Hooray for Accomplishements

I had a big long list of things to do today, namely shopping and cooking. Last week we were total bums and ate like crap. That's what happens when we don't have good ingredients in the fridge. Today we went to Whole Foods in Chandler and got some delicious produce.

I cut up squash, zucchini, mushrooms and onions to grill tomorrow night. The yellow squash came from our garden. It is HUGE and so flavorful. On a side note, some little critters keep eating my eggplant. Does anyone know a humane way to keep field mice out of a garden? I read that peppermint works, but I am not so sure.

I made a yummy pasta salad out of Vegan Lunch Box. John is such a fruit and veggie kid. I struggle to find new and interesting ways to present it to him so he isn't just eating plain veggies all the time. It turned out great and he enjoyed it, but it could use a little more vinegar to satisfy Josh. I will add the recipe below.

Petite Pasta Salad - Vegan Lunch Box

1 7oz package tiny star or alphabet pasta - I used spirals that I had on hand

1c frozen corn - I used frozen peas that I had on hand

8 oz sugar snap peas, cut into bite size pieces

1 cucumber, cut into bite size pieces

1 tomato, seeded and diced

1/2 a red or orange bell pepper, diced

1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained - I omitted this

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 to 2 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar (to taste)

1 tsp White Balsamic Vinegar

Salt and White Pepper

Bring medium-size sauce pan of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until barely tender, about 2-3 minutes. During the last minute, add the frozen corn and chopped sugar snap peas.

Drain the pasta, corn and peas and rinse well with cold running water. Drain

In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta, corn and peas with the rest of the vegetables and herbs.

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil and vinegars and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Pour over pasta and toss.

Super easy and very summery :)

I also prepped a veggie bake, made seitan and cut up watermelon and cantaloupe. This may not seem like much, but it is a lot with a crazy 2 year old running around. Do you like my awesome Pyrex? It was my dad's but I jacked it a long time ago because he didn't understand the glory of what he had on his hands :)

Stay tuned next week for an awesome new feature starring me, Courtney and Rikki! I am super duper excited about this and can't wait to share :)

Happy Tuesday!!!