Tomato Florentine Pasta Bake

Yesterday was a busy and beautiful day. Had an interview early morning, and then went from one grocery store to another. Finally settled down at home around 5pm and then I had to start making dinner. I think I’m getting use to this new city. Although there are some things that I definitely wish I can change, which includes not been able to make a left turn pretty much everywhere. That really sucks, especially when your destination is right there and you can’t turn into it. I pretty much have to go around the whole city to get to where I want to be. Another thing is the driving, it can get pretty crazy. As in these people are driving as if today is their last day on earth. I try not to let them intimidate me and drive like a reasonable person but majority of the time that means almost getting hit or shoved off the road…lol. I shall survive. Well, I guess I don’t help matters either because I’m constantly missing my exit, getting lost and going around in circles quite often. All in all, I really do think I’m getting better. I mean there was a time I refused to drive, so I always volunteer Mr. D as the driver. He doesn’t mind much.

I wish yesterday’s weather is what winter weather is like. I’m walking around with no coat or jacket, wearing flat and driving with my windows down…how I miss those days. With a beautiful weather like that, I smell spring in air, can’t wait.

 

One other thing that I’m finding quite frustrating is the fact that I have to go to two or three stores to find all my ingredients. I don’t understand why there are so many small scale stores, all reasonably close to each and they don’t have anything. Yesterday, I had to go to 3 different stores to buy ingredients for a recipe I’m trying out, and to make matters worse, I still couldn’t find everything on my list. Who doesn’t carry spinach, zucchini and ricotta cheese? After the third attempt I gave up and I’ll just have to improvise and make do with what I have. On the other hand, there’s much exploration left to do, so someday hopefully I’ll find a grocery store that has everything. Fingers crossed.

This is what I made for dinner last night. Tomato Florentine pasta Bake, it was delicious. Mr. D enjoyed it and I’m sure it will be one of our staple meals.

What's left of it. We did major damage.

The recipe called for spinach but since I couldn't find any, I used collard greens. I think I actually like it better because it give the whole thing some crunchiness.