when the kids don't finish their pasta

There is always leftover pasta so I usually save it and sometimes turn it into a slightly more grownup dinner for us. Here's the gist: saute some fresh or frozen veggies and either leftover meat or maybe frozen shrimp** in a large frying pan. Add seasonings and a little chicken broth then dump in leftover pasta. Serve with parmesan cheese.

A note on frozen shrimp--all shrimp is flash frozen even if you buy it fresh in a good fish store. So don't feel bad about buying a big bag in the freezer or seafood section of any grocery store. You can buy raw or cooker but go for already deveined and cleaned (most are.) Keep it in your freezer indefinitely then when you have nothing else for dinner, defrost overnight in the fridge or just let it sit under running water in a colander for a few minutes. Then eat or add to any pasta dish.

spinach dip

Michael calls me the "queen of dips" for good reason. I can make a dip out of almost anything and they are usually pretty good. My standard "we're having guests and I need a dip" is yogurt, plus mayo plus spices. But I went out of my comfort zone and made this one for a mom's night holiday party. Not difficult, not fancy but good-looking and indulgent. 

• 2 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• salt and pepper
  
   Mix everything. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  
   Serve in a bread bowl with reserved bread cubes or fresh vegetables, pita chips.