Everything about my life always feels better when I’m cooking.

Risotto with mushrooms, green beans, brussels sprouts, and zucchini - plus wine and good company.

There is something about a steaming pot of food warming the entire kitchen, music playing, and a table waiting for something home cooked.

for Meatless Monday try my go-to vegetarian pasta recipe - Roasted Chickpea Pasta with olives, tomatoes, and spinach.

Currently pretty busy between work/friends/volunteer work.  Here’s a quick update.

Working on:  writing recipes, finding volunteer work, organizing my apartment, learning spanish.

Loving: hints of summer weather, nights with new/old friends, the new Lady Gaga album, long weekends.

I’ve decided I need to get into some volunteer work now that I’m settling into my life here in Chicago.  I’ve done some research about some of the causes I’ve been passionate about and found Generation Mirror.  I am meeting with the founder at lunch today for coffee and can’t wait to get involved!

Last night’s dinner was a delicious Risotto with Roasted Garlic Asparagus.  Although nothing beats the way I grew up making it, I tried this Crockpot Risotto recipe  and it’s fabulous in it’s own accord, and oh so easy to throw in the crock while getting some things done around the house.

Made some delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Bean Salsa this weekend.  More pictures and the recipe to follow!