The Buerglers

This is the perfect dish to make for a potluck, picnic, Friday in Lent, lunch for the week, or with an Italian feast.  In true Italian fashion, the measurements are "a little of this" "to taste" "a handful" "eyeball it", but I'll do my best to include some measurements. It's a pasta salad, not rocket science - have fun - and get creative! Ingredients: 1 standard size box of bow ties (farfalle) 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes, halved 1 2.25oz can of sliced, pitted black olives Fresh mozzarella cheese, in pearls if you can find them or mini balls cut in quarters are fine. One package is perfect. Look for them in the "fancy cheese" section at the grocery. A few leaves of fresh basil, coarsely chopped A few tablespoons of Olive Oil (a flavored one, if desired) Italian spices to taste* Other ideas :  pepperoni, green or red bell peppers, carrots, left over grilled chicken, green olives, pine nuts, roasted garlic, etc Dire...

As part of our training for Disney, Katie, Rosemary and I did a little "Biggest Loser" challenge.  We all lost some weight, and some inches!  Rosemary won our three month competition.  With bathing suit season upon us, we agreed to do a second three-month round, and invited a few girlfriends to join! Thus being said, I am not participating in "Mardi Gras" or as it's often incorrectly translated to "Fat Tuesday" (it's really shrove tuesday, which means to be prepared for confession) (like I am one to talk about translations, this post's title is at the mercy of Google Translations, but I digress).  People are indulgent.  With our second week of weigh-ins tomorrow, I can't afford to be indulgent.  Every day is a day to make good choices, right? Here are a few things I made today.  Keep in mind, it is my day off from work.  I am not (that) insane. Today's lunch (invented today) Our meatless meal for Ash Wednesday (Weight Watch...

With Lent beginning on Wednesday several Catholic blogs I read are hosting meatless recipe swaps.  This is one of my favorites. Eric and I have only duplicated a few recipes since we've been married, but this is one of our go-to meals.  It's easy. It's fast. It's Oh So Good.  (Eric doesn't even like zucchini and he loves this dish?) Gnocchi with Zucchini Ribbons, Tomatoes and Parsley Brown Butter Serves 2-4 courtesy of Delish.com Ingredients: 1 pound fresh or frozen gnocchi 2 tablespoons butter 2 medium shallots (chopped) (optional) 1 pound zucchini (about 3 small) (very thinly sliced lengthwise) 1 pound cherry tomatoes (halved) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg ground pepper to taste +/-  1/2  cups FRESH!! grated Parmesan Cheese +/-  1/2 cups fresh parsley Directions: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.  Cook gnocchi according to the package instructions.  Approx. 3-5 minutes. Drain. Meanwhile, melt butter in a...