Foodie Friday: Spring Pasta Dishes & Cooks' Tools

Pasta lovers, like  "Mr. Shop This" can eat pasta any day of the week. But when it comes to the warmer months of Spring and Summer, it's time to lighten up in the kitchen. As the seasonal veggies appear,  it makes sense to use them in our cooking, any way we can. This recipe round up features fresh flavors with lighter layers. It's all so bright and Springy. Be sure not to miss the organic bunny pasta which is perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday.
 The kiddos will love it.



HERE: 17 Spring Pastas

Creamy Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo
 With Shrimp
Gluten & Dairy Free
The perfect pasta for many. It's a twist on the classic, which gets its' creaminess from Cauliflower. A must try for me.
Heather Christo

Creamy Avocado & Gouda Cheese Pasta
Simple, Creamy and Cheesy. With pine nuts for a little crunch and lemon to add zest, this sounds perfect to me.
Half Baked Harvest

Linguine with Green Olive Sauce and Zesty Breadcrumbs
This recipe just bursts with big flavors. The Panko breadcrumbs have me intrigued. My favorite Chicago Italian restaurant, Spiaggia, does an olive spread that is fabulous on bread. I can only imagine it on pasta.
Bon Appétit 

Solid Wood Pasta Cutter
Old School. No fancy machine required. This hand turned solid walnut pasta cutter will turn out the nicest noodles with the flick of your wrist.
Food52

Lasagna Primavera
This dish, as the name describes, is literally "full of vegetables." A lighter lasagna version that highlights seasonal veggies. Get the recipe at
5 Ingredients 15 Minutes

Chilled Chardonnay-Braised Calamari Pasta

Wine and pasta - a delicious duo. Any pasta I have ever made always features wine. And to really appreciate the Chardonnay, this dish is served lightly chilled.

Food And Wine

Pasta Server with Cheese Grater Set
Fun to own or to bring to your next dinner party. Less than $20
Burke Decor

Parsley Pesto Spaghetti with Asparagus and Caramelized Spring Onions

This recipe had me at the word Caramelized. What a beautiful Spring dish! 

Adventures In Cooking

Lemon Pasta With Tomatoes & Basil

Fresh tomatoes beat the canned variety any day. I love how the tomatoes add so much color to this dish.  The creaminess comes from a little bit of heavy cream.

Completely Delicious

Basil Avocado Pasta

Bright and beautiful, this Spring pasta also features bacon and Parmesan. And isn't the presentation fab?

Creme De La Crumb

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
This is a quick and easy meal. This actually is a rich meal, but it gets lightened up with vibrant lemon zest.
Modern Honey

Carrot Pasta
A colorful and slightly healthier take on gnocchi is so simple to make. Not to mention that it looks gorgeous. 
Pure Wow

Nova Deruta Pasta Serve Bowl
Exclusive to Sur La Table and inspired by Umbria. Serve up a stylish bowl of your favorite recipe.
Sur La Table

Pancetta, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Orecchiette
Said to be the easiest in season meal to make. This is a pasta shape that I have never had, but it's cute.  It's all mixed in a creamy mixture of goat cheese and Parmesan. 
How can this be bad?
Williams Sonoma

Spring Risotto with Asparagus and 
Smoked Salmon
"Creamy spring risotto with asparagus and smoked salmon and sugar snap peas ~ finished with lemon, Parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, a perfect spring-time rendition."
The Hungry Bluebird

Organic Pasta
Go ahead and play with your pasta. Even if you don't cook with the pasta, the confetti, bunnies, and hearts are fun displayed in glass jars. The colors come from pure vegetable dyes, so no worries there.
Williams Sonoma

Spicy Shrimp Pasta Diavolo
Juicy jumbo shrimp sitting on a bed of your favorite pasta. How yummy! The marinara sauce is slightly sweet to balance the little bit of heat......as it should be.
The Cooking Jar



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Spring Hostess Gifts

{ Via: A Thing Created at Etsy }

Never arrive at a party empty handed, unless you have sent something before the event. A bottle of wine is always welcome, but why not uncork your creativity, and gift differently? These gift ideas will get you invited back again.



HERE: Ten Terrific Gifts

Himalayan Crystal Salt Pyramid Lamp
A Zen gift that is not for everyone, but it would be perfect for me. It is for those that are aware of the many positive effects of Himalayan Sea Salt. This lamp promotes well being in your home by purifying the air, not to mention the beautiful soft glow it gives 
to any room.
Nordstrom

Bel Air Mini Scoop Vases
I often think that a vase is a better gift than the actual flowers. A hostess rarely has time to stop and arrange fresh flowers. Pre-arrange a small bouquet in one of these clearly chic vessels, and present the flowers and vase as your gift. I always suggest white flowers, if you don't know your hostess's color scheme.
Jonathan Adler

Takenaka Chopstick Set
Anyone would love these fun finds. Buy one for each member of the host's household. There's a color for every mood.
Anthropologie

Vintage-Inspired French Table 
Crumber Set
Crumbs are not chic, but these sets are. Under $50 and they will actually be used. 
I would love a set!
Food52

Alessi's "Big Love" Ice Cream Bowl

A great gift for ice cream lovers. It's meant for sharing and holds over 9 ounces. It's fun and I bet that your host does not have one.

Barney's New York

Dolce & Gabbana Hand Wrapped Pasta

Oh how fun! If your host is also a cook, they will love this fancy pasta. Naturally it's made in Italy. If you are a big spender, buy the set above. Or buy the pasta alone by

 the package.

Neiman Marcus

Marble & Brass Servers

Marble always is a luxe look. The brass makes any of these stylish servers a glam gift. 

Williams Sonoma

Ona Pitchers

The only pitchers you need, and I think owning several of them is ideal. One for juice, one for Sangria, one for water. Less than $20

Crate & Barrel

Call Me Old Fashioned Coasters

Guaranteed to add the glam to any fun fete. Hand illustrated on card stock backed in felt. Perfect for a girls night in. 

A Thing Created At Etsy

Vintage Apothecary Colored Matches
Details matter when it comes to entertaining. These are as pretty as they are practical. Less that $20 each.
Cupcakes And Cashmere




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Bar Cart Chic

Spring Trend: A Change Of Lace

{ Via: Elle Canada } 

Lace is no longer for ladies who lunch. The designers have changed it up a bit. It's pretty but with an unexpected edge. A white lace dress no longer looks bridal when you add a plunging neckline and a bit of black. A basic white tee gets a luxe look with boning and slashes of black lace. Spring's change of lace is still feminine but different. Scroll down to shop the edit.

Rasario Bow Detailed Lace Dress

Loving the unexpected neckline and touch of black. A good look for a special evening out.
Moda Operandi

Nantes Lace Flats

A pretty little shoe that features pearls at the heal and a memory foam foot bed. As shoes go, these are quite
affordable.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

Alexis Lace Pants & Top
Two of my favorite pieces of the edit. It's hippie chic 2019. And though these pieces are not inexpensive, They are within reason for some. 
Moda Operandi and Farfetch

Paper Dolls Tuxedo Pants & Jacket
A great look for so many of Spring's occasions. Each piece sold separately.  Love it!
ASOS

Embroidered Ruffle Neck Top
The lace embroidery is exquisite on this longer top with statement sleeves. The look gets edgy with leggings and booties.
BCBGMAZAZRIA

Grapevine Lace & Tulle Gown
Oh a girl can dream! This exquisite gown is crafted from black tulle and tonal lace embroidery. Beautiful for the bride who dares to be different, or any formal event.
Oscar de La Renta

Alice + Olivia
Emersyn Lace Sneakers  

It's all about the high sole sneaker this season. And the added lace pattern elevates the style.
Shopbop

Alexander Wang's Lace Tee
Tough luxe. A tee that features corset boning, slashes of delicate lace and super soft texture. I love the way the 
tee drapes.
Nordstrom

Diane Von Furstenberg
Gardenia Lace Skirt

A good midi skirt will take you everywhere. Make it two tone in unexpected colors, and your look has a modern edge. 
Saks  or Shopbop

Ted Baker Lace Top
This top is so unexpected. Simple in style, but elevated with a pairing of lace and 
varsity stripes.
Nordstrom

Michael Kors Collection Jumpsuit
This look is outrageously pretty and expensive, but it sure is fabulous! 

Neiman Marcus

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