Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Recipes, Hats and so much more..


On whole foods website they have lots of yummy recipes! This one is my favorite so far. Its called, BAKED SPINACH AND RICOTTA STUFFED PASTA SHELLS. And it is delicious! and very easy to make. Which I like!



Serves 4

This pasta dish will soon become a family favorite. In a hurry? Use a cup of thawed frozen spinach instead of fresh; just be sure to squeeze it well to remove any excess water. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

16 jumbo pasta shells 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 pound baby spinach 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 pound part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 pound part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon chopped basil 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well then toss with oil in a large bowl; set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F. Put spinach into a large skillet and drizzle with a tablespoon or two of water. Cover and cook over medium low heat, tossing occasionally, until just wilted; drain well. When cool enough to handle, squeeze to remove any excess water. Chop spinach and transfer to a large bowl. Add garlic, ricotta, mozzarella, egg and basil to make the filling. Spread a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce in the bottom of a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the shells in a single layer. Fill each shell with spinach mixture and arrange in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over and around the stuffed shells and top with Parmigiano Reggiano. Cover with foil and bake until hot throughout, 20 to 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until golden brown, about 10 minutes more.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 11oz/307g-wt.): 450 calories (190 from fat), 22g total fat, 10g saturated fat, 110mg cholesterol, 1060mg sodium, 36g total carbohydrate (4g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 29g protein


I got this cute little beanie from Old Navy and thought it would be fun to make some of my own!

Nixon 5 months.


They turned out cute and were super easy to make!



All you need is a small circle loom.







Here are some other projects I have been working on.



This Dresser was given to us by our Grandma. I wasn't loving the walnut wood finish so I thought it would be fun to paint it black and give it more of an contemporary look. I used an old french pattern fabric to cover the chair cushion which cost me two bucks. I used half a quart of black satin water based paint which cost me 6 bucks. After three coats of paint I was very pleased with the end result.
Overall cost, 8 bucks!




My Mother-in-law found this glider chair at a garage sale for 15 bucks. I got the fabric on clarence for a dollar a yard. It only took a total of 3 yards to cover it. I sewed the fabric for the chair cushions and used a staple gun to staple the fabric to the ottoman.
Overall cost, 18 bucks!





This dresser cost me 30 dollars from a local thrift store. (Be careful that you check to make sure all the drawers work properly before you purchase one.) I got the paint for 6 dollars at the paint store. Its a mossy green satin paint. I use a watered down brown acrylic paint to paint around the edges for an aged look.
Overall cost, 36 bucks!





This one was one of my favorites to do and I love the outcome of it! I found it at a thrift store for 3 bucks. I use a jade green spray paint to finish it and sanded the sides and edges to give it a distressed look. The candles on the top shelve were only a dollar at walmart! And the little hook holding the keys I found there as well.
Overall cost, 6 bucks!






7 comments:

PAUL + ALICIA+CAPRI said...

SO cute tay! I love those shells! like you said they are super good and way easy to make, Im glad you posted this haha I need to make dinner for the missionaries but couldnt think of anything easy to make.. but good..and something easy to take to them at the visitors center! I love the little hats they are so cute! I love all those projects you did! Its amazing how little you spent and how cute they turned out! MISS YOU GUYS

Kristin said...

oh my goodness!! i love all your stuff you painted!! Your place is so cute! And i love little NIX!! i love his little hats. i need to find one for Dean! can't wait for the cousins to meet in two months!!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Mmm those shells look delish. I'm going to have to try them. And, super cute projects...Its so fun to see the finished results always! Your little guys is getting so big. hes a cutie. Isn't it crazy how fast time goes!!!! Miss ya tay! love you!

Jamie said...

well, you are quite the domestic diva, aren't you?! love all the pics, so cute!!!

Brittney and Zach Lundgreen said...

Wow I am go going to have to call you when I do some of these fun projects you are great at it so creative!! Your little one is getting so stinking cute!!

Crystal said...

I love your crafts, and your chair recover is so cute!

Jordi & Dallan said...

Wow I didn't even realize that you had done all these furniture makeovers! They look awesome! I'm impressed! I love love those beanies! I have been wanting to make some for my nieces and nephews... since I don't have any kids yet lol. Anyways... You. Are. AMAZING!