Penne with Shrimp in a Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Sauce

This was my first day of cooking dinner using ingredients from my pantry. I cooked up a pound of whole wheat pasta and then for the sauce I found canned artichokes and a jar of roasted red bell peppers. I also added fresh mushrooms and asparagus  as well as frozen jumbo shrimp from the freezer. I topped off with sliced jalepenos and tomatoes. This turned out to be really healthy and tasty. I really enjoy the nuttiness and texture of whole wheat pasta, it added to the dish.  I will definitely make this dish again.

My Pantry

I decided that I have too much stuff in my pantry and need to use it up before I buy more. I have a habit of having two or more of everything and I have at least once already since I have been in this house had to go and throw out food that was past its expiration date. Also I will be out of town for a while and would like to have as little as possible in it before I leave and can restock when I get back. It should cut down on my food costs until I leave. It will be a fun challenge to come up with meals by going in my pantry and figuring out what to make each day. I like challenges and this will be something that the kids can help me with!

Tropical Island Bundt Cake



Top View

Side View

Cake Slice drizzled with a Coconut Syrup Glaze
 (Syrup from Hawaii)

 I was in a baking mood today and wanted to make something to take into the office in the morning and got inspiration from a bottle of coconut syrup that Ben and Phia's father brought back from a trip to Hawaii last week. I made a basic pound cake and added pineapple, banana, walnuts and coconut. It baked up nicely and the aroma of goodies baking is always a welcome bonus. I am going to try a piece for breakfast with the coconut syrup, yum!

Blonde and Brunette Brownies

You Have to Start with really good quality chocolate.
I used dark chocolate from Trader Joe's.

 Brunette Batter.

Brunette Batter spread into the pan.

Blonde Batter.

Blonde Batter in the pan.

Brownies all done!

And one to taste!

 I was trying to decide whether to make brownies or blondies today and I decided to incorporate both into one. So I made two batters a brownie one and a butterscotch one and then spread two layers into a pan and baked. The kids were skeptical at first about the butterscotch but once they tried they loved them.  I have to say that I am not normally a huge fan of butterscotch but this recipe may have changed my stance on it. I made brownie sundaes for the kids and they gobbled them up. This is a keeper!

Saturday Lunch at Mom's- In a word YUM!

My momma made me a wonderful traditional Korean lunch today and we even ate it tradtionally on a small table sitting on the floor, it brought back memories of my childhood when my mom, two sisters and I would eat all our meals like that.  We had a nice visit just the two of us. I picked a bunch of herbs from her huge garden and can't wait to use them in this weeks dinner's. Love you Mom thanks for the wonderfully relaxing day!!!

My first post from my phone.

Sophia's Pre School Graduation Cake with Rainbow layers

 

I made this cake for Sophia's graduation yesterday as a suprise. I went a little crazy with the decorating and it ended up being a graffitti cake, lol. It's vanilla with a marshmallow buttercream, it was yum! The kids really loved the colors!