Shrimp and Pasta in a Butter-Garlic Sauce

I recently made this meal for my husband without using any kind of a recipe and, again, I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out as good as it did. Here is my recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 box linguine noodles (I use whole wheat)
  • 1/2 lb. cooked shrimp (I look for the fresh kind at my local fish market when it goes on sale)
  • 1 tomato cut into chunks

Procedure:

*The process of making the sauce and sauteing the shrimp should go quickly. Remember that the shrimp are already cooked. Overcooking them will give them that rubbery texture.

Cook noodles according to package directions. While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan on medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once heated, add shrimp to pan (they should sizzle once they hit the pan). Add some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a stir and add garlic, butter, and red pepper flakes. Continue to stir so the shrimp get coated and the butter melts. At this point, add a ladle full of the noodle water (yes, that would be the water that your noodles are cooking in), the cheese and the tomato. Stir and reduce to low. Drain your noodles (I do not rinse mine) and place in a large platter. Turn the heat off of the shrimp and pour over the noodles. As far as servings, my husband and I had no problem devouring this amount. So, I would say you could feed 2-4 depending on your appetite.

Chicken Soup, Hold the Noodles

The cool summer weather we have been experiencing here in New England has been giving me earnings for Fall weather and food. So, this past weekend I decided to make chicken soup. No, not chicken noodle soup. I decided I would have a grilled cheese sandwich with my soup, so I decided to hold the noodles (not literally!). I did not follow a recipe, but was pleasantly surprised at how tasty my soup turned out. Here is how I did it… (more…)

Bright Ideas for Coping With the Blues

I was recently thumbing through a magazine that had a really great idea for coping with the blues. Depression is something that I have struggled with for years and I know the same is true for many women and mothers. The idea entailed making a kit with all the little things that make you happy. I don’t remember what the actual name of this kit was titled in the magazine, but I think “Light Blue Kit” is a fitting name. Light blue, because it will lighten your blues when you are feeling under the weather. So, when you are in need of a little pick-me-up, grab your kit filled with some of your favorite things. To make your kit, start with a box that has a nice fitted lid to it. I really like the photo boxes that are available in various colors and designs. Oh, wouldn’t it be too cute if your box was light blue? You could even write the title on the lid. Here are a few ideas for kit fillers. Please come back and share any that you come up with!

  • a prayer card-I have one of those pocket cards with the “Footprints” poem on it. What a great reminder that no matter how tough times seem to get, God is ALWAYS there to carry us through.  You can make a prayer card by typing the poem in a Word document and then printing it off on your favorite card stock. Then, cut to size.
  • a picture-Choose one of your favorite family photos or a silly one of you and a friend or beloved pet.
  • a teabag-As you rummage through your kit, treat yourself to your favorite cup of tea. Chamomile Tea is known for its relaxing qualities. Make sure to drink it out of your prettiest cup!
  • a candle-Aromatherapy candles can be a great way to lift your mood. Many stores (my faves are Bath and Body Works and Origins.com) offer a variety of scents that range from relaxing to energizing.
  • chocolate-Studies show it really does help boost your mood (I always knew it!). Keep a few Hershey Kisses or some of those yummy Lindt truffles that are individually wrapped! Careful-those may have you visiting your kit every day!
  • a few gift wrapped items-This may seem silly, but I think it would be fun to put a wrapped gift in your kit. I mean, who doesn’t like to receive a gift? Next time you are at Target, go through the dollar bins and collect a few things that are cute to you. It doesn’t even have to have a purpose. It can just be something you think would be fun or cute to have. For example, a journal, one of those mini  _____ for Dummies books, a Hello Kitty hairband, a visor, etc. Wrap the items up and keep one in your kit. The next time you open your kit, you will be  surprised with a gift!

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