Monday Kick-Off

Growing up, it was always dangerous for me to go into a pet store because I rarely left empty-handed. Strays were even worse. I once hid a kitten in my room for over a month because I couldn’t bear to leave her in the shelter. I can’t say I’ve gotten much better. I went into a pet store for dog food last Spring and came out with a cat. Last time my Mom and I went to a shelter, to pick up a cat my sister had fallen in love with … my Mom and I each ended up getting a cat ourselves. Hey, could be worse, right? It could be a diamond addiction, but I leave that one to The Neighbor.

Well, it seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My assistant is on maternity leave, and I have fish duty while she’s gone. When I picked Nicholas up from school today, we stopped at the pet store to get a bigger bowl for her fish, Freddie, and new toys for his bowl. On the way to the store, Nicholas asked if he could get a bird, and I said “no.” I have to draw the line somewhere! When we got there, he dragged me over to see all the birds, pointing out which ones he liked the best. Then came the guinea pig cage. “Can I have a guinea pig, Mommy?” “No, Nicholas, no guinea pig.” But when we got to the fish, I caved. I am only human, after all. Considering we passed by six adorable cats that were available for adoption, I think I did pretty well! Of course there’s always tomorrow… Nicholas and The Husband went back to the pet store after dinner tonight, and we now have a new member of the family, Bella the fish. Nicholas named her after a dog that we fostered last year … I think he misses her more than I thought.

Dinner tonight was quick and easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal, Farfalle Shrimp Newburg. A recipe from a recent issue of Woman’s Day magazine, I’ll be repeating this one because it makes good use of ingredients you probably have on hand, and would be very flexible, mixing and matching with substituted ingredients. We started with a Mexican-inspired bean dip that was ok, but unmemorable.

I’ve been doing some writing for a few other sites in the last week. You can read all about getting a wine bargain here on Wine Sediments, getting your veggies in here and lastly, the new issue of Good Things is up here and my articles there feature grilling and cocktails. Read on!

OK folks, all for tonight. Tune in tomorrow to find out what treats are going to the office in the morning. Until then…

A year ago today … real good, real slow.

Farfalle Shrimp Newburg
Serves: 4
Time: 23 min
Cost Per Serving: $2.48

12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
1 bunch (about 1 lb) asparagus, woody ends snapped off, spears cut in 2-in. lengths

Sauce:
1 Tbsp butter
12 oz raw deveined, peeled medium shrimp
1/2 cup dry sherry wine
1/4 cup each thinly sliced white and green part of scallions
3/4 cup bottled Alfredo pasta sauce
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes in juice, drained, juice reserved

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as package directs, adding asparagus 6 minutes before pasta will be done.

2. Meanwhile heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; sauté 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate.

3. Add sherry and white part of scallions to skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered until liquid is reduced by half. Add Alfredo sauce and reserved juice from tomatoes; stir until blended and hot.

4. Drain pasta and asparagus; return to pot. Add sauce, shrimp and tomatoes; toss to mix and coat. Sprinkle with green part of scallions.

Per serving: 554 cal, 34 g pro, 75 g car, 4 g fiber, 13 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 167 mg chol, 627 mg sod