I’d be hard pressed to think of a long weekend that was more relaxing than this one. It consisted of a ton of cooking, three coffee-fueled trips to the dog park, adult beverages, and sleeping in. Sounds terrible, right?
Here’s an Instagram tour of the weekend:
The final meal of the weekend was inspired by a recipe from The Wannabe Foodie: Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese. Because I have a realllyyyy hard time following directions, I revamped the recipe as follows:
- 1 container DePasquales fresh pasta (or 1 box gemelli) 1 box Ancient Harvest Quinoa Veggie Curls
- 1 cup butternut squash puree pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons fat free half and half
- 1/4 cup chicken broth vegetable broth
- 1 heaping tablespoon 1/3 fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese smoked gouda
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup onions, sliced thinly leeks, thinly sliced
- 1 glove garlic, sliced thinly or grated
- 1 large crispy apple, grated
- 4 tablespoons crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon dried sage fresh basil
- freshly grated Fontina for garnish
Did you think I was exaggerating when I said “revamped”?
I knew I’d end up omitting the bacon so I wanted to add something to enhance the flavor of the dish a little. The smoked gouda was perfect for that. I think it would definitely be better with bacon BUT if you’re a vegetarian, this recipe is still a homerun. Make it. You won’t regret it. I’ll be happily eating leftovers all week.
So back to that whole vegetarian thing. Yesterday I mentioned we were embarking on a meat-free journey for the month of September. I’m trying to broaden our horizons when it comes to meals so this will force me to try a few new (to me) things, like spaghetti squash. Cooking is something I’m really passionate about and I think this month will really push me outside my comfort zone and get a little creative.
I used to be a vegetarian so this isn’t a “see if I can last a month without bacon” challenge. I know I can do it, and physically (and mentally) feel better when following a plant-based diet. I’d like to get back to that point. Brad is joining me for the month, but may not stick to it 100%. If he wants meat, he says he’ll cook it himself. And once that calendar flips over to October 1st I’m sure he’ll go running back to his carnivorous ways. As for me? I wouldn’t be surprised if I remained an ovo-lacto. We shall see.
Are you a vegetarian? If no, have you followed a plant-based diet in the past?
Link to your favorite vegetarian recipes below! {please&thankyou}
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Yep, I’ve been a vegetarian for two and a half years. I love the variety of recipes you can come up with once you start getting creative with your produce. Spaghetti squash is a great place to start – that stuff is awesome! Loaded baked potatoes, bean enchiladas and white bean chilis are other great ones that both you and Brad might get excited about!
Thanks Faith! Bean enchiladas are definitely on the list, I love a good Mexican meal. Chili is another great veg go-to, especially with the cooler months coming up. You know, whenever those months arrive here in Texas
I want to play with those dogs and I want you to cook me those meals and I want you to remain a vegetarian
Awesome weekend my friend. Miss yo face
miss you tooooo. when you come in Feb I’ll take you to the park to play with the dogs
and cook for you!
Twitter: kyliemarieslife
September 4, 2012 at 7:35 am
How about instead of giving me the recipe, you just overnight me the leftovers? I feel like that would be more efficient for my constant hunger
And it’s perfect because there’s no meat in it!
Haha, I love ya, but keep dreamin’
you should definitely whip this up. It makes a TON so it would be perfect to take for lunches throughout the week!
The Kettle of Green Chili Pork at Roaring Fork just shed a tear at your last paragraph.
I knowww. Thankfully, the Green Chile Mac n Cheese will be there to fall back on haha. Definitely not the same…
You are a cooking MACHINE lately!! I need to get some inspiration from you.
I am a meat lover all the way – but we eat vetegarian meals at least 50% of week (if not more). I think eating a plant-based diet is VERY important.
Oh – and You’re my boy blue! (someone had to say it)
I was just saying to a friend how I felt like it’s turned into a food blog the past few days! I don’t plan on this being a regular occurrence but definitely need to share the delicious dishes I come across
I love that you eat veg 50% of the week. That’s something I definitely struggled with. Practically every meal we ate all week had some kind of meat in it. I need to step back & focus on incorporating other ingredients (ie vegetables & whole grains) into our diet (despise that word). I’m excited about it though!
and THANK YOU! I was so bummed when I realized that guy & his dog left. I was ready to scream it from the rooftops!
I’m not a vegetarian, but my sister is! I only don’t eat red meat bc I think it tastes bad. I love everything else tho! The recipe u revamped looks super yummy! Happy Tuesday and spa love!
Thanks Jenna, you’re so sweet
so funny I made quinoa mac and cheese too!! isn’t it the yummiest?
YES! Thanks so much for telling me to pull the trigger on buying quinoa pasta, we LOVED it
I’m a veg, this looks great! I like getting recipes from oh she glows and peas and thank you.
This is not necessarily that healthy, but so good.
http://www.food.com/recipe/pasta-with-caramelized-onions-blue-cheese-moosewood-334767
Moosewood’s Ratatouille recipe is also excellent – throw is on some polenta or orzo, quinoa, whatever.
I’ve heard great things about Moosewood! And that recipe you linked to – caramelized onions & blue cheese are two of my favorite things. I’ll definitely be trying that one – thank you!!
Good luck! I’ve gone vego before, but the way I felt improved dramatically when I started eating meat again. I guess I was doing it wrong
Hahaha we’ll see how things go. I really really really like bacon. Like a lot.
Just stumbled upon your great blog. Red Sox, wine and running its really all you need. Need to add a Paso Robles Zinfandel to your list. I live on Paso Zin especially Peachy Canyons Zin selections it helps during Red Sox games.
Thanks for the recommendation, I’m always looking for new wines
and as for the Sox – there’s always next year…
I actually do a mostly pescetarian diet (I would bet there are many weeks I don’t eat an ounce of meat) and I love the way my body feels. It’s gotten really hard to digest a big protein, and I can definitely tell when I’ve had a heavy meal that is meat-heavy. I have a list of veggie-friendly recipes on the recipe page on my blog if you’re looking for any more inspiration.
yes! I’ll definitely check them out, thanks Amanda!