New year..New everything!

Nothing beats the holidays...and now that they are over and a new year has arrived, it is time to make changes in life. CHANGE IS GOOD and healthy for everyone. So, enough about making unreachable resolutions- go for smaller simpler easier to accomplish things.

Here are some suggestions:
>> Volunteer...at church, at a homeless shelter, at a local school...anywhere! you'd be surprised how many people need a hand and a smile!
>> Speaking of smiles...smile more often!
>> Learn something new... a craft, a sport, a game, useless facts..anything!!
>> Donate...go into your closet and take out everything that you haven't touched in the past 6 months..chances are you are not going to use it so donate it to someone who will
>> GO green!...change the light bulbs, start recycling, grow your own veggies, the list is endless!
>> Become a big brother or big sister...those kids need positive influences, and YOU could be the one.
>> Read...yes yes, I know for some of you this is VERY difficult, but trust me when I tell you this, there is something good to read for everyone out there
>> Travel...even if it's in your car in your state, go somewhere you haven't gone, and meet the locals, learn something new about what they do or where you go
>> Go to a concert, a museum, or an art fair...it's fun. END OF STORY!
>> Throw a party, just for kicks..and make it a theme party...I speak from experience, VERY worth it.

And now for an easy super yummy classic recipe. For you shrimp lovers and pasta lovers... here is my recipe for shrimp scampi. A word on a couple of the ingredients: shallots are baby onions with a softer, milder flavor. You can find them in any grocery store in small packets by the regular onions- just be careful chopping them, since they are small they can be difficult to manage. Chives, are baby scallions. You can find them in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty herb section. They have a nice bite and onion flavor. (also great for scrambled eggs).

What you need:
2 Tbsp Evoo (extra virgin olive oil)
1 Shallot
1/2 Cup grape tomatos
1/2 Lb of shrimp, clean, uncooked
1/4 Cup White wine (one that you would drink!)
2 Tbs Butter
1/2 Lb of angel hair pasta
1 Tbsp Chopped chives
1/2 Tsp Italian flat leave parsley
Lemon zest
Salt & pepper to taste
Red Pepper flakes- optional.

How to  make:
One med high heat, add to saute pan, add everything except the pasta, chives, parsley and lemon zest. Cook pasta separately for 7-8 minutes for "al dente" finish- meaning not too cooked that it disintegrates in your mouth. When the shrimp turn pink (2-3 minutes), add the cooked pasta, and right before serving add the lemon zest, parsley and the chives. If you do not like spicy food, skip the red pepper flakes. Do not overcook the shrimp, it will become rubbery if you leave it on the heat too long. Serve this with a simple salad. You can substitute the angel hair pasta with any other pasta. You can also add other veggies like peas, corn, and mushrooms.

Total time including preparing the ingredients and cooking should be less than 20 minutes! Enjoy!~