Ummmm… Where did this month go?! Seriously… 3 more days, and BAM – Hello, Holiday Season! Despite it’s hasty arrival, I’m giddy to welcome all the merry festivities. Let’s embrace the pretty, the sparkly, and the overwhelming with a smile. A fully loaded credit card and pre-registration for a January 2nd bootcamp pilates class my gym offers are also going to be keeping me sane this season. I’ll be needing that last one for sure.

You know what else is great about the holidays? Traveling to those precious people who make our lives our lives. I couldn’t be happier to be heading home for Thanksgiving. Come tomorrow night I’ll be kissing New York ta-ta and boarding a bus to sweep me away for a few days of family, food, and rest. Embrace some slow living this week, mmk?

When you’re going away for a week, grocery shopping is kind of pointless. The stuff just sits there… aging… picking up scents and weird flavors… funk-a-fying your fridge with some offensive odors to Welcome you Back Home! Just don’t do it. Instead, how about a simple pasta? One that’s light, bright, and just a touch spicy? I thought you’d like that idea! The best part about pasta – ahem, one of the best parts – you can really do your own thing with it. Go on, add more spice. Cheese – It – Up. Go crazy with the lemon zest! Be a veggie head and add a wild assortment. Pasta is a team player, and always open to some wiggle room in the ingredient list.

I stuck to the original recipe – I had everything conveniently on hand – and it was just gorgeous. Garlic, olive oil, and crushed red pepper coats each adorable orecchiette noodle – just enough – ensuring each bite explodes with flavor. Fresh lemon and creamy goat cheese are easy lovers, while they work together together to brighten up the crunchy, slightly bitter rapini. It was the perfect Monday before Thanksgiving meal! I toasted myself to love, happiness and a plump belly with a pre-holiday glass of bubbly – I highly recommend you do the same!

P.S. Maybe i’m jumping the gun here, but in the spirit of feeling oh so thankful: I am so grateful to be here, and so so thankful you are too.

Orecchiette with Rapini and Goat Cheese – Saveur

Ingredients: