Ode to the Spiralizer

I know I haven't blogged in a long time, but it's because nothing has really inspired me lately...that is, until I got my Spiralizer!

I have been wanting one of these things for many years and I finally got one for Christmas.  Even though someone already discounted it as a trendy kitchen accessory that I will never use, I love it so.  I will definitely be using it a lot.

Easy, beautiful "Zoodles"

It's perfect for me because it is a great way to get vegetables into your meals without having to eat a meal that tastes too vegetabley, and you can basically make anything into a pasta-like meal with it.  I actually don't like pasta much at all but adore pasta sauces and all accompanying toppings, so I can get the good stuff I like without all of the calories of the pasta itself.

And it leaves this funny shaped thing behind in it's spiralizing wake.

This is what I made last night and it was wonderful.  It was also my first time using anchovy filets.  Exciting!

SHRIMP ZUCCHINI PASTA PUTANESCA

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This is what I want to make next.

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And thanks to this website I have endless inspiration.

http://www.inspiralized.com/

Also, I really want to be healthy with all of Spiralizer creations, but doesn't this just scream, "Make curly fries next!"

I think so.

Backyard Produce

Recently I signed up for an awesome program called Backyard Produce - website here.

I have only received 2 boxes thus far, but so far I love it!  It's such a good vehicle to try new and healthy things.  I am currently enrolled in the "Flying Solo" program which is $25 per week.  At first that sounded kind of steep because this was all I got in my first box:

This is the box that appears on my doorstep each Tuesday.  It's like Produce Christmas once a week!

 

The first thing Grant said was, "...That's it?"

But then I realized I can order smarter than this.  So this was my next order:

Rainbow Carrots!  Butternut Squash!  Green beans!  Fresh bread!  Tangelos!  Cucumbers!  All organic!!!

This week the Flying Solo basket has proven to be more than enough food for a few dinner sides (and mains).  Mama knows how to stretch a dollar! 

My favorite part about this program is that it inspires me to make dishes I wouldn't have otherwise made because I wouldn't have otherwise bought certain vegetables.  Take for instance this amazing pasta I made last night.

Normally I would never make a) Pasta or b) a Vegetarian dish.  But boy was I glad I did!  I used this recipe from Giada - Penne with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese - (but I used whole grain bow tie) and it knocked my socks off. 

 

If you don't watch the Food Network religiously like I do than you might not know this amazing tidbit - You don't need to add cream to have a creamy pasta sauce!  All you need to do is add cheese to hot pasta than add some of the pasta water that you cooked the pasta in.  The combination of those two ingredients makes a creamy sauce that coats each piece of pasta and provides decadence to the max.  Added cream and fat is for the birds!

 

I can't wait to see what I can get in my box next week.  This is so fun.  It's like a food challenge/mystery each week.  Challenge accepted!  It feels great to eat fresh, organic produce while supporting NC farmers. Win, win, win!...Then eat :)