Quinoa Pasta with Almond-Basil Pesto

There are some days where a quick healthy, meal hits the spot. My go-to post college meal was the blue box of Mac and Cheese. After the Whole Foods Detox last year this recipe has been a staple at our table, Quinoa Pasta with Almond Basil Pesto.

The recipe comes straight from my nutritionist Kasia Kines who adapted it from Dr. Martin at Sunlight Natural Health. It is called "Out-of-this-World-Pesto" in her 30-Day Whole Foods Detoxification Program that you can learn more about on her website www.kasiakines.com. We like the Ancient Harvest Quinoa brand. You can find it at Whole Foods and Harris Teeter. 

I've adapted it a bit to fit what we have in the garden or pick up from the farmers market. The key is the yeast flakes and soaked almonds.

Almond Basil Pesto

• 3 cups packed basil, or a mixture of baby spinach leaves and basil
• 3/4 cup raw almonds, soaked overnight in water
• 2/3 cup parsley (optional)
• 1 cup olive oil (or 3/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons water)
• 6 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes. (Look in the bulk section at Whole Foods)
• 3 cloves of garlic 
• 3 tablespoons of Celtic sea salt 
• Begin with almonds in a Cuisinart/food processor until chopped finely. Add greens and remaining ingredients until smooth. This will be a thick pesto. You can always add a little more oil or a tiny bit of water to make creamier.

You can add chicken and Parmesan cheese if you aren't vegan or doing a detox.

The trick for the pasta is to cook it exactly as the box says. One minute longer and your pasta will be mush. Make sure you do a taste test on the pasta and enjoy! Now I just need to get a basil plant so we can continue this all summer long. It will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge and you can even freeze it in ice cubes.

It is amazing how many people have reached out to me in the last week with job opportunities. I can't thank you enough for your prayers and great leads. I am still in the market but if you know of anyone looking for a creative, sales and marketing director with over 17 years of hospitality experience you can find me at LinkedIn here. 

Baby Nephew First Haircut and Swing

Baby Nephew got his hair cut for the first time a few months ago. The photo above was taken on the same day. He looks so different! Mac has been the best brother in the world and calls to "FaceTime" with Andrew ALL THE TIME. If you don't have an iPhone...run don't walk to get one so you can video chat with your peeps all over the world. It is seriously a gift from God to be able to feel so close to our sweet godson oh so many hundreds of miles away. Snif.

He calls me Aunt Nana and E is Uncle ChaCha! Oh my gosh is that the limit?

Coco and Andrew on Easter morning.

I can't get over his red hair! My mother's mother had gorgeous red hair. 

We hate that we are missing these milestones like the first hair cut and first swing but Mac has been such a pal in keeping us updated and close in touch via texting and phone calls. We love you brother! We miss and love your face Baby Newphew Godson!