what we've been eating...

Eeep, it's been a long time since I posted anything. I've admittedly been in a bit of a funk and just haven't felt like writing :/

Okay, so here's a question. This past week, I switched up my grocery shopping a bit. Normally, Mike and I go shopping and we get what's on our list (the staples) and then kind of wander around and buy what sounds good to us. This time, I picked out recipes first - and then went shopping according to what ingredients I needed for the recipes. I spent $185. For two of us. I almost fell over at the check-out.

Do you find that it's cheaper to plan out recipes and then buy? Or the other way around?

A few things we've been eating:

Grilled Tuna, Ginger-lime Carrots, & Green Beans

Tuna steaks with a tasty marinade (see it below), simple green beans with olive oil, salt and pepper, and this awesome recipe for ginger-lime carrots. You know those glazed, really buttery carrots that are not exactly good for you? This is a lighter version, with a kick from some sriracha. A keeper for sure!

Grilled tuna marinade (from about.com)

2 tablespoons dijon honey mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white vinegar (I used my peach balsamic, actually!)

Pounded Walnut Strozzapreti & Veggies

Last night we had pounded walnut strozzapreti (recipe here) with some sauteed zucchini and grape tomatoes. The pasta was really good, despite the fact that Mike hated on me a bit for how fattening it was ;) My point of view? It's full of good-for-you fats like walnuts and olive oil. Not the type of recipe I'd make every day, but every once in a while it can't hurt!

Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Salad

My lunch a few days ago :) Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lots of pepper, and some olive oil with my peach balsamic vinegar. Soooo yummy.

edamame pasta

I've been trying to find a good recipe for pasta with edamame, without any asian flavors. I came across one the other evening that inspired me to make last night's dinner (original recipe here, my changes are below) and I think it's one I'll definitely make again.

Spaghetti with Edamame, Spinach, and Olive Oil

1 large garlic clove, finely minced
1 cup packed spinach
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/3 cups frozen shelled edamame
3/4 pound whole grain spaghetti
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1. Boil water for the pasta. Meanwhile, chop garlic and spinach in a food processor. Drizzle in olive oil. Transfer to a large serving bowl.

2. When boiling, salt the water and add edamame - cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the water and place in serving bowl. Add Parmesan cheese.

3. Add the spaghetti to the same water and when the pasta is cooked, remove 1/2 cup of the cooking water and add to the serving bowl. Drain pasta, and toss with the mixture in the bowl.

Serves 4. Kind of. Maybe 2 1/2 :)