Nap Time

My two sweeties taking a nap.

Chicken Piccata Pasta

This is actually titled "Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss" in the Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, but I think "Chicken Piccata Pasta" is a better name because this dish has all the same flavors as Chicken Piccata. It's so delicious, I made it for dinner twice in four days!

2 cups dried multigrain penne

12 oz boneless skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces (I used chicken tenders)

2 tbsp flour

2 tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup finely chopped shallot

2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 cup chicken broth

3 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 tbsp capers, drained

3 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta and drain. Return to pot and keep warm.

In a bowl, toss chicken and flour together until lightly coated. In a large skillet cook and stir chicken in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until no pink remains. Remove chicken and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining oil to skillet. Add shallot and garlic; cook and stir about 1 minute or until tender. Carefully stir in broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook, uncovered, until reduced to 2/3 cup (about 5 minutes). Stir in chicken, capers, and parley; heat through.

Toss pasta with chicken mixture. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Herbed Pasta Primavera

This was the first recipe I tried from my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book that was given to me by Beth Ehlig at my bridal shower in Baytown last month. Thanks so much Beth!

8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (I used leftover Cavatappi)

8 ounces baby carrots, halved

1 Tbsp olive oil

8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces

1/2 cup sliced green onion

3/4 cup chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups zucchini and summer squash, halved and sliced

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Parmesan cheese, grated

Black pepper

Cook pasta. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to keep from sticking and keep warm in a separate bowl.

Return pasta pot to medium high heat, add olive oil. Add carrots and cook for five minutes. Add green beans, green onions, broth, and garlic. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in zucchini and squash. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Toss vegetable mixture, basil, and salt with pasta. Sprinkle with almonds, cheese, and pepper.

Garlicky Spaghetti with Beans and Greens

I came across this recipe in the August 2009 issue of "Cooking Light" and it has become one of my new favorite pasta dishes!

8 ounces spaghetti

3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

1 (16 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

5 ounces arugula leaves

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Cook pasta. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Place pasta in a small bowl. Add 1/4 tsp salt, tossing gently. Set aside and keep warm. (I also drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent stickiness).

Return pan to medium heat. Add oil, garlic, and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until garlic is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/2 tsp salt, tomatoes, and beans; cook 2 minutes. Add pasta; cook 4 minutes, stirring frquently. Add reserved pasta water and arugula, tossing gently to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and cheese. Serve immediately.

Lizzie and Josh's Wedding Day

Lizzie and Josh were married on July 25 and had the most beautiful wedding ever!



Lizzie looked so stunning in her wedding dress.

















I love this picture of my mom and me helping Lizzie get dressed.

Lizzie with all her pink ladies!

Caroline, Lizzie, Brandon, and me acting silly.

Leslie, me, and Dad before the wedding.

Caroline with the angelic flower girls.

My sweetie, John, and me.

Jeff, CJ, and John dancing to "Billie Jean". CJ is one of the best dancers I know!

Lizzie and Josh after the farewell...leaving for their honeymoon!

My Super Sweet Shower with the Church Ladies

The day after the Bachelorette Party, I was given a bridal shower by the ladies of my church in Baytown. It was beautiful! They had the table decorated with a chocolate brown cloth and a centerpiece of peach roses, limes, and crystals...all to match the wedding colors. It was so thoughtful and sweet and absolutely perfect!

Betty and Barbara behind the gorgeous centerpiece (created by Deborah)

Becky, Missy, Lizzie, Cassie, Joley, Jena, and little Emma out by the pool and just getting over our wild and crazy bachelorette party from the night before.

Me with my wonderful hostesses - Gail, Lisa, Barbara, Roxanne, Juan, Joyce, DiAnne, Ann, Deborah, Betty, and Debbye

Lizzie, Cassie, Missy, and Becky

Lizzie, Mom, Cassie and Emma...and Jena on the far right :)

Cassie and Wendy...a friend from youth group when we were growing up in church.

Linda and Cassie...my wonderful mentor from my first year of teaching who taught me everything and more about teaching art.

My Absolutely Fabulous Bachelorette Party!

I recently returned to New York after a fantastic visit to Texas. While I was there, my bridesmaids and friends joined with Lizzie's bridesmaids and friends to give us a joint Bachelorette Party which was probably one of the most fun nights of my life!
The two brides-to-be, Lizzie and Cassie, and also the maids of honor for each other.

Joley, Jena, and Kristina

Cassie, Wendy, and Cheryl

Cassie, Missy, Anna, and Tracy

Kristina, Jenn, and Cassie

Thank you for the most fun night of my life ladies!!