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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Plopping Pasta

June 4, 2009

Plopping Pasta

Have you ever noticed how the less you have to do the lazier you get? I do not wish I had a full agenda, but I certainly was in a funk today. I’ve found, though, that when I get in these itchy moods that a WALK almost always cures it. Not sure if it’s endorphins, cabin fever or sunshine, but after not going to get my hair cut today (it started raining and Matt came home so I lost motivation) and plopping around the house a bit (I did get a short writing project done!), I finally set out on a 30 minute walk. My return mood was like night and day! I made it back just in time for a dreary, rainy night to begin pouring down.

(FYI, ‘plopping around the house’ means you flop down on the furniture and sigh lethargically)

I got pretty hungry around 5:00 and had the age-old debate of a snack or enjoying dinner hungry. I drank some water and was able to fill my time with brain-stimulating things long enough to be perfectly hungry at 6 to make dinner.

Garlicky Chicken Sausage + Kale Pasta

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I liked this kind, but AmyLu’s still wins.

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We cooked 3 oz of whole wheat angel hair as a base, which I lightly tossed in about a tsp of olive oil. When I’m having pasta with a heavy protein like meat or seafood I usually lighten the pasta load some, so this was about 1.5 oz per person. I also used cooking spray in the pan and saved the flavorful olive oil for drizzling to maximize flavor.

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The rest of the dish was cooked sliced chicken sausage, ~5 small garlic cloves, 1/2 a green bell pepper, red pepper flakes, the juice of a whole lemon and a few cups of kale, which was steamed on top of the cooking underfoods.

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You know, our cooking habits have changed so much. We used to have so much more zest for cooking and I actually can trace it back to the Thanksgiving Challenge. Once we started significantly cutting back on our groceries, we stopped being as creative. For example, we used to always have parmesan cheese in the fridge and this dish could have really used some. Although this decline in enthusiasm for cooking might also correlate with the start of my busiest semester to date. NOTE TO SELF: Get cooking passion back!

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It was awesome!

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But surprisingly not that filling. Perhaps I should have gone with a bigger pasta serving. Pasta never fills me up regardless though!

So I found this HEAVENLY surprise in my freezer from Kelsey’s house sitting days.

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OMG this stuff is phenomenal!! All the cream of iced cream but a really nice pina colada flavor with pineapple chunks.

1.5 tiny bowls (this stuff is not light!)

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Matt had graham crackers + PB for dessert! Now we are both satisfied 🙂

Off to watch the *new* Conan and do some reading. We have Revolutionary Road to watch too, which I am super excited about, but might save that for another night.

Filed Under: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. jackie says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Kath, that meal looks delicious and healthy too.

    Reply
  2. Shannon (The Daily BalanceO says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:37 pm

    I love al fresco chicken sausage – the Mister and I like slicing it on top of homemade pizza 😉

    Your dinner looks great — enjoy your movie/conan watching 😉

    Reply
  3. jennifer says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:45 pm

    Get ready- Revolutionary Road is a great movie but very dark. Definitely not light.

    Reply
  4. Kate says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:46 pm

    Never tried the Alfresco sausages, but those sure look good! I know how you feel about the parm – I love it on EVERYTHING.

    Have fun with movie time!

    Reply
  5. Amanda says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    i hate plopping too. and it’s so hard to get yourself to do something when you’re in a plopping mood! it’s definitely frustrating.

    dinner looks good to me! i love chicken sausage and angel hair pasta. my sister made that all the time for the family when she started her healthy food kick!

    Reply
  6. Brynn says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    haha! I laughed out loud when I read your explanation of plopping around the house. Imagining you actually doing that cracks me up.

    Reply
  7. Katherine says

    June 4, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    Sometimes I find I just need a day of plopping to get myself refocused and recharged for a more productive day to come. Maybe tomorrow will be twice as productive!

    Your dinner looks delicious, btw, and I’m glad the ice cream did the trick of satisfying you 🙂

    Enjoy your movie night!

    Reply
  8. Matt says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:14 pm

    Y’all should ask Kath to post a picture of what she calls her “ploppin face.”

    Reply
  9. Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    I’ve been in the same funk myself today! In fact, I related to pretty much everything you just said!!! I too have lost my desire to cook and really don’t feel like doing much. I attribut it to the busiest semester I have ever had. Ever. It really wiped me out! Sometimes I think we just need a break though. I’m convinced the drive to cook and be productive is lurking just around the corner.

    Here’s to getting it back!!!

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    I totally get the increased-laziness thing. When I finished my thesis I lost motivation for … anything.

    I love pineapple sorbet!

    Reply
  11. Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:19 pm

    Your dinner looks amazing as usual. Too bad it didn’t fill you up. At least you found a good dessert to folow the meal though!

    Reply
  12. Bev says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    Have a great evening. Revolutionary Road was my least favorite movie. I love Kate but this was too depressing . I loved The Reader.

    Reply
  13. Shannon says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    Oh my gosh love Conan!! and your chicken sausages look amazing too 🙂

    Reply
  14. Adi (oatonomy.com - repaired!) says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    I’d say your dinner looks pretty inspired to me! Seriously, it looks delicious. I guess I got some KERF vibes because I had a similar dinner as well.
    … except I wasn’t lucky enough to enjoy the H-D! Yum.

    Reply
  15. Angie says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:39 pm

    Dinner looks delicious!

    I understand the plopping! It seems like you’ve been so busy though, that, maybe a day like that was needed. I am craving a day to plop around : )

    Reply
  16. BethT says

    June 4, 2009 at 8:39 pm

    I have a TOTALLY different definition of plopping….and probably plopping face, too….

    Reply
  17. Alison says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I swear if I have 3 things to do, I get 1 thing done.

    If I have 10 things to do, I get 8 things done.

    Funny how that works!

    Reply
  18. Caronae says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    Oh I totally get lethargic when I don’t have a schedule. The last two weeks have been an in-between time for me too, and I’ve been alternating between napping and snacking. I’m actually looking forward to being busy again!

    Reply
  19. Heather says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    You deserve some relaxing days Kath!!! Enjoy them! 🙂

    Loving this dinner! So simple, healthy, and delicious. Definitely a creative mixture. And that dessert sounds LOVELY!

    Have a fabulous evening!

    Reply
  20. Whitney says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    I LOVED that movie. I’m warning you though–I was a mess walking out of the theater. Brace yourself!!

    Reply
  21. Laurel says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    I totally agree about invigorating walks!

    Can anyone recommend some great weight training, yoga and Pilates videos? I want to do some workouts at home and would like some recs for DVDs that are not too long but still challenging and effective. Thanks for any help.

    Reply
  22. sue says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    i had a plopping kinda day as well….walks rejuvenate me too on days like today…i think it’s the fresh air for me. have a great night!

    Reply
  23. Jean@Pretty Starts says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    Great looking dinner! A healtier version of the Berttolli Sausage Penne I had tonight. Oh well, mine was still good and probably the lesser of two evils of eating fast food!

    Reply
  24. Bec says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    The pasta looks great but you are right you can always use parm on pasta!

    Reply
  25. Allison says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Hey Kath! I’ve tried pretty much everything when it comes to “health” foods, but I have yet to try kale. I really want to, but am turned off by people’s bitter description of it. Does it hold it’s taste when it’s cooked? How would you recommened a “kale virgin” prepare it for the first time? hehe 😀 Thanks!

    Reply
  26. Joanie says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:33 pm

    I am a coconut fiend! Love the stuff.

    Reply
  27. Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says

    June 4, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    Looks like this down time might be just right for getting that “zest” back. I find now that I’m without the computer for most of the day, I am having plenty of time to get cookin’!

    Reply
  28. Kim says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    I thought Revolutionary Road was very well-done. The acting was amazing and the period details spot-on. Obviously, don’t go in expecting Titanic 2 😉

    I’ve not tried kale and pasta together, but sounds like an awesome combo!

    Reply
  29. Faith says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    I like the al fresco sausages — that dinner looks delicious!

    Reply
  30. april says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:07 pm

    I know what you mean about walks! I have been enjoying the sunshine lately when I feel lazy. My dad always has graham crackers with peanut butter- and he adds cool whip!

    Reply
  31. Amanda says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    I definitely get in that plopping mode when I don’t have a relatively urgent to-do list – I thrive on being busy!

    Let us know what you think of the movie – I read the book and it was not the most upbeat.

    Reply
  32. Chelsea says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    Revolutionary Road is SO SAD. It’s really good, though. The acting…oh, the acting. It’s absolutely fantastic. Those two should make a movie together every ten years for the rest of their lives. However, the next one should be a romcom. 😉

    I’m also a big fan of walking. Glad it cured your plopping!

    Reply
  33. Linda says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:16 pm

    I agree with you about the pasta…it never seems to fill me up. I feel the same way about rice too. I have to really watch how much of the stuff I consume so I only eat it 1x week at most.

    Reply
  34. Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now says

    June 4, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    I totally understand about the plopping around the house. It’s easy to get in a funk when you have no obligations for the day.

    Reply
  35. Caroline says

    June 4, 2009 at 11:39 pm

    I just bought that same brand of chicken sausage when I was preparing a meal for my mom’s b-day. It was the sweet italian pepper variety, and all the non-vegetarians said it was tasty!

    Reply
  36. Hallie says

    June 4, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    You still cook pretty creatively in my book! When I lose my “zest” for cooking…I rely on more convenience food and takeout. I’m really working on doing that less though, and so far it’s working.

    Mmm kale and pasta looks delish!

    Reply
  37. Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says

    June 5, 2009 at 12:26 am

    That ice cream flavor sounds great!

    Reply
  38. Goldie says

    June 5, 2009 at 6:44 am

    Hi Kath

    I’m a massive fan… hi!

    I wondered if you’d post a close up of that orange candle. You’ve probably been asked by other readers but i’m intrigued by it!

    Reply
  39. Marisa (trim the fat) says

    June 5, 2009 at 6:47 am

    I feel like I’ve been in a cooking funk, too!

    Pasta dish looks great to me 🙂

    Reply
  40. Angie All The Way says

    June 5, 2009 at 7:18 am

    You are one smart woman in getting yourself motivated. The last thing I can usually make myself do while in a “plopping” funk is get my feet moving. You are so right about how you feel after. That is the key – tuning in to what makes you feel what! Great work and now I want sausage 😛

    Reply
  41. Katrina (gluten free gidget) says

    June 5, 2009 at 7:20 am

    The same thing happened to me! I just rediscovered my passion a few days ago and have been so happy! I missed my kitchen and didn’t even realize it. BTW… that ice cream flavor is A-MAZING!!!!!!! I can’t buy it! It is NOT allowed in my house because I will eat it all in 2 days! Not good, my friend, not good! 🙂

    Reply
  42. Joanne says

    June 5, 2009 at 7:38 am

    The pineapple coconut is out of this world! Oh…I wish you hadn’t reminded me.
    The dinner looks great and that sausage…so interesting. Wish they made a vegetarian version.

    Kath – was wondering if you readers might be interested in a Pay it Forward Giveaway. It’s a giveaway that keeps on giving. If you think so, here is the link on my site.
    http://applecrumbles.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/a-give-away-pay-it-forward-bloggers/

    Enjoy the relaxation….but don’t stop blogging because your posts are just too enjoyable.

    Reply
  43. JENNA says

    June 5, 2009 at 7:40 am

    the kale in this dish looks so vibrant and delish!!

    Reply
  44. Sarah W. says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:01 am

    have you had a chance to play around with more apps for iphone? i’d be curious…i’m holding out to get a phone when the new one comes out…and I was browsing apps last night butI got so dizzy reading reviews and trying to find the best apps. I stumbled across a blog press ap that works for bloggin – I’d be interested to know if its worth it. not that “we” blog that often on the road w/o our laptops but i could see it coming in handy

    Reply
  45. Jennifer says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:06 am

    I have just recently started to read your blog…and are you kidding, that you have lost your passion for cooking? Everything you prepare is so colorful and yummy looking. I wish my little boys and big guy would eat some of this stuff….

    Reply
  46. Mara @ What's For Dinner? says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:09 am

    I know what you can do to get your cooking mojo back: be my guest for dinner!!! 🙂

    Reply
  47. Melissa @ For the Love of Health says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Hey Kath- I can absolutely relate to the “plopping”. I am suffering from some major boughts right now. I actually get that way when I have way too much to do and I am overwhelmed. More specifically, way too much to do over the next 2 months and a lot of which cannot be dealt with right this second- i.e. like moving. I also turn to exercise. I whole-heartedly believe it is the release of endorphins. At any rate, I thank Goodness for exercise!!

    Your meal looks amazing! I am hoping that once I have more control over my schedule when I start school and I can spend a little more time being creative in the kitchen.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  48. brandi says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:16 am

    Isn’t that ice cream THE BEST? That’s my favorite flavor, hands down, and I’m normally a chocolate person.

    Reply
  49. K says

    June 5, 2009 at 8:30 am

    Sorry you had the funk – I was feeling a little funky yesterday as well! That ice cream sounds delicious!

    Reply
  50. Kim says

    June 5, 2009 at 9:00 am

    Your dinner looks so good! I think it is very creative! 🙂

    That ice cream…oh my….love cocout & pineapple together! YUM!! I splurged on a kid’s cup of coconut almond choc chip last night……ahhhhhh!

    Reply
  51. Stacey says

    June 5, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Pasta always leaves me hungry 30 minutes later…maybe its the simple carbs? Sorry you’ve been so busy on your “vacation” and I totally know how you feel about the semester draining everything that you have!

    My next semester is going to be CRAZY, good thing my teacher already warned me 🙂

    Reply
  52. Nicole (dishin') says

    June 5, 2009 at 9:17 am

    I like the Al Fresco chicken sausages too! I usually get the Sweet Italian one. That meal looks great.

    Reply
  53. Andrea (Off Her Cork) says

    June 5, 2009 at 9:43 am

    Those are my favorite sausages! But I haven’t seen that flavor before, totally jealous!

    Reply
  54. Jo says

    June 5, 2009 at 11:15 am

    Oh my that icecream looks amazing 🙂

    Reply
  55. Danica says

    June 5, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    I agree with you on Amylu’s – her sausage rocks! Your pasta looks great though.

    I do not know how you limited yourself to two tiny bowls on that pineaple coconut ice cream. I think I would have eaten it ALL! 🙂

    P.S. I am having a super cool Mr. Krispers givewaway – you should check it out – they are fun to eat – you get alot of crunch for very little calories 🙂

    Reply
  56. Sarah says

    June 5, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I’m sure you’ll get that passion back before you know it, you’ve just been so busy lately with school and out of town trips 😉

    Reply
  57. Alicia says

    June 5, 2009 at 2:41 pm

    Hi Kath! I don’t usually comment, but I just read your post about losing the zest for cooking. My husband and I find we go through the same phases!
    What has really got us excited at the moment is our CSA box- I think it forces you to be creative and we get so excited about it! I remember you and Matt did a CSA last summer, will your cutting back on groceries this year mean you won’t be participating in your CSA again?

    Reply
  58. Emily L. says

    June 5, 2009 at 2:45 pm

    I am a full on plop around the houser. The past three weekends in Miami have been rainy, and I have had the worst cabin fever ever. It has gotten so bad that my boyfriend will go to any lengths just to get me out of the house. He suggested I bike to whole foods and back to buy myself lunch. I was annoyed that he wanted to get rid of me so badly, but the bike ride worked. I totally agree with your walk-and-revive motto. I just have to act on it more often.

    Reply
  59. Katharina says

    June 5, 2009 at 2:47 pm

    I lose my cooking groove during my semesters too. But when I’m on vacation… I LET IT ALL LOOSE!

    Reply
  60. Kath says

    June 5, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    LOL!! You guys crack me up when you talk about plopping like it’s a common household term 🙂

    Laurel ,
    I recommend YogaDownload.com. There’s no video, but the audio yoga is awesome for being specific. The 20 minute ones are free so you can try them out.

    Allison ,
    Compared to other greens, kale is NOT bitter!! I recommend steaming or sauteeing it until it turns bright green and then tossing it with maple syrup and raisins 🙂 the anit-bitter recipe.

    Sarah (LovIN My Tummy),
    yes, the computer is a bad time sucker..

    Goldie ,
    This AM – just for you!

    Sarah W.,
    I downloaded Pandora, Around Me, Sparkpeople (for quick calorie checks on the road), Facebook and WordPress. But I can’t wait WP work 🙁

    Jennifer ,
    Aw thanks 🙂

    Mara @ What’s For Dinner?,
    LOL – where do you live again?

    Alicia ,
    Yes, we decided we couldn’t afford it this year 🙁 It was so fun to get the veggies though.

    Kath

    Reply
  61. ashley says

    June 5, 2009 at 3:58 pm

    im new to the whole kale thing and this looks like a great dish to start with! the sausage looks great too.

    Reply

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