Daily Activities and Italian Pasta Salad

Thanksgiving week is here! It is a busy week for us, but mostly because my last semester is wrapping up and we are moving in 2.5 weeks. Last week I managed to read the entire book, An Amish Holiday by Cynthia Keller, procrastination at it's best. The book was really a very inspiring and interesting story. It helped me to better see the value the simpler things in life, just in time for Thanksgiving!

If you are looking for a recipe to make before or after Thanksgiving, this is one of my favorite pasta salads to make. We eat it for dinner, but it would also be perfect as a side for a party.

Recipe:

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1-28 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained
• 5 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 package italian dressing mix
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 tsp dried basil 
• 1 tsp dried parsley 
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper 

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to directions and run under cold water until cool
• Transfer to large bowl
• Add in peppers, tomatoes and cheese to bowl
• In a separate small bowl mix spices, oil and vinegar together
• Pour over ingredients in the larger bowl
• Mix together, cover and chill for a few hours
• Enjoy!

Now I will leave you with some 3-year-old photography skills:

Stone Turtle (side angle)

Artwork and Towel

Garlic and Tomato Pasta

I came up with this recipe after seeing some pasta on TV, that I wanted to replicate. I pretty much just used ingredients I already had around the house and it turned out great!

Recipe: 

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1, 15 oz can died tomatoes
• 1, 6 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• Shredded parmesan for sprinkling

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to directions
• In large pot or deep skillet add olive oil, garlic, pepper and onion- cook over med heat until veggies are tender
• Add in all other ingredients except parmesan and pasta, stir to make a sauce
• Add in pasta and cook until heated through
• Serve and sprinkle parmesan on top!