Peas and Carrots aren't so scary! Halloween Pasta

When I was a kid, cooked peas and carrots were the veggie combo that scared me to death.

I couldn't stand them and thought they were not only mushy and tasteless but torture to eat.

As an ode to my childhood fears, I
 made a Spooky Pasta Salad fit for Halloween night.

This is what I've learned about peas, 

I like them fresh and crisp...

(You'll need 2 cups)

This is what I've learned about carrots, 

I like them raw and spiralized...

(you'll need 2 large fresh ones)

This doesn't look so frightening does it?

To keep that Halloween Spirit, mix them both with a fun black pasta

(this is one bag of  Trader Joe's Black Bean Rotini, 

cooked according to package instructions and cooled)...

Then toss with my favorite dressing of:

3 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar

6 Tablespoons Light (in color) Olive Oil

1 finely diced shallot

1 tsp dijon mustard

I think my childhood nightmare has turned into a dream!

Taco Night Jalapeño Garlic Carrots

I love those Mexican pickled carrots that you often see at taquerias.

They are the perfect fresh bright side dish

 and I've got a quick roasted version to kick taco night up a notch...

Just a few simple ingredients...

tossed in a roasting dish...

with a touch of lemon...

and Olé!

Jalapeño Garlic Carrots

12-15 petite carrots, peeled (multi colored is fun if you can find them)
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds if you are afraid of spice)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
olive oil to coat
dash of salt

Toss all ingredients but the vinegar together in a baking dish and roast in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked yet still slightly crisp.  Remove from oven, let cool slightly then top with vinegar and another dash of salt.  Serve warm or room temperature.

Carrot Soap - Easy Easter DIY

The perfect Easter craft to make for all your Peeps.

Super simple with just 3 ingredients -

make a big batch of
Carrot Soap!

All you need is:

Shea Butter Soap 
(it usually comes in a "brick" that is easy to divide)
 and Scented Oils from the Craft Store

& grated carrots.

The carrots add a fun texture and fabulous natural color.

To make 3 small bunny soaps, 

place a 1oz cube of the soap and 2 tablespoons of grated carrot 

in a microwave safe container

(preferably one that is easy to pour out of - I use a glass gravy boat)

Then add a few drops of your favorite scented oil

(this is optional, I just love to make them smell good)

Melt in microwave for approximately 30 seconds and give it a quick stir, 

then pour into silicon molds.

Repeat steps until your bunnies have multiplied to your liking...

Let set about an hour, in a cool environment,

 until you can easily pop them out.

Since the carrots are fresh, 

use within 2 weeks.

Clean bunnies are the best, 

Happy Easter!