Spinach Pesto Ravioli and Zucchini

The kid got his first bloody nose today.  We had met the husband for lunch.  I got a delicious panini and the husband got a massive Rueben sandwich.  He has never gotten anything else at that particular restaurant--he loves a good Rueben.  It started out so nicely.  We decided to eat outside as the weather hasn't been excruciatingly hot lately, just very hot.  I had brought a butternut squash and cheese sandwich and some steamed carrots for the kid.  But, mostly when we are out he gets too distracted to eat.  

Well, he took a nice little tumble face first onto the concrete while trying to get off his chair.  He cried for a good 10-15 minutes and wouldn't eat much after that.  His beautiful nose is red and bruised and it looks like he got in a massive fist fight.  On top of that his canines are still trying to push their way through, so he's been a pretty miserable baby lately. 

Healthier Tuna Rice Casserole

I think everyone has a meal that weaves it way through childhood memories.  That iconic dish that symbolizes comfort and family.  Mine is tuna rice casserole.  Rice.  Tuna.  Cream of mushroom soup.  Stir together and microwave until warm.  

I can't think of tuna rice casserole without thinking of my moms 3 piece glass casserole dish.  I imagine it smugly sitting in our over-sized black microwave, back-lit and beautiful.  

I can understand why my mom gravitated to such a simple meal.  3 ingredients, stirred together, and popped in the microwave.  What could be simpler?  And with 6 kids, simple was a necessity.  

Sushi Roll Salad

Let me start off by saying that I'm not a sushi snob.  You know the type of person I'm talking about.  The type who moves to a new area and the first thing he wants to know is where the location of a good sushi restaurant is.  They type of person who randomly injects his knowledge of sushi into every day conversations.  The type of person who sees sushi as a status symbol of sorts.  That's not me.  Actually I tend to roll my eyes at those type of people (yes, I'm that type of person).

Let me now say that I really do like sushi.  It doesn't even need to be good sushi. I just love the pairing of the sweet and tangy rice, with the fishy taste of nori (and whatever fish it happens to have) and the spiciness of wasabi and ginger.  It's just...amazing.  

We have some good friends who periodically invite us over for sushi parties.  It's always a lot of fun and good conversations as we roll our own sushi rolls.  But the best part is chowing down on sushi. We always leave with very happy and full tummies.