Whole Foods Trip-They make that?!?!?

I had to take Lane to get allergy testing done this morning. We are fairly certain it is a dairy allergy(with possibly soy sensitivity as well), but the dr is checking for everything just to be sure. On our way out the door, I realized we were out of his milk, so after the blood draw, I decided to stop in Whole Foods and check it out. I wanted to get some almond milk to try him on anyways, since we know for sure he isn't allergic to nuts.

First off, that store smells AMAZING!!! I could spend hours in there standing by the smokehouse section! But, what was most amazing to me was the huge selection. Am I the only person in the world who didn't know there were options for yogurt?!? I honestly thought there was NO way we were going to find a subsitute for yogurt(which Lane loves) if it turns out to be a dairy allergy. I was so wrong! They have soy yogurt, coconut milk yogurt, even almond milk yogurt!

I also fell in love with their salad bar. Too often, I buy veggies and produce for dinner, only need about half of what I bought(even if I buy the smallest quanity I can) and the rest goes to waste. So frustrating! I was able to fill a take-out container with just enough peppers and onions for tonights fajitas, and the prep work was already done!

Although it is definitely more expensive, I feel better knowing we have a LOT of options, whatever Lane's allergies turn out to be, and I also feel better knowing that our family is getting healthier, less processed foods.

Tonight's Dinner-Courtesy of Barefoot Contessa!

My name is Aimee, and I'm a Food Network-a-holic. I have it running in the background at least most of the day. My husband doesn't get it, but then, I don't get his obsession with those hunting shows(WHY do they whisper?? I can't STAND it!!) Anyways, Barefoot Contessa isn't one of my favorites-she has WAY too much time on her hands to plan all these dinner parties, who can do that all the time??-but every once in awhile, I see something she does and I think, "I need to try that, ASAP!" This is one of those times.

This is her Summer Garden Pasta, a no-cook sauce with angel hair pasta, which takes less than 10 minutes to cook. It does have to marinate for 4 hours, but that's not active prep. Halve the tomatoes, chop the basil, and throw it all together after lunch, then when dinner time comes around, all you have to do is cook the noodles! Perfect for summers here in Vegas-no heating up your kitchen! Enjoy!

Summer Garden Pasta

Ingredients

• 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• Good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
• 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions

Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Just before you're ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.


SOOO easy, and delicious!

I'm working on a redesign that I hope to have up in the next few days. Stay tuned!