New Year, New You

Happy New Year!  I realize that it's February and we are way past the stage of saying Happy New Year, but this is my first post in awhile. This year has been good to me thus far.  I turned 30 recently and had one hell of a celebration.  I love birthdays more than most people and so the celebration turned into a several week affair.  We celebrated at the Signature Room (bucket list, check!) on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building with my parents, and the following weekend D and my sister threw a cooking inspired surprise party which ended with an epic dance party at one of our favorite bars.  I've been told by news sources that my birthday is technically the "most depressing day of the year" due to the freezing climate, lack of sunlight and the fact that it's a month after the holidays.  Even in the bitter cold of winter as I trudge up and down Wacker Drive, cursing at the wind and snow, I am thankful for a winter birthday to remind me of all those who I love and am thankful for. 

Now as I move past the birthday celebration afterglow, I plan to hibernate my way through winter by continuing to write, cook, check things off my Chicago bucket list, and make more time for new adventures. Recently, a friend and I signed up for a Zumba class (we're the youngest ladies in the class by 20 years) and I'm having more fun than I imagined.  I learned that I'm wayyyy more uncoordinated than I thought and that it's ok to feel awkward in my own body. Also, a coworker, who happens to be an amazing yoga instructor, has started teaching a yoga class at work during lunch and it's a nice break in the middle of my week.  I've almost (!!!) conquered the "crow" position thanks to her and Lo.  New Year, New You, right?

Speaking of trying new things, I've been cooking more simple meals throughout the week to leave more time for reading, watching shows like Downton Abbey, and spending QT with D and Parker.  At first I sort of felt like a cop-out for making such simple meals like quesadillas or fish sticks and corn, but now I feel like my nights are more full, in fact.  I wouldn't say that this was a new year's resolution, instead it's more a pleasant surprise and the result of shifting interests.  Enter another quick meal: One-Pan Pasta. Who knew that you could boil all your pasta ingredients in one pan and that the water/broth turns into a delicious sauce?  Magic!  In talking with friends, I learned that I am late to the game on this one. Well I'm sure glad I found out about this magic. Better late than never, right? 


One-Pan Pasta (from Lottie + Doof via Martha Stewart Living)
12 ounces spaghetti or linguine 
12 ounces cheery tomatoes, halved
1 onion, thinly sliced
6 garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes
2 sprigs basil
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
4 1/2 cups water (or chicken stock)
Plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving


Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, kosher salt, pepper, and water in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 10-12 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide among bowls, and garnish with basil. Serve with oil and parmesan.