The End of the Beginning

It is New Year's Eve, and I just finished watching the sun disappear slowly into the windmill-dotted hills from my bedroom window. The last specks of glowing orange have now turned into a deep gray, signaling the end of the last day of 2012.

I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. Although nothing too dramatic has happened, it's still been a year full of ups and downs, successes and failures, some large and some small. There's been a whirlwind of new encounters and sad goodbyes, triumphs at work as well as disappointments, instances of blissful happiness but also heartbreaks, loads of laughter and tears. Some of that is even getting carried over inevitably into the new year. Everyone says that the new year is a chance to start over, to forget all the bad things that happened in the past year and to begin creating a new you. That's why we have new year's resolutions. Of course, I've made a few of these as I do every year (we'll see if I can actually stick to them!).

This New Year's Eve, however, things feel a little different. As I look to 2013, there are so many changes that are about to happen, or have already happened, that I almost feel like it's the end of an era. There's definitely going to be a lot of excitement, as well as many obstacles to surmount, as a I continue to work hard to reach my goals and to discover myself. There's going to be a lot of new experiences that will challenge me and help me become a stronger, more mature person. There's going to be more risk-taking, which may lead to larger disappointments than I've ever experienced before, but also the possibility of success sweeter than I've ever tasted before, too. I am not looking to "start over", but rather, to take 2012 along with me and continue to expand my horizons and stretch myself as we ring in the new year.

Whether you are out partying or sitting quietly in front of your computer at home, like me, I hope you have a wonderful night and Happy New Year!

Pasta Demystified

Photo courtesy of www.chow.com

Pasta has always been my go-to whenever I'm in need of a quick and easy, yet satisfying meal. For a long time, my typical pasta would start from a jar of tomato sauce, mixing it with sauteed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and chicken or shrimp, and finally, tossing the mixture with some cooked penne pasta. Penne was my favorite type of pasta to use because I loved how the sauce crept into the hollow tubes, making every bite flavorful.

Lately, though, I've started to experiment with different alternatives to my usual "semi-homemade" style of pasta. What I've learned is that there are endless ways when it comes to cooking pasta, and that pasta sauce can be so much more than just a jar of Prego. Here are just a few of the different pasta dishes that are out there and what their defining characteristics are.

Fettuccine Alfredo
This is a classic Italian dish that has become immensely popular and is a staple on many restaurant menus. The signature creamy, white sauce is made from heavy cream (a key ingredient in creamy pasta sauces) and loads of Parmesan cheese. Typically, lemon juice and zest are added to the sauce to balance out the heavy sauce. Fettuccine is the most popular type of pasta served with Alfredo, and the dish is usually served with chicken or shrimp.

Spaghetti Carbonara
Similar to Alfredo, this pasta starts out with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Egg yolk is then added to the sauce to create a particularly rich and creamy consistency. Pancetta and garlic are first sauteed, and then the pasta (typically spaghetti), is added. The sauce is then added on low heat to prevent the egg yolk from curdling. When making Carbonara, be sure to use the freshest eggs you can find, as this dish involves egg yolk that is not fully cooked.

Mac 'N Cheese
This traditional comfort food is found in all forms: made from scratch, frozen, instant, or pre-made and ready to be thrown in the oven. It's great on it's own, or mixed with bacon, ham, broccoli, or even seafood (think lobster mac 'n cheese - delicious!). Mac' n cheese typically starts with sauteeing butter and flour together in a pot, creating a "roux" that helps thicken the sauce. Whole milk is then added, then various cheeses are slowly stirred in. Cooked pasta is then added, and the mixture is poured into a baking dish and topped with pieces of butter, bread crumbs, and more cheese. When it comes out of the oven, you have a gooey, indulgent masterpiece.

Pasta with Pesto
My personal favorite, this pasta shows how sometimes the simplest foods can also pack the most flavor. The most important components of pesto are basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil. The ingredients are typically blended together in a food processor, while the olive oil is slowly drizzled in. The unmistakable aroma of basil and the pungent taste of garlic adds a kick to any pasta dish, meat, or even a spread or dip. Pesto can be made in batches ahead of time and then frozen.

Marinara/Tomato Sauce
I used to think that pasta sauce was super complicated to make and involved a ton of fancy herbs and spices. But in reality, it starts from the most basic ingredients: a can of diced tomatoes, fresh garlic sauteed in olive oil, and basil. Tossed with some pasta cooked al dente, along with some fresh mozzarella cheese, traditional marinara makes a healthy, super easy, and scrumptious meal.

All of these dishes are simple, easy to make, and requirement few ingredients. The next time you reach for that jar of pre-made sauce at the supermarket, think twice and remember to broaden your horizons!

Winter Favorites

Happy December! The shopping season has begun again, starting off with the much anticipated Black Friday  and continuing throughout the holidays. Here are my favorite items that I've managed to snag so far.

1. Enameled cast iron from Martha Stewart Collection 

A dutch oven is something that's been on my wishlist for quite sometime now. I absolutely love braised meats and for a long time, have been settling for cooking them in my stainless steel Calphalon pot, which just doesn't do as good of a job. I've also been wanting to try the technique where you sear the meat on the stove and then finish it off in the oven, something that the dutch oven was built and designed for. I had been drawn to Le Creuset cast irons for their strikingly bright colors and variety of shapes and designs but just couldn't bring myself to spend over a hundred bucks for a pot. Compared to those, the Martha Stewart version was quite a deal: I picked up a 3-quart, bright orange one for only $39.99 at Macy's on Black Friday. I'm totally in love with my new pot and will definitely be cooking up a whole lot of deliciousness this winter!

2.  Nestle Toll House Cookies

As much as I love cooking, I have to admit that I'm not much of a baker. That's why this ready-made, pre-cut cookie dough is perfect when I'm craving for the taste of fresh-baked cookies without the hassle of bowls and mixers. They are just the right thing on a cold winter's night, warming up the entire house with their heavenly smell. I actually tried the Pillsbury version first, and they were pretty good, but the Nestle ones are just to die for. They are gooey, buttery, loaded with chocolate chips and come out exactly right every time.

3. Banana Republic Puffer Vest

I've never been a big fan of those puffer vests you see in stores every winter because I didn't think they could actually keep you warm without sleeves. And if the weather were warm enough so that I didn't need sleeves, then I probably wouldn't need the puffy vest in the first place. This vest from BR showed me otherwise. First off, the inner lining is a soft fleecy material, unlike most vests which have the cold polyester lining. When I put it on, I was amazed at how warm it was, even though my arms were exposed. The office where I work has been freezing lately, so this is the perfect thing to throw on without looking too bulky. Plus, the red is eye-catching and festive for the holidays, and the thick fur lining on the hood gives it a feminine and wintery touch.

4. Nike Flex Experience Running Shoes

Okay, so this isn't what you would call a winter item, but I purchased these shoes on Black Friday and have been loving them this season. JC Penney was having a $10 off on all their Nike shoes, so I picked up a pair for $45, pretty good for a new style. They are ultra-light and super soft, and so comfortable I feel like I could walk for days in them and not get tired. Plus, the design is sleek and slender, unlike some of the bulkier running shoes, and can be worn even when you're not working out. The big neon orange Nike checkmark on the side adds a flashy touch to the subtle gray and purple tones.

Well, that just about sums it up... so far! I'm sure I'll be heading back to the mall soon again and coming back with more items to obsess over. So what are you're favorites this season? Feel free to comment!