Is it really June? Although it may not feel like Summer, I am trying my best to stay warm but I'm about to give up and turn my fire place on because I am freezing. It's June for heavens sake.
The only thing I know for sure is I've enjoyed the cool summer for Running but even so........I WANT SUMMER IN MINNESOTA. I've only ran one half marathon since returning from Rome in late March but in all honestly, the racing season here in MN just began since our Winter went on forever. The first weekend in June we had 40 degrees in the morning and it hasn't gotten much above 60. Unbelievable. Bring on the SUN!
But back to my half Marathon around Lake Minnetonka the first weekend in May. Although I hadn't fully recovered from my Bronchitis, I decided to run to test my breathing after several weeks of recovering from a bad bad cough. It was another chilly start but it was a beautiful run around the lake and the course was great except for several rolling hills making it a somewhat challenging run. I had fun and besides a few coughing spells along the way, I felt pretty good finishing in a 1:49 which turned out to be 8th in my age bracket so I was content with my results.
http://www.goraceday.com/event/44/
This Summer/Fall I'll probably do a couple more half marathons and possibly look into doing a full this fall. What excites me most is going back to Rome to take in the Rome Marathon for the second time, this time praying for a much healthier experience! As I was looking at the Rome Marathon Website I came across this clip on a movie coming out this Summer. In fact it premieres June 12th here in MN. THE SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON II - ROME. WOW how cool is this! We loved Italy and have so many awesome memories. The streets of Naples, the pizza, the pasta, the gelato, the people. Ahhhhhhhhh. So special.
http://www.marathonmovie.com/
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| One of our Favorite Streets in Naples |
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| Dinner with my Cousins Friends |
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| Gelato.......Yum. I want more! |
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| More Pizza at the Neighbors. My husband is in Heaven. |
I'm sure the farmers would agree with me too about our cool summer. The Farmers Market has been a bit scarce so far this year but I've been able to score some yummy leafy greens, spinach, and lots of Asparagus. However, even those items are limited due to all the moisture and cool weather. This is a pic of my CSA owners working away. Such dedication and hard work. THANKS so much
Of course I can never get too many greens, but I've also been buying asparagus by the bundles. Usually 3 or bundles at a time if its available. We're loving the fresh taste raw, roasted, sauteed and even made into a pesto. Yes I did say a pesto. I really need to take pictures of that one next time I make it. It truly was worth repeating. DELICIOUS. Some simple ways to prepare your asparagus is roasted with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, broiled asparagus with a yummy poached egg and a splash of Fresh Lemon Juice, a spring asparagus risotto, a spicy asparagus stir fry with a black bean sauce, shaved asparagus with fresh Mozzarella Cheese Pizza (another one I just have to repeat for a pic), and many more. I told you I've been buying lots of asparagus.
Most recently, I made a yummy Asparagus Lasagna for a dinner party and oh my........it was a big hit. I have some awesome running buddies (some pictured below) and last minute I decided to invite a few of us dedicated runners over to celebrate friendship, a birthday and of course have some great food, not to mention good wine!
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| Us Runners just showing off some Plank move |
All runners love to eat right and most love pasta and as you can guess, I used asparagus for my main ingredient. I decided on a lasagna since I can do most of the work in advance.
I stared off by sauteing a few bunches of asparagus with some onion and garlic. I combined the mixture with about a cup of Ricotta, Salt and Pepper. Set aside
Next I browned up some Pancetta......bacon works just fine. I like it very crispy too.
Next I took two jars of sun-dried tomatoes and chopped them very fine. I stirred in about a cup of pesto and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Those are your layers for your noodles.
To assemble you start with the a little of the sun-dried tomato mixture on the bottom of your 9 x 13 baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top and than spread the noodles with half of the asparagus mixture. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese (fresh whole milk type) and some Parmesan cheese. Make another layer in the same fashion and top with a third layer of noodles some sun-dried tomato mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. I used about 2 cups of mozzarella total and a cup of parm. Dot with butter and presto..........Its ready for the oven.
I love making Lasagna for dinner parties because its so nice to be able to sit back and have some wine with my guests, a few appetizers all while a delicious dinner baking away in the oven. This is what was left............yep it was a big hit.
