Capellini with Shrimp and Cherry Tomatoes

I tried out this new recipe on Friday night since DSG needed a hearty meal before the big test on Saturday.  It was so simple to put together but looked like it could totally be served at a Italian restaurant.  And despite working at Food Network my cooking skills are not the best, so believe me when I say anyone can pull this off.  The best part - it was delicious and since I didn't use butter and only a bit of oil it was a bit more on the healthy side. 

Here's all you need:

Capellini or your favorite pasta

Olive Oil

Cooking Spray

1 pound of shrimp clean and deveined

Fresh basil

Dried oregano

4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

1 package of cherry tomatoes cut in half

Parm cheese

Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Bring large pot of water to boil and cook pasta accordingly to direction being sure to cook until just al dente.

2. Season the shrimp with 1/2 - 1 tsp of oregano, salt and pepper.  I also used a herb mixed of rosemary and dried garlic.

3. Heat skillet and spray with cooking spray, sauté shrimp 2-3 minutes each side.  Be sure to not overcook.

4. In another skillet heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and sauté garlic until slightly brown. Add tomatoes, reduce heat to med-low and sauté another 5 minutes.

5. Once pasta is done drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.  Add pasta and shrimp to garlic and tomatoes and stir well adding desired amount of pasta water.  At this point I also like to use a spoon and smash up some of the tomatoes to allow their juices to incorporate into the sauce.

6.  Serve with parm cheese and torn fresh basil.



Weekend Recap

DSG took the GMATS this weekend - 2 months of non stop studying and no drinking is finally over!  The test was Saturday afternoon so Friday and Saturday morning I tried out some new recipes, one of which I'm saving to share tomorrow

Power breakfast Sat am before the test

I've been trying a bunch of smoothie recipes, this was a dessert version with some homemade whipped cream.

My new obsession for any meal - wheat toast, raw almond butter, flax seed and banana - yum!

Lemon and mint water in my new mason jar :)

Mason Jar Frenzy

It's well known that the use of mason jars in home and wedding decor is huge right now.  I will be using them throughout our wedding weekend and hope to bring a little twist to the classic ideas.  I just picked up 4 mason jars at a local dollar store (they we're $2.50 each - still a good deal) and am already itching to get them incorporated into our apt somehow!  There's still 3 months until our wedding, I'm not just letting them go unused until then!  Here are some of my favorite uses:

Classic flower vase

This could be the solution for my goal to grow my own herbs

Cake in a mason jar - yes please!

Storage

Great way to drink more water, and I love the idea of adding things like fruit or mint

Pretty homemade gifts

It's insnae the number of uses these simple pretty jars have. I was planning on selling the mass amount I bought for the wedding but may need to rethink that..



4th Recap

                                      

 Cheers! / Raw Bar deliciousness / Gorgeous view down by my sister's apt / Lounging at the Park / Classic NYC Scenery / DSG taking a study break

Such a fun day - although it was hot, like I needed to take a ice cold shower when I got home kinda hot.  Of course none of the pics of the fireworks came out to well - guess that's a sign I need an upgrade from my iphone camera.

Hope you all enjoyed the 4th as well!

Happy Birthday America!

Even though it's a Wednesday, today is still one of my favorite holidays!  For the first time I will be experiencing the 4th in NYC and am so excited.

On a completely different note did you know it's estimated that over 150 million hot dogs will be consumed today.

Happy 4th Everyone!

Summer Entertaining

One day I hope to entertain like this:

On the water, BBQ, fun table settings - what more could you want.  The perfect way to celebrate America.  Seeing as there's no rooftop on my building I will be heading down to my sister's place in Battery Park tomorrow.  We have a fun recipe that we'll be trying out - I'll share if it goes well.  In the mean time enjoy all the preperations for the 4th!

Weekend Recap

One of the hottest weekend I've experienced in a while...

Happy Hour by the water

Plenty of sun in Central Park

Lots of iced coffee

I also picked up one of these candles while shopping with my future sister in law Sunday afternoon.  It smells delicious - I will be lighting it all week long even if it is 95 degrees out.

Happy Monday!