A day in the kitchen!

Today's dinner is all thanks to Pinterest. I am constantly pinning "delicious dishes" but rarely gain the courage to actually try them. I must say it turned out pretty good and I had a blast in the kitchen! I am already loving this month's cooking goal! 

On the menu:

Penne pasta with roasted asparagus

and balsamic butter sauce.

Ps. I added the mushrooms for some extra flavor. I'd recommend it. 

Cucumber, cottage cheese, basil boats.

(how stinkin cute are these?) 

and chocolate dipped clementines for dessert. 

What's for dinner at your house? I'd love to hear! 

xoxo - a girl in the city 

Penne Pasta recipe:

1. 1 pound asparagus
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 2 teaspoons salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
5. 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6. 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
7. 1 pound penne
8. 1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces
9. 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1. Heat the oven to 400°. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.
3. Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. Serve with additional Parmesan.