Morning everyone! First of all, I’m glad that I’m not the only one who’s had bad service at a restaurant before. Like I said, I’ve been there and done that, but just because it’s a bad day doesn’t give anyone the right to treat others poorly. I’m glad to say that the management of the restaurant has reached out with an apology, and they even offered a gift card to come and try the restaurant one more time. In no way was I expecting a gift card, but I’m glad that they were kind enough to offer one!
Yesterday was the Colorado blogger meet-up #2! I’m telling you, there’s such a FUN group of girls out here! It was a gorgeous day, and we met up in Denver’s Wash Park to just spend time enjoying the outdoors together. I decided to make a pesto pasta salad with asparagus, peas, and grape tomatoes:
SUPER easy because I didn’t make the pesto (I know, I know):
- 1 lb pasta (I used gemelli because I love the thick bite the pasta gets)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- 1 small package frozen peas
- 1 pint grape tomatos
- 1 cup pesto
Cut the tough ends of the asparagus off, then cut the remaining stems into thirds. In a large pot cook the pasta 2/3 of the way to al dente, then add the chopped asparagus and frozen peas for the remainder of the cooking time. Drain it all together, then add back to the hot pot. Stir in pesto. Refrigerate, and then top with tomatoes right before serving!
Emily brought a great plate of veggies, crackers, and dip:
And bowl of amazing Israeli couscous:
Ashley outdid herself (as always ;)) with an amazing Lemon Basil Chickpea Salad:
And Peanut Butter Brown Rice Crunch Bars:
Ashley’s friend Ann brought these awesome roll-ups with asparagus, rice, yogurt, cilantro (in some), avocado…YUM! Apparently she found the recipe on some random website, but they turned out wonderfully!
Kathleen brought some meringues, which were the first I’d ever tried outside of pie. They were really good! Definitely sugary puffs 🙂
Lauren brought this amazing Indian potato salad:
And Lindsey brought a great array of crackers, goat cheese, and hummus. These chips she brought were incredible…I had to go sit on the other side of the table so I’d stop eating them!
I had such a wonderful time with these girls! I think next time we might look into meeting up at a restaurant though since we all had a ton of food to take home 🙂 I was driving home to take a nap when all of a sudden a massive pothole came out of nowhere and bit my car. Enter flat tire:
And since Nate was napping it took a while to get ahold of him to come help me fix it…but then he came and made it all better! Rolly was pretty sad looking beforehand though…
We’re going to get the tires replaced today after work, so she’ll be back up and running soon! Funny story…the first time I knew I was in love with Nate was when, on the absolute WORST day of my life, I got a flat tire from a pothole in the pooring rain. He came immediately and changed it, and the fact that he would so selflessly serve me in that made me realize just how special he is. And nothing’s changed since then 🙂
[On a very quick note, due to some changes in my schedule I’m going to have to start blogging my breakfast with my lunches in my later posts during the day. Most of you probably don’t care, but I just thought I’d mention it!]
Question(s): Do you have a favorite pasta shape? What is it and why? AND: Do you know how to change a flat tire? As I mentioned before, gemelli is my favorite pasta shape, but I also love orecchiette and orzo too! OK, who am I kidding, I love them all 🙂 And I can’t say that I know how to change a flat from experience, but I’ve seen it enough to know what to do (I think!)
I love the idea of the asparagus wraps! And those peanut butter bars look AMAZING! I’m jealous of those eats :)!
You need to have a blogger meet-up #3 so I can come! I just moved to Lafayette – about 30 minutes north of Boulder. I love to try new restaurants and outdoor activities!
I like rotini pasta and the two times I’ve gotten a flat in the last year I’ve managed to get a man to fix it! 😛
that pasta and those wraps look so good! Interesting ways to use Asparagus! 🙂
Now, it’s my turn to say I hope I’m part of the next meet-up – in CO! whoop 😉
And I have NO idea how to change a tire – but my favorite pasta shape is bowties. Mostly because I think they’re cute, heh.
gnocchi gnocchi gnocchi!!!! even though I know it is not really considered pasta…
no on the flat. must learn asap. cannot consider myself a real woman until i know how. 🙂
omg, can i come to that meet up? you guys have awesome food!!
i love spirals. they are so fun 🙂
i know how to change a flat, i was such a tomboy growing up. i used to LOVE cars.
Your pesto pasta looks so beautiful! I bet it tasted even better! For pasta I really like rotini. And of course those pb crunch bars look amazing. What a great meetup!
Your story about Nate changing your flat tire made me smile. Very sweet!
Soooooo fun! I want to go to a big meetup!!
Fave pasta, angel hair. Yes please.
I love gemelli for the exact same reason! I also love medium sized shells, especially for mac & cheese! Oh, and mostaccioli! 🙂
I can’t change a flat….shame shame!
I like angel hair pasta the best! I love how thin it is…so good!!! YUM! I have never had a flat (knock on wood) but if I did I would have NO idea what to do…call Keith or my dad?? haha!
My favorite is broad rice noodles because I love how chewy they are. I beleive I could change a tire, but I hope I never have to test that skill!
Orchiette is my favorite. It holds tons of sauce in the center and it is fun to say. And nope don’t know how to change a tire.
the peanut butter brown rice crunch bars and asparagus roll-ups look delicious!
Everything looks amazing! So glad you had a fun meetup!
I do not know how to change a tire…I always call AAA
Mmm. That meet-up definitely looks tasty. 🙂 I need to find some food bloggers in my area as well.
And I ditto the flat tire jazz. That wouldn’t be my cup o’ tea.
Looks like a great meet-up!
I have no idea how to change a flat tire…like NO idea. Unless you count calling AAA. Eek!
Dang pot holes!! All your food looks delicious!!!
I do not know how to change a flat…and love Peter for the exact same reasons you gave above. That man knows car stuff and always selflessly helps me with it. 🙂
The blogger meet up looks great. It makes me wish I lived closer so I could have gone and met you too.
I really like rotini! They remind me of little screws. Bowtie pasta is always fun as well.
Looks like you guys had some great eats at the meet-up! Hopefully, I’ll be back in the state for the next one. 🙂 Sounds like you lovely ladies had a great time!
I dont remember how to change a flat…don’t tell daddy lol…
That food looks so amazing!!!!
I loved the gemelli (just had to check if I spelled that right)! I hadn’t ever had it before, but I’m definitely a fan now. I love any noodle that traps as much sauce as is physically possible. Read: spaghetti and I are not friends.
I do know how to change a flat. So wish I didn’t though :P.
Y’all had a great food spread at your meetup! Next time you should bring a bunch of tupperwares so that you can bring some of everyone else made home! I always prefer home cooked meals to eating out. Well, not always, but 90% of the time! 🙂
I like pasta shapes that I can easily pick up with a fork like penne of fusile. I know it all taste the same, but I hate long noodles like spaghetti and fettuccine that risk my clumsiness splattering sauce all over myself.
And yes! I know how to change a flat! I have been many a man and womans hero before!
I wish I could have been there! We have LOADS of basil in our garden right now; I think I need to make your yummy pasta dish. That pasta looks great too. I love the slighter harder pasta like that.
I love all pasta shapes. What can I say the Italian side of me will now let me pick one! As for the tire I was suppose to learn (per my dad) before I could get my license. That one never really happened, we got me AAA instead:)
I think I know how to change a tire but have never tried.
I am super jealous of your meet-up!!
Aw, what a fun meet-up! And your pasta dish looks great! I love orrechiette– little ears!
I do not know how to change a tire, sadly. I should probably learn, but I know myself well enough to guess that that’s probably not going to happen any time soon 🙂
I’ve changed my own flat tire once. The rest of the times I’ve been lucky to have help!
I love bowtie pasta for some reason. They are so cute!
I used to work at Canadian Tire and I’ve had about 5 flat tires in my lifetime so far.
You HAVE to learn how to change a flat. I think it should be required learning in Driving School.
It’s super easy and that way you’re not dependent on someone else to come do it for you.
I can’t believe how awesome your meet-up looks! I am envious.
I don’t know how to change a flat. I have no desire to learn either…
😉
Aw, you are too kind! It’s hard for me to stop with making 1 dish….hehe 🙂 Loved your yummy food too! Those noodles were awesome…great chew factor. I also really like shells because they trap sauce or cheese inside. I can’t believe you got a flat…frustrating!! Hope you have a great week!!!
This makes me miss Boulder:(
The Peanut Butter Brown Rice Crunch Bars and Asparagus roll-ups look fantastic.
I don’t know how to change a flat and sometimes that scares me.
I am not a huge fan of pasta, is that awful?!, but I love bowtie pasta. All dressed up:)