Portland, Oregon: When I plan our menus - and I do plan our meals weekly - there is concern as to presentation, contrast, meat v meatless, seasonal produce, healthy versus Sunday Night Pizza, new recipes I want to try and whims. I use a handy menu + shopping list to organize everything. I'm busy and we live too far from a grocer to just pop-out to fetch a forgotten item. Organization is the key word here.
Linguini with Lemon Sauce was on our menu this week. This super-easy recipe from The New York Times, was going to be prepared because it 1) sounded delicious and 2) I had everything required on-hand.

Dave and I really enjoyed the pasta, but it was very white. Especially served on a white plate. I suppose maybe a little chopped parsley or basil would have helped?
Then I really blew the whole "presentation is everything" kitchen rule by serving a white salad!


Why am I using-up everything in the refrigerator? Dave and I are going on a little adventure. In our own backyard. Stay tuned.
PS: Try the pasta recipe. It was wonderful. But use a little garnish, please! And if you post a photo of your dish in the comment section below, that would be fun.
Until my next update, I remain, your bland correspondent.