No Spend Challenge Day 3/ Easy Summer Pasta

Day 3, and it took everything I had not to stop at Starbucks for a latte.  This is hard :( But I didn't, and I survived and have an extra $3 still in my wallet as a bonus. Only 27 more days to go.

On the upside of my non caffeinated afternoon, I helped some buyers sign escrow papers for their new house which means....commission. coming. soon. woot woot!!

So back to saving money.  As you know I like to keep my grocery budget tight, which means in the summer I can make this delicious, low cost pasta and it keeps bellies full and budget in tact. point!

Summer Pasta (Based off Barefoot Contessa's recipe)

Ingredients:
pasta (I like angel hair)
garlic
olive oil
cherry tomatoes
basil
parmesan cheese
mozzarella cheese
salt & pepper

First make some garlic oil; on low pour about 1/4 c olive oil into a  small saucepan with about 3-4 cloves of garlic finely minced.  Let cook until fragrant, but don't let it burn - it will stink up your kitchen fast.  and linger - ewww.  Set aside.

Meanwhile cook the pasta according to package

While that's cooking chop your cherry tomatoes in half, and julienne the basil. (the hummus is a snack. I get hungry when I cook)

I like to add mozzarella so cut up small cubes of mozzarella, I'd say about a cup. Also pour yourself a glass of wine, you deserve it :)

When the pasta is cooked, drain and pour into a large mixing bowl.  Add the garlic oil and toss.  Add in the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and salt and pepper to taste.  Mix, mix, mix.  Sprinkle parmesan on top and you're done. 

 

Delicious.  Cheap.  vegetarian.  healthy.  love it <3

Day 3
Client Appts/ Kids to Grandmas
Total Spent: $0