pasta

Currently Craving

pictures-of-spring-flowers-19

Springtime favorites…marula oilAcure Marula Oil

Marula oil is magical. Before I spied it on the clearance rack of my local grocery store, I had never heard of it. I knew Acure was a good organic brand, so I gave it a shot. Turns out, my face loves oil moisturizers. Especially, this one. Not only does it moisturize my skin, it helps to face old acne scars. I couldn’t have asked for more. I just love it when impulse purchases work out.

OPI Ridge Filler

OPI Ridge Filler

Best Basecoat Ever.

It makes any nail color you choose more vibrant and true to color. My nails remain strong, stain-free, and my polish lasts longer than ever.

My holy grail base coat forever and ever, amen.

Image result for big little lies tv review

Big Little Lies

The final episode airs this Sunday at 9 and I cannot wait.

Somebody’s dead. Everyone is a suspect.

The tale is told through the perspectives of three strong, successful, flawed women. This show delves deep inside the lives and minds of women. Its full of smart writing, drama, and extraordinary acting.

I love a good, dark comedy.

Aviary Photo_130702119028316183

All of the Pasta, Please

More specifically, turkey sausage and kale pasta toss with a mountain of parmesan grated over the top.

Flowy Florals

To me, flowy floral dresses scream spring. I need to go shopping…

Maybelline - Baby Lips Color Balm Crayon in Blush Burst #ultabeauty:

Baby Lips in Blush Burst

My go-to lip color of the moment. After a liquid lipstick kick, my lips were in need of some major hydration. Baby lips fit the bill. Blush burst is the perfect pinky nude shade for everyday. Love it. I will repurchase this. Plus, it is affordable and you can pick it up at the drugstore.

What are some of your spring favorites? Let me know in the comments.

xo Ali Taylor

Advertisements

Creamy Butternut Squash Penne with Rosemary and Parmesan

If you are looking for a cozy fall pasta dish or a meatless Monday dinner that will satisfy the carnivores in your life, look no further. If I could, I would eat Creamy Butternut Squash Penne with Rosemary and Parmesan every single day. The creamy dreamy sauce is made without the addition of butter, cream, or a roux. It is Vitamix magic at its best my friends. The addition of a cheesy panko crust on top adds the perfect amount of crunch. Serve with a fresh green salad for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

Creamy Butternut Squash Penne with Rosemary and Parmesan

Penne tossed in a silky smooth butternut squash sauce, topped with herbed parmesan panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden.


Ingredients


1 box dreamfield penne pasta
10oz. or 2 cups frozen butternut squash
1 cup white onion, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
pinch of chili flakes
salt
pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Topping:
1/2 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
salt
pepper

Directions

    Topping:
  1. Mix together the panko, parmesan, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.
  2. Set aside.
    3. Pasta:
  3. Preheat the oven to 350.
  4. Boil pasta 3 minutes less than the package directions. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water.
  5. Heat a large skillet to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onions, a sprinkle of salt and saute 5 minutes.
  6. Once the onions are transluecent, add the butternut squash and the whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Saute for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the minced garlic to the butternut squash with a pinch of chili flakes. Saute for 1 minute longer.
    8. 6.Transfer the butternut squash to a vitamix or blender. Add a splash of pasta water and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth, adding pasta water to achieve a smooth sauce. Taste for seasoning.
  8. Toss the penne in the sauce, transfer to a baking dish sprayed with olive oil.
  9. Add the topping.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the topping is a golden brown.

aviary-photo_131187815698061714

aviary-photo_131187814504972801

Enjoy!
xo Ali Taylor

Zucchini & Chicken Sausage Pasta Bake

Happy Wednesday, my fellow foodies! I hope your weekends were full of friends and fun. We had a full apartment Sunday for a Fantasy Football Draft party. Now, I’m not a huge football fan, but I am a fan of football food. Pizza, wings, sandwiches, buffalo chicken everything, and ALL of the dips… spinach artichoke, guacamole, salsa, layered taco, hummus, queso…I could go on and on.  (more…)

Easy Tortellini Soup

This is the easiest 20 minute soup ever. Anyone can make it. Well, anyone who can chop an onion and boil stock. It really is that simple. The soup comes out looking elegant and would be a lovely recipe to showcase homemade tortellini… if you happen to have any lying around. (more…)

Turkey Sausage and Kale Pasta Toss

Turkey sausage and kale pasta toss is the perfect weeknight meal. It is packed with greens, savory turkey sausage, and cheese. You cannot go wrong with this one! Just remember, pasta, and Italian food in general, is all about simplicity and balance. Good quality ingredients are key.  (more…)