I’ve been waxing poetic about the blogging community lately. See, I knew it was a wonderful community to be a part of before when everyone sent me lovely messages when Adam and I got married. I knew you were all supportive when my father passed away and people came out of the woodwork to send their condolences, and later helped me and my family raise over $1000 for pancreatic cancer research. When Adam’s stepfather passed away, the support was just as amazing.
And then this morning, something far less remarkable happened. I was reading blogs before school started (isn’t that what all of us teachers do?) and something on Jessica’s blog stuck out to me. Ok, that’s not something new either. I generally drool over her posts. But this morning? She had a recipe for Creamy Caprese Baked Pasta .
I know.
It was on my mind all day, and at about 5:30 tonight, my bags of groceries went from bags of ingredients to this
To this
And then this
Twice. There was wine involved too. I
‘m not going to post the recipe since you can get it here from Jessica, but a few things that I did a little differently:
- I used two pints of grape tomatoes instead of just one. I cut half of them in half and half I left whole.
- I used only 8 ounces total of fresh mozzarella. Jess’s called for 4 ounces cubed, plus a layer on top. I utilized an old “make the real cheese go farther” technique by breaking slices into small bits that spread.
- I used a TON of basil. Almost two bunches. I think I have a problem.
See that little jar in the last picture? With basil in it? I’m trying to grow my own by using cuttings. I don’t know if it will work, but it’s worth a try, right? Anyone have any experience with that?
Then, because I’m a good wife, I made these:
Nothing like browned-butter rice krispie treats with extra mini marshmallows to make a Monday less Monday-ish. What, you want the recipe? Maybe… 
OH! And remember Maddux? He’s quite a cooking buddy! He stayed in the doorway to the kitchen the whole time, and any time I’d say “oh no” or “ouch” he’d come running!
I hope you all had a beautiful Monday… it appears that things may be looking up around here (knock on wood, cross your fingers, etc.) You can bid on a batch of my soft pretzels with a homemade honey mustard dip on Tina’s Blog Bake Sale until Midnight EST today, 5/16!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I know I drooled a little more than normal over that post too. So yum!
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat´s last [type] ..Challah
So glad you liked it! Love you girl!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is´s last [type] ..Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars
Love you back!!
Basil is so beautiful. There is something about the red tomatoes paired with the green herb that is just visually spectacular.
Yum.
This looks fantastic. I thought the exact same thing when I saw it on Jessica’s blog and now I’m convinced this is some kind of sign telling me its my turn to make it.
Lauren´s last [type] ..Why I Wont Have a Good Week
I always read blogs before school, also
. Your pasta looks every bit as tasty as Jessica’s, and it’s going on my “to-make” list for sure! What a perfect dish for summer (even though it recently plummeted down to the 50s here in Boston).
My dog always lays right in the kitchen doorway while I cook
. I think she’s waiting for food scraps to hit the floor!
Lauren´s last [type] ..Tropical Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Love the idea of cutting half the tomatoes and leaving the other half whole! I’m routing for your little basil cutting!!!! “C’mon basil!”
And I have to “awwwww” and “awwwww” again at the lovely Maddux! He looks like a real sweetie!!! Have a great day Mara!
Roz´s last [type] ..The Saturday files…
WOW! Thanks so much for posting this! It sounds like something that would go over VERY well in this household!!
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Consider the Vegetarian…at Your Next Cookout & Grown Up Potato Salad with Vinaigrette and Olives