Hello my beautiful readers! It's been a couple of days :( I know, but I can't tell you how bad I wish I had the time to share my cooking journey with you. I'll tell you what, this whole college thing is getting in the way of my cooking and it is not making me very happy. Luckily, this past weekend I was able to actually go home, see my family, relax, and get away from the hectic life of a student athlete. I got to spend the night at my sisters brand new and gorgeous house, go shopping for clothes that I will "need" for Italy with my aunt (completely necessary), spend quality time with my dogs, and most importantly I got to spend Sunday night with my entire family for Sunday dinner. Now, I must tell you...I have a new obsession. My Aunt Bobbie insisted that I try Nordstrom's athletic line called Zella, because they would be perfect for my trip to Italy. Me being an athlete and all, I tend to lean towards Nike and Under Armor, BUT after trying Zella running pants on...I'm in love. My Aunt bought me 2 pairs, plus ordered another! Their purpose is for exercise, however, they are definitely the perfect everyday legging as well. I don't know what it is about them, but they are so comfortable and they are the perfect thickness for any type of activity. Definitely a must try! On another note, I feel like I need to explain the importance of Sunday dinner. When I think about the past 19 years, I can tell you that Sunday dinners have been the highlight of my life. I cannot remember a time that I didn't have this special time with my family. It's the one night of the week that I always look forward to and can count on to make all my problems from the week go away. Every single Sunday, all of my family members (Siblings, Aunt's, Uncles, Cousin, Parents, Grandparents) gather at my grandparents house around 5:30. The girls sit around the kitchen table, gossiping for the most part, and the boys sit in the living room watching whatever sports team is playing in that particular season. You can always count on explosions of laughter from the kitchen and you can always count on explosions of frustration from either a bad call or bad play in the living room. However, all of this is gathered around my Grandma, Nanny's, cooking. I know I have talked about her in previous blogs, but I think she deserves a little more recognition. Nanny is the best cook and baker around. I tell her this all the time, but I swear that anything is 10 times better if she makes it. From Chicken in the Van (cheesy chicken over rice) to classic grilled cheese, or Monkey Bread to Lemon bars, she has this magic touch that makes everything just absolutely amazing. She tells me it's from years of experience, but I can tell you that there is something else because its remarkable. She, and Sunday Dinners, are where my love for cooking and food started. In that house is where everything is okay and the problems in my life just seem to melt away. I know it sounds so cheesy and unoriginal, but it is completely true. I would be a completely different person if it weren't for my family and the values that they have taught me. And since I know Nanny will be reading this at some point, because she reminds me that she does every time I see her, I would like to thank her for everything she has done for my family and I. She doesn't know how much she is appreciated and how much she has influenced and shaped who I am today.
Well, since I just spilled my heart out and wrote a book all in one blog post...I guess I should actually get to the point of this blog. Food! I got my Blue Apron box today :) and I was excited as always. But first I must share the soup that I failed to post last week. This soup was incredibly easy and tasted delicious! It was a Butternut Squash & Kale Minestrone with Horseradish Gremolata & Parmesan Toast. Sounds complicated, but Blue Apron makes everything so easy!
As for tonight's meal, I was so excited to make a pasta based meal! Again, this was such a simple meal to make as well and it only took a half hour. This dish is my favorite of the Blue Apron recipes I have made so far...I am a sucker for a good pasta dish though. Welcome to the world of Whole Wheat Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms & Swiss Chard. It looks just as good as it tastes. Trust me.
I apologize for such a long blog post tonight, but I hope that you enjoyed hearing about my much needed weekend home and a little bit about my family and I! Please check out Zella and look into the recipes that I have made! I can't wait to share with you my next meal tomorrow :) happy cooking and remember to try something new!
~ With love, Nicole Alexis ~
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