Sometime last year, I happened upon BRAVO’s “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
It was one of those Saturdays where nothing else was on and they played the entire season back-to-back. I got hooked. They sucked me into their drama and relationship dilemmas.
These ladies are quite catty and make me laugh. I watch in amazement at these ladies’ lifestyles … fashion shows, lunches at Le Cirque, charity events, highfalutin business ventures, girls’ trips to the Caribbean, weekends in the Hamptons, and weekdays at their apartments on the upper east side of the city.
One day, NYC, you and I will be neighbors.
Something great has come out of this hour of melodrama for me.
I’ve discovered Bethenny Frankel.
I absolutely adore her. I don’t always agree with everything she does, but I still adore her.
It’s OK to like someone even though you don’t always agree with their decisions.
I just finished reading her book, “Naturally Thin.” I loved it because it’s not a diet, but helps you think more about what you’re eating and not depriving yourself of anything.
I already ate a lot of organic food before, but am adding more and more items lately because of her. My family has loved everything I have cooked. No complaints at all.
Last night I made this dish. Loved it, mostly because I used fresh tomatoes and basil from my yard.
Whole Wheat Fusilli with Tomato, Basil, Pine Nuts, and Smoked Mozzarella
(These measurements serve 8. I like to make a little more for leftovers the next day.)
2 c. whole wheat fusilli
4-8 tsp. olive oil
8 cloves garlic, smashed, peeled, and minced
16 Roma tomatoes, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
2 c. fresh shredded basil
4 T. toasted pine nuts
8 oz. smoked mozzarella, shredded
Cook pasta according to package directions, until firm but tender. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet. Saute’ the garlic in the oil until golden but not brown. Add the tomatoes, salt, & pepper. Simmer until the pasta is done cooking. Remove the pasta from the water with a slotted spoon and add it to the sauce. Add about 1/4 c. of the pasta cooking water as you go. This helps thicken the sauce. Stir in the basil, pine nuts, and mozzarella cheese to combine. Add extra basil for garnish and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Did I mention I’m adding a “Mama Belle Cooks” tab to my blog? I’m working on it and hope to have it up soon, where all my recipes will be located.
That looks yummy! I'm bookmarking it 🙂
This recipe sounds great!
Ooh I am super excited about your Mama Belle Cooks tab!! Awesome, awesome!
I "met" Bethany when she was on Top Chef. I haven't been able to watch this series as much…i don't like any of the other ladies. Bethany is the only one that is tolerable.
I will check out your new tab! How fun!