Spinach Artichoke Bow Tie Pasta

Mmmm...spinach artichoke dip.  Who doesn't love it, right?  I could have it probably every week, but my waistline would not like me for it.  :)  It's a classic comfort food, but sometimes it's nice to play around with an old favorite.  I decided to try the same basic flavors in pasta form, and it was delicious!  Why hadn't I thought of this before?!?  It is a heavy pasta, so I would definitely recommend pairing it with a nice side salad and maybe a bruschetta.  You could always substitute a 10 oz bag of frozen spinach if you are a little short on time, but I think using fresh spinach always tastes better.  I hope you give this a try!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

20 oz fresh spinach, chopped

16 oz bow tie pasta

2 Tbsp butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

8 oz cream cheese

3/4 C milk

3/4 C sour cream

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne

14 oz can artichoke hearts, finely chopped

1/2 C shredded Parmesan cheese

paprika, to taste

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the spinach, in batches if necessary, and cook until wilted.  Set aside to cool.  
2. Drain the excess water from the spinach.
3. Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.
4. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.  Slowly add the milk.  Then add the sour cream, lemon juice, salt and cayenne.  Stir in spinach, artichoke and Parmesan.  
5. Add the pasta to the sauce and gently stir to combine.  
6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a dash of paprika.

Adapted from A Life of Flavor

Classic Coleslaw

I have to admit another food I have missed since becoming a vegetarian.  I grew up having KFC occasionally, and I always LOVED their coleslaw.  But I have to tell you, there really isn't a reason to go to KFC as a vegetarian.  Because of that, I haven't had it for years.  I have tried a variety of coleslaws and this one is the closest I have found to the taste I adored.  I know, it is a mayo-based version, so it isn't the healthiest.  But you know what?  Sometimes you just want the real thing.  This is the perfect side dish for a family picnic, BBQ, or just about anything.  :)

Ingredients

1 small red bell pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1/4 C parsley, chopped
1/2 large cabbage head
1/2 C mayonnaise
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 Tbsp white vinegar

Directions

1. Place the bell pepper, green onion, carrot, and parsley in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped being careful not to over process.  Cut half the cabbage into chunks and add to the processor.  Pulse a few times, again being careful not to over process.  
2. Slice the remaining cabbage thinly and place in a large bowl.  Add the processed vegetables and mix together.  In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients and allow to stand for 3-5 minutes.  
3. Combine the dressing with the vegetables and toss to evenly coat.  Allow to chill for at least 1 hour.

Adapted from Paula Dean

Weekly Menu

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  We had a lovely time hanging out as a family, visiting friends, and enjoying beautiful weather.  We also picked up some beautiful fruits and veggies for the week.  We chose some kale, spinach, baby sweet Maui onions, broccoli, carrots, and strawberries.  We also have some cabbage and romaine left over from last week.  With this selection, we will be making the following meals this week:

• Chicago-Style Hot Dogs with a Classic Coleslaw
• using cabbage, baby sweet Maui onion, and carrots

• Baked Potato Bar with House Salad
• using the broccoli, baby sweet Maui onion, carrots, and romaine

• Spinach Artichoke Pasta with a Massaged Kale Salad
• using the spinach and kale

• We will be enjoying the strawberries for dessert.