survival mode

I am currently reading a creatively unusual novel entitled A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews. In describing her edeavors in the kitchen, the main character, Nomi, says: "I've been experimenting with some vegetarian meals, something called Survival Casserole."

I felt like I could use some survival casserole myself tonight. It's been a busy day and by the time we gathered in the kitchen this evening, we had a whopping 45 minutes of time together before Daddy had to go back up to work for a poopy meeting. Grrrr. I am a firm believer in the family table, so was challenged to make a nice meal for us to share with the clock ticking. Survival mode.

I quickly decided on a simple pasta topped with homemade tomato sauce, pine nuts, herbs, and parmesan cheese.

 

Thank goodness for prepared, refrigerated pasta. While I would love to take the time to create my own ravioli, on a night like this, having these tasty little spinach and mozzarella pillows in the freezer is a lifesaver. (This particular favorite is Pasta Prima from Costco.) In a moment of anticipatory brilliance, I popped the container of homemade sauce from the freezer to fridge this weekend so it could thaw and be ready for just a night like tonight. And, adding pine nuts makes any pasta taste extra delicious.

So, in less than 15 minutes, I had a lovely meal ready and we were able to spend some much needed relaxing time together. Perhaps best of all, a bit of sunshine graced our table, too.