The Perfect Pasta Start for 2012

It's a new year, a fresh start and I don't really want to use the word "Resolution", because that implies I will be falling off the wagon as is my usual way with resolutions and why I don't make them anymore.  But I do want to  eat healthy (not that we didn't strive for that before the holidays)  and I really want to use up all those gorgeous veg and meats and other glorious local things I buy at the farmers market (somehow I had - notice the past tense... because I am trying not to...  throw out foods kept too long).

So far, so good.. true, it's only January 4th, but tonight's pasta is healthy... whole wheat rotini and roasted cauliflower, plus some roasted beets I bought at the market last week... not to mention the stale whole wheat baguette I turned into beautiful croutons and breadcrumbs.

And ... please... a round of applause for us total carnivores who are attempting to eat meat less often.  Tonight's dinner is vegetarian, although one could add some grilled shrimp or chicken to it.  Totally unnecessary though.  It's perfect as is.

Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower, Beets, Tomatoes & Crispy Breadcrumbs

Served with a Romaine Lettuce Salad with a spicy, garlicy vinaigrette and it's a quick, healthy end to any day.

So how does pasta fit in with your New Year's Resolutions?   Hope you can join in this week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup.  If you have a pasta post to share, just mention and link to Presto Pasta Night and Once Upon a Feast and send me your URL.   Email to  ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com by Thursday night... that's tomorrow, so you still have some time to share.

Roasted Cauliflower - The Little Black Dress

There is nothing like roasted vegetables in the dead of winter and cauliflower is probably my all time favorite. In fact, it's my little black dress... you can dress it up to match any ethnic mood you happen to be in. Toss the florets it with olive oil and what ever else your heart desires... some minced garlic... some smoked paprika... a pinch of red chili pepper flakes... some dried herbs... the list is only as limited as your imagination. Then roast it in a 400F/200C oven on a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet for 15-20 minutes. Nothing easier, and much lower in carbs than potatoes.

The above is tossed with a Singapore Curry Blend of Spices from Epices de Cru/The Spice Hunters and distributed here in Halifax every Saturday at the Old Brewery Farmers Market by Costas and his lovely crew. Check out what I had to say.
I used it as a side dish for a very tasty Grilled Ginger Lime Steak. If you look closelyat the upper left corner, you can just get a peek of my wonderful box of Curries & Masalas from the Islands.

What's your favorite way to dress up a veg?

Spicy Sauteed Shrimp with....

IF we weren't on The South Beach Diet Supercharged, these luscious Saffron Shrimps would be served over my favorite buttery Garlicy Rice...tons of butter and even more garlic make it special. In the meantime, it tasted very delicious over Cauli-"fried" rice and no one was the wiser.

OR.....since I would really, really, really love some pasta...at least a week away...that's been the hardest for me...no pasta, no bread. Oh well, the end of phase one is near - I've lost 4 pounds and 2" around my tummy, so I'm not really complaining. Well, okay...I am complaining, but not ready to jump ship either.

Graziana of Erbe in Cucina is hosting this week's Presto Pasta Night...so this is my entry...just close your eyes and pretend it over some Fettuccine with Olive Oil, Basil and naturally...garlic! because in South Beach Diet, Phase Two, healthy carbs, like multigrain or whole wheat pasta is perfectly fine once a week.

Send your entries to scrivi (at) erbeincucina (dot) it and cc me ruth (at) 4everykitchen (dot) com. Guidelines to share your pasta dishes. That way I can start planning my SBD friendly versions.