher cuts of meat, great for soups, side dishes stay warm, and the smell that lingers in the house just screams comfort.

So go break out that Crock Pot / Slow Cooker you have stashed in the pantry and look for some of my favorite crock pot / slow cooker recipes in February!