Do you ever just not feel like exercising?
You’ve been in Cubonia all day, staring at a screen…
The thought of lacing up and running can be excruciating. That was me yesterday. I skipped the weights I planned Thursday. I sat at my desk all day Friday. Slug.
Yes, sometimes you NEED rest days. But sometimes you just need to get a foot out the door. I got my foot out the door for 34 minutes and 4 miles. It made me feel 100% better. (Note to self: moving make you feel good. Just do it.)
I feel like everyone with a blog also has a fancy Garmin watch. I do not. They’re great watches and can give you some nifty data… I just don’t need that much watch. I use the Tech4o Accelerator.
Features include:
- Accurate pedometer
- Customizable – specify your height/stride/weight
- Chronograph (ok, ok… I’ve never used this)
- Countdown timer (this is pretty cool)
- Daily alarm
The best part? It’s on sale for $50!!!
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After my refreshing run, I needed fooood. And there was a Meyer lemon in the fridge calling my name.
If you haven’t tired a Meyer lemon yet, run out and do so now. They’re at the end of their season and they are light years from a plain lemon.
How do they differ from regular lemons?
- Deeper yellow in color
- Twice as juicy
- Sweeter/less acidic
- Edible skin (you can eat a regular lemon peel, but you probably won’t get far)
Drooling yet? They are awesome in compotes, cheesecakes, drinks, draaaanks, dressings… anything!
I decided on a ricotta sauce, to be used with penne and super-thick asparagus (seriously – I’ve never seen stalks this huge).
It is rare that I make pasta at home. I’m more into quinoa or lentil mixes. With the ricotta, I needed something with more umph.
When you read this, it sounds like a time consuming recipe. It isn’t – each piece can be done simultaneously. I had a gourmet-quality dinner on the table in 30 minutes.
Hit. The. Spot.
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Meyer Lemon Ricotta Penne with Asparagus
- 4 oz penne pasta
- 1 Meyer lemon + zest
- 1.5 T olive oil (I used Sweetwater Growers’ Basil-Infused)
- 1/2 C ricotta
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- S+P, to taste
- 2-3 T shallot, minced
- 1 C asparagus
Prepare pasta as directed on package, adding 1 tsp of sea salt to the pot.
Meanwhile, place a small pot filled with water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water and set aside. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and blanch for 1-2 mins (just until turning a vibrant green). Drain asparagus and add to ice water to stop the cooking and retain color. Drain the asparagus again, cut into 2-in pieces, and set aside.
Heat a small amount of oil in small pan over med-high heat. Add minced shallots and sauté until translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, stir together lemon zest, lemon juice, ricotta, red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.
Toss veggies and pasta with the ricotta and enjoy!
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If possible, consume on a patio while enjoying a warm, sunny evening. 🙂
Do you run with some sort of tracking device? Garmin? iPhone?
Do you make pasta at home often?
Mmm! That looks like a wonderful light pasta for this time of year! Also “draaanks!” cracked me up!
I run with my phone and use imap my run app:)
Yayay I LOVE your updates to the recipe page !!!
Your. Pasta. Looks. So. Good.
Have a great rest of the weekend 🙂
This looks really good. I can’t remember the last time I had ricotta cheese, but i love it. Must change that ASAP 😉
I have a garmin but honestly, I don’t run with it a lot.
Haha I think the blogosphere is ganging up against me! I seem to be the only one who can’t get meyer lemons. I may just have to travel to find it so I can make an awesome dish like this to enjoy it. Bravo!
That’s too bad! Check out Whole Foods if you have one near.
I have a garmin and I love it! I can’t believe your watch is only $50…such a deal! This penne looks super tasty! Wish I would have that for dinner tonight! 🙂
Thank you! I want one of your scones for breakfast. We need a trade!
I NNEEED to get some meyer lemons! Lemons are so refreshing and tasty! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
OH, and I really want a garmin, since it would be nice to have a tracking device while I run. Maybe someday 🙂
I’ve never heard of that type of a lemon – I honestly thought they were all the same! LOL! That penne looks delish…I love ricotta so I’ll def. be making this soon!
Let me know what you think! There really is a HUGE difference in the Meyers.
I would really love to get my hands on meyer lemons too! This looks fantastic and I could easily replace the pasta with gluten-free variety. Delicious!
For sure! Just made sure you get a pasta with a little texture to it (like penne).
I love that this dish is rich and crisp at the same time!
It definitely was – one of my fav flavor combos.
oh my gooooosh that is gorgeousness!!!!!!!! I’m totally making this pasta! I love meyer lemons and this combo looks so delish =) thanks for the recipe!
Thank you!!!
I only have 2 words for that recipe! HECK YEAH!!! Looks like the perfect weekend meal. And the meyer lemon! Oh my.. 🙂
That sounds really good, very fresh, not too heavy.
Thank you! This was one of my favorite dishes of the year – definitely a pasta option that won’t weight you down.