A week of anything goes.

I was scolded this afternoon for not posting all week, so I'm sorrrry...but I've had good reason...Basically, I've been making a lot of truly bizarre dinners. We've been doing a lot of pantry pasta meals (aka, we've been broke), and while some have been amazing (brie mac and cheese? Hel-lo!), some have been just plain weird (pasta with feta sounded better than it was), and none have really been anything I can easily track for you.

Case Study 1:
Last night's Artichoke and eggplant...thing..which consisted of a jar of eggplant caponata from Trader Joe's (which is a tapenade type spread made from tomato, artichoke, eggplant, capers, and oil), some sauteed garlic and artichoke chicken sausage, a bit of leftover marinara sauce, frozen baby artichokes, capers, pasta...some salt, pepper, red pepper flakes...and who knows what else I threw in there.

Case Study 2:
Brie Mac & Cheese...which started with a box of gluten free mac&cheese mix. But the hubby was in a mood to play, so he ended up cooking the pasta (plus some GF spiral pasta) in 3 cups of 1% milk and a tbsp margarine...when it was done, he added the cheese mix and about 3 oz of cut up brie, salt, pepper, and I threw in a tad of nutmeg. So good I don't even want to know how far the cals set me back for the week.

Case Study 3:
Mango Martinis. Of course, the only thing I can give actual directions for isn't a meal...sigh. They were a great way to use up frozen mango, since the only other thing I use frozen mango for is to eat with nonfat greek yogurt and a dash of cinnamon. Makes a great breakfast or dessert (the yogurt, not the martini...although...) Be careful who you serve these to...they were too 'strong' for my non-vodka drinking other half, so I got to have the whole blender full (Yes!) Anyway, here you go:

A cup or so of frozen mango pieces
Mango vodka
Raspberry vodka
Regular vodka
(I don't know why he thought they were strong)
Grenadine
couple leaves mint, plus some for garnish

In a blender, combine mango and vodkas, some mint, and add a splash of grenadine. It's not super sweet, so add some simple syrup or more grenadine if you like. Blend. Feel free to add ice if you want.

I had, like, three of them. And no hangover, so this is weeknight approved. I love that.

I am also happy to share that I inspired an old friend to try a stuffed chicken recipe for her gorgeous family this week. At least someone cooked something yummy! I love that she even sent me a pic. Glad to see/hear it was a success, Jess! And glad it got your hubby involved! You're such an ubermom...how you do it all with two little ones is beyond me...keep it up, girl!