Capellini Pomodoro

Obviously you can probably tell by now that we love tomatoes and we love pasta.  Given that today was in the 90's and unbearably hot I decided Capellini Pomodoro would be perfect.  It is a super simple dish that takes virtually no time  and barely any effort to make.  I love the simple and basic flavors in this dish and paired with my Parmesan & Garlic Pull-Apart Wheat Rolls we have a perfect meal!

Capellini Pomodoro
1 package Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
8 Roma Tomatoes, diced
15-20 Basil Leaves, chopped
2 TBS Minced Garlic (we love garlic so cut this down to at least half if you aren't a fan)
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

• Prepare pasta according to package directions
• Meanwhile place tomatoes in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic, basil, and olive oil then combine
• Add drained hot pasta and toss to coat 
• Top with fresh grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!

See you can't get much more simple, but this is incredibly delicious and a definite favorite in our house!

Below is the nutritional value for 1 serving this recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 384 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 338 Calories from Fat 92

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 10.2g 16%

Saturated Fat 2.1g 11%

Cholesterol 6mg 2%

Sodium 413mg 17%

Total Carbohydrates 47.7g 16%

Dietary Fiber 9.8g 39%

Sugars 8.2g

Protein 14.4g

Vitamin A 54% • Vitamin C 68% Calcium 13% • Iron 21%

Nutrition Grade A-

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Very low in cholesterol
• High in dietary fiber
• High in vitamin A
• High in vitamin C

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Parmesan & Garlic Pull-Apart Wheat Rolls

I love fresh baked rolls with dinner.  I am huge fan of the smell that fills the house too.  But really who can resist the smell of fresh baked bread?  Now by now you all may know I am not a very good baker.  Anything with kneading and rising just does not work out well for me.

Even though my history with baking has not been the greatest I decided to give it a go anyway.  I decided to put my worries and past failures behind me.  I am determined to be a better baker for many reasons including health, knowing what goes into my products, etc.  But the reality is I hate failing so that is probably the main contributing factor as to why I keep trying ;)

After tons of research and reading countless recipes I decided to adapt my recipe from Easy Cooking. The Whole Wheat Garlic Pull-Apart Rolls just looked too amazing to pass by.  That and she has great step by step pictures and tutorials in the recipe.  That always seems to ease my anxiety.  So if you are like me and baking is not your friend make sure you read her entire recipe.

Cheesy Garlic Wheat Rolls
2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (sifted)
1 Cup Lukewarm Water (warm cold tap water for 30 seconds in the microwave)
1 tsp Active Dry Yeast
2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Mix together warm water, yeast, and sugar then set aside for 5-10 minutes until mixture is foamy
• In a large mixing bowl add flour
• Then pour in yeast mixture, olive oil, and salt
• Mix until a soft dough forms (I used a large paddle spatula to gently mix everything) and then begin kneading the dough
• Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic (it says you can add more flour if you feel it is too sticky, but this was the perfect amount for me)
• Coat the mixing bowl with olive oil and gently oil the dough
• Cover the bowl with a damp towel, set in a warm place (I preheat my oven to warm then turn it off and open the oven for about 3 minutes), and then let rise for until double in size (about 45-60 minutes) 

While the dough is rising prepare the cheesy garlic mixture.

1/2 Cup Butter, softened

1 TBS Minced Garlic

1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus an additional 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top after spreading the mixture)

1 tsp Garlic Salt

1 tsp Dried Parsley

1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

• Beat the butter until creamy
• Add the remaining ingredients and beat until fully combined
• Set aside to let flavors blend

At this time I grease a loaf pan as well and set that aside until the dough has doubled.  Once the dough is ready you can proceed with the following steps.

• Punch down the dough and knead for about 2-3 minutes to get all the air out
• Divide the dough into 2 equal portions
• Put some flour on your workstation and roll the dough into a rough rectangle about 1/2 inch thick
• Spread half of the butter mixture over the dough and sprinkle with about 2-4 TBS of grated parmesan cheese
• Roll the rectangle (like a cinnamon roll) and then cut in half, then proceed to cut each half in half as well yielding 4 pieces
• Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan and then prepare the remaining rolls by repeating the previous 3 steps 
• If you have any remaining garlic spread apply it to the tops of the rolls
• Allow the rolls to proof for 30-45 minutes
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped.  If not bake for an additional 10 minutes
• Immediately after pulling out from the oven brush the tops of the rolls with softened butter
• Run a knife around the edge of the pan and remove rolls to a cooling rack

The nutritional value is per roll.  I know this isn't the healthiest, but sometimes we have to enjoy a good home made roll ;)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 85 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15.0g 23%

Saturated Fat 8.5g 43%

Cholesterol 36mg 12%

Sodium 296mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 24.2g 8%

Dietary Fiber 3.2g 13%

Sugars 1.2g

Protein 5.8g

Vitamin A 8% • Vitamin C 1% Calcium 8% • Iron 5%

Nutrition Grade D+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in sugar

Bad points

• High in saturated fat

Monthly Shopping - June part 1

It sure has been a busy week.  School is out and the kids are as crazy as ever.  I am not complaining by any means.  I understand their excitement, but wow...they are really excited this year.  It seems this year they want to pack their entire summer in the first week...lol.  Between the kids being here and packing I am not getting much time to blog anymore :(  

I promise to make more of an attempt, but for at least the next month I can't see getting much done.  I think once we are moved and settled into a routine (once again!) I will get more time.  I did go out and get the majority of my monthly shopping done (minus the meat and the weekly produce runs).  I did not get a picture though.  It was a quick trip and by the time I got home I was rushing once again so I just did not have the time.  

I will list my trip here along with the remaining items I need to purchase.  Below I will also include the meal plan so you can get a better idea on how I purchase my items a month in advance :)

June Shopping - Hy-Vee

6 - Greek Yogurt with Fruit

$6 or $1 each (great quick snack for the kiddo's or with lunch)

1 - 16 oz Whole Milk Mozzarella

$5.99

1 - Frozen Artichoke Hearts

$3.75

2 - Frozen Chopped Spinach

$2.36 or $1.18 each

1 - 17 oz Colavita Organic 100% Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil

$13.99 (so happy much cheaper than Amazon!)

1 - Hy-Vee Pure Vanilla (wasn't out yet, but on sale so I picked it up...great deal!)

98 cents

2 - Hy-Vee Premium 100% Apple Juice

$5.18 or $2.59 each

3 - Hy-Vee Whole Wheat Pasta (Penne, Spaghetti, Rotini)

$4.71 or $1.59 each

1 - Hy-Vee Baking Soda

63 cents

1 - Hy-Vee 100% Natural Blue Tortilla Chips

$2.37

1 - Hy-Vee Dried Cranberry

$1.89

1 - Hy-Vee Malabar Black Peppercorns

$4.99

1 - 24 oz Hy-Vee Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

$4.58

1 - 24 oz Hy-Vee 100% Natural Vegetable Oil

$3.49

1 - Kame Oyster Sauce

$3.09

1 - Kikoman Lite Soy Sauce

$2.25

1 - 16 oz Mezzetta Roasted Red Peppers

$4.29

1 - Nature's Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread

$2.99

1 - Old Orchard Tart Cherry Juice

$4.68

1 - 7 oz San Marcos Chipolte Peppers in Adobo Sauce

$2.19

2 - Annie's Homegrown Organic Fruit Snacks

$7.18 or $3.59 each

1 - 48 oz Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

$4.79

1 - 32 oz Bob's Red Mill Thick Rolled Oats

$4.19

1 - Bionature Whole Wheat Organic Pasta (Farfalle)

$1.99

1 - Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Fettucinne

$2.39

1 - Kashi Heart to Heart Cinnamon Cereal

$3.48

1 - Muir Glen Organic Salsa

$3.39

1 - Organic Valley Skim Milk

$6.49

1 - Organic Valley Whole Milk

$6.49

1 - Peanut Butter and Co Smooth Peanut Butter

$4.49

1 - 6 pack Zevia Lemon Lime Soda

$4.99

1 - Hy-Vee Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

$2.49

1 - Parchment Paper

$2.99

1 bunch Cilantro

89 cents

2.27 lbs Dole Bananas

$1.57

2.27 lbs Green Beans

$3.34

1 - Local Grown Basil

$2.79

1 - Organic Zucchini (2 pack)

$3.49

1 - Organic Italian Parsley

$1.29

3.94 lbs Roma Tomatoes

$3.86

1 - Cucumber

69 cents

.84 lbs Yellow Squash

$1.25

1 - Old Bay Seasoning

$4.69

Total Spent: $170.61

That means I still have $229.39 remaining for the month so I think I will remain under budget.  Below you will see what I need to buy yet.

The beef cuts may change depending on what is available and what is on sale.  The chicken I have not fully decided if I am going to roast more chickens or just buy chicken breasts.  I guess it depends on if there are any good sales going on :)

Below is the meal plan for June along with some snacks I plan to make.  The first 2 days are leftovers/take out type meals so I didn't include them.  I am rather excited for this month and can't wait to try some of the meals.  Plus I am looking forward to moving into our new place which is much more open with better lighting.  It makes cooking more enjoyable to me when I have room to roam :)