Aisle Twelve

It's a new year again!  2012 promises to bring some of the biggest and most exciting changes for me and I can't wait to share them with you!  You may have noticed that I haven't posted a new recipe on here in quite some time.  I apologize.  There is a big reason and it is mainly that I haven't been cooking very many new things to share with you.  A lot of the things I am making are old stand bys that I quickly whip together because (a) I have no energy to stand by a stove for more than 5 minutes (b) the things I am eating are probably of no particular interest to you, unless eating an entire jar of banana peppers chased with a tall glass of Fresca interests you or (c) because the thought of a certain food sends me running for the nearest toilet.  Sorry to mention toilet in a food blog.  Yes, I do have a mild case of morning sickness.  For the most part though, I am still cooking, but what I'm cooking happens to be a very specific something that...

If you have followed this blog for awhile, you’ll notice that I have a little love affair with peas (see Lemon Spaghetti with Pea Pesto). Not only do I enjoy their clean, bright taste, but I just love the vibrant, crisp green pearls on your plate. It’s like an accessory for your food, they dress up anything! Take this dish for example. Between the green pearly peas and the adorable farfalle it’s almost too pretty to eat. On a practical level (boo) they are cost effective and keep well in the freezer so you can always have them on hand. Peas are a healthy addition to any meal. Other vegetables must be so envious of the pea. This dish is a take on a recipe from my Everyday Food Cookbook. It was supposed to be Salmon Farfalle with Mint and Peas. A very spring dish. I, however, did not have salmon but decided shrimp would be a good substitute. I know there are cultures, the Mediterranean for example, that use mint in savory dishes but I have to say, I am not a big fan of it in my savory...

Sometimes my favorite dishes are the ones I make up myself.  Yesterday, for example, I only had to cook for myself.  I was tempted to pour a bowl of cereal and call it good, but I had some inspiration on this beautiful spring day.  Problem was, I didn't have much in the house.  I always have spaghetti and while I had no fresh vegetables, I did have frozen peas.  Hmmm...what to make??  I channeled my inner Giada and made a pea pesto.  This recipe is so simple, so decadent, so fresh and springy, I will be making this again and again.  It is cheap to make, I almost always have these things in my pantry and it's fast.  What more could you ask for in a delicious and healthy dinner? Lemon Spaghetti with Pea Pesto  (Serves one - multiply accordingly) 1/2 cup frozen peas - slightly thawed 1 small garlic clove - smashed and rough chopped 3 tablespoons walnuts - rough chopped 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese - chunked 1/2 lemon olive oi...