I discovered Ellie Krieger one Saturday morning (back when I had cable) on The Food Network. I liked her right away; she cooks clean because she is a nutritionist, she teaches about the food while she cooks – I like that. She is not hyper; she is mellow and calm, so it’s nice to watch her.  She’s simple to follow but very creative and her foods are very flavorful.

Now that I don’t have cable I have Ellie Krieger as my personal chef via this link Food Network – Ellie Krieger – Voilà! Check it out!

Four Cheese Baked Penne – OMG!

• 1 pound whole-wheat penne
• 1 1/2 cups small-curd low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (15oz) can low-sodium crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8oz) can low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (3/4 ounces)

 Directions - Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

1. Combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella and parsley in a bowl and stir with a fork to incorporate and set aside.
2. Cook pasta until tender but still firm, a minute or 2 less than the package directs. Drain.
3. Heat the oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, rosemary, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Return pasta to pot with sauce and turn off heat. Add cottage cheese mixture.
4. Spray a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray then transfer pasta mixture to pan. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella and the parmesan. Bake until heated through and cheese is melted, 30 minutes

The more technology we have at our fingertips, the more we seem to pack into our lives. We talk on the phone while we walk, and we answer email while we talk on the phone. We schedule appointments while we wait in line, and when we finally get to be with our families, our smart phones get OUR attention.

WOW, just writing it all made me stress out!

There is no need for me to reference an academic study or quote an M.D. to say that “enjoying the simple things in life brings happiness”.  You already know that!

 A few simple things:

• Take a morning walk on the beach (no headphones) and enjoy the sounds, the sun kissing your skin and the smiles you will receive.
• Not a morning person? Then go have a date with yourself and a sunset...breathe it ALL in...in silence
• Spend the day with friends and/or family BUT with no plans, just go with whatever happens BUT you are NOT ALLOWED to look at your smart phone. Just you and other humans – can you handle that?
• Go to the park and feed the ducks, walk barefoot on the grass, or look at the clouds in the sky.

You get the picture, slow down and enjoy life, find a moment of joy and happiness – stop technology for a bit. No need to spend money, all the things listed above are free!

Who cares if this sounds mushy, silly or whatever! It works – so more power to you. You’ll be a new happier person. I URGE you to STOP for a moment and enjoy the simplicity of life – for YOUR wellbeing and those who you love.

 Cheers!

 PS – I’ll get back to the sarcasm soon – don’t worry :)