Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta | Recipe

This dish became a fast favorite in our household.  Meat-free and dairy-free, it is delicious, healthy, and super-easy to prepare. Ok, so I realize that I may have lost a few of you at the mention that this pasta is void of both meat and dairy.  But, it is so savory and full of flavor that you won't even notice!  My husband has been an avid carnivore his entire life - and a self-proclaimed picky eater - and he loves it!   Combining several Tomato Basil Pesto recipes resulted in the creation of this one, so it is packed full of the best cancer-fighting, heart-healthy ingredients. Here's a breakdown of its many exceptional health benefits:

- Basil: promotes heart health, advances healthy skin, prevents several types of cancer, and boosts the immune system.

- Tomatoes: contain lycopene, vitamin C, folate, and potassium; can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration

- Walnuts: rich source of omega-3 fatty acids; contain a powerhouse of antioxidants, protein, fiber, magnesium, and phosphorous.

- Olive Oil: helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, decreases the risk of cancer and can help cognitive function

- Nutritional Yeast:  full of vitamins (especially B-complex), contains essential amino acids, and is an excellent source of protein.

- Pine Nuts:  high in vitamins E and K, manganese, zinc, iron, and magnesium, they provide essential nutrients to strengthen both the cardiovascular and immune systems.  

For the recipe you'll need: 

- 1 cup fresh organic basil leaves

- 7-8 sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil

- 2 cloves of organic garlic

- 1/3 cup organic walnuts

- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (Bragg's brand)

- 3-4 tbsp organic extra-virgin olive oil

- 1-2 tbsp water, as needed (or more olive oil, as needed)

- salt, to taste

- your desired amount of cooked pasta

- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 

In a food processor that is turned on, add the garlic cloves and chop finely. Now add the basil and continue to process until finely chopped. Pour in the olive oil, then add the sundried tomatoes and nutritional yeast.  Combine until smooth. With the food processor still running, pulse in the walnuts. Add more olive oil or water to maintain a smooth consistency, if needed.  Sprinkle in a dash of salt, if desired.  Once combined, pour the pesto over your desired amount of cooked pasta and mix well. Toss in the toasted pine nuts and serve.  

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party! | celebrating emmy

Is there anything more fun than a child's birthday party?  During the spring we celebrated our daughter's 1st, but with the super busy summer we've had it it wasn't until recently that I had a chance to catch my breath for a bit and enjoy going through some of the pictures from her party.  Birthdays are always fun occasions to celebrate, regardless of how old one is.  Each day, season, and year of our lives truly is a gift from God.  If we are here today, we have a purpose and God has a plan for us.  Don't miss His plan for you.  Every day is reason to celebrate - enjoy yours!

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national dog day

It's time to celebrate your furry friends!  As any dog lover knows, they are one of the most loving, protective, and loyal pets known to man.  So, today is your day - National Dog Day!  

Founded in 2004, National Dog Day is celebrated to recognize not only family dogs, but also the multitude of dogs who need to be rescued and those whose lives are committed to service that keeps us safe.  Did you know that countless dogs put their lives on the line for us every day?  With a propensity for selflessly protecting, even if it risks their own lives, each day dogs serve beside law enforcement officers, as military war dogs alongside our armed forces, safely guiding a blind companion or a child who is disabled, and as rescuers of victims who have experienced a tragedy.   

Pictured above is Sadie.  She was rescued several years ago after being abandoned.  I found her along a busy road gnawing on some scraps of food that had been thrown out.  (So very sad!) Upon realizing that she was only receiving temporary care from a family that was not in a position to provide her with a permanent home, I quickly scooped her up and took her in as ours.  I thank God every day for the blessing she is to us. Invariably loyal, unconditionally loving, and ever so sweet, Sadie and her gentle nature are an endless joy.  

If you are looking for a companion of your own who will be forever grateful to you (and you're ready for the responsibility), take a look at PetFinder.com or Recycled Doggies, if you're in the Cincinnati area.

Click here for the official National Dog Day website or here to follow their Facebook page.

Learn more about the dogs in military service at US War Dogs.

And if you already have a devoted dog companion of your own, enjoy today as a celebration of the many ways they enrich your own life.

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