I find that pasta is like a backup singer. It supports the star without being in the spotlight, fills in where needed and makes the show complete.
 
Sometimes, the backup singer becomes the star, or maybe even better. Such as the chili flavored pappardelle I found recently at World Market!

I recently signed up with the Barefoot Bloggers, just in time for their 1 year anniversary! This group tries out recipes by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, twice a month. I figured this would be a fun way to try some new recipes that I might not otherwise choose.
 
The first May recipe was chosen by Kate of Warm Olives and Cool Cocktails, and it’s one that’s right up my alley – Tuna Salad. Tuna Salad, you’re thinking? How boring! Not hardly.

Like just about everyone else, I love fried foods. They’re just so crispy, savory, and delicious! But I don’t love frying them.

Some of the best recipe happen by chance. An ingredient needs to be used up, so a recipe is found or created to utilize it. Or, everything needed for a recipe isn’t available, so creativity happens at the last second. Many times, those recipes end up being great!

This is another awesome, fast and delicious slow cooker meal. Basically, you are just cooking the broth all day, then come home, throw in the fish for the last few minutes, then serve and eat.
 
A perfect meal for those crazy nights you know you won’t want to cook. Just prep everything the night before, then put the broth mixings in on your way off to work. When you get home, put the fish in and turn it up to high, put some crusty sourdough bread in the oven to warm up and 20-30 minutes later, you’re eating a hearty and satisfying meal.

I’ve had a slow cooker for as long as I can remember. I think I got it as a wedding gift many years ago (no longer married, btw), but I never used it until a couple of years ago. Although I love using it, I don’t as much as I should.
 
Why? Because you have to think ahead and well, let’s just say that’s not my strong point. Every now and then, though, I manage to think beyond just the next hour of my life and manage to get something put together in the crockpot. And I’m always thrilled when I do.

Don’t let this seemingly long list of ingredients intimidate you. Most of it is spices that go into the shrimp marinade. Really, it’s a pretty simple meal to make. Easy enough for weeknight dinner yet with enough wow factor to serve to guests.

Every place has its regional specialties, which became very obvious to me after moving to Texas. Certain dishes – like Red Velvet cake – I was aware of in California, but had no idea they were so very prevalent in other areas. And some things I’d never even heard of until I moved here.
 
One of those is King Ranch Chicken.

I don’t know why we don’t eat lamb more often. It’s juicy and delicious, and little chops are quick and easy to make. But for whatever reason, I never seem to think of it until I see all the Easter lamb recipes on the Internet.
 
I’ve not yet made a leg of lamb, but I’ve done chops a couple of times. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make these – they grill (or broil) up in a snap. Pair with mashed potatoes as I did for an indulgent treat, or even just a simple salad or some steamed veggies for a super quick, easy and healthy weeknight meal.

Is this not the coolest pasta you have ever seen in your life? I found this (and a bunch of other fun colored and shaped pastas) at World Market the other day and could not resist them, but I think this one is the most unique. I love it! I even love the name – “Mother In Law’s Tongue” pasta.
 
I’ve been pondering how to serve this beautiful pasta. Most pasta sauces would cover up the lovely colors, and I didn’t want to go that direction. Then, while browsing through some tried and true recipes, I found just the perfect thing. Spicy Garlic Rosemary Shrimp!