Eric, Steve, Dan, Shayne, and Steve worked on the deck this weekend and they got so much accomplished!
It almost looks like a deck now. :)
The weather was what the boys called, ‘Deck Building Weather’. Sunny and just warm enough to be comfortable.
The workstation Eric set up…heh
View from other end:
This is the view from our back door:
Our old deck didn’t extend this far, but we thought it would be really nice to walk straight out onto the deck so we extended the deck about 7 feet or so. I’m very happy about this extension because it will be much easier for me to carry my camera and food to the deck!
If you recall, it used to look like this…
On Sunday night, I treated Eric to a fancy smancy dinner as a thank you for all his hard work- Vegan Yum Yum’s Tomato Basil Cream Pasta dish that I have been meaning to try for a while now. This dish tastes so much like a traditional cream pasta, you could fool even the toughest critic!
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Easy Tomato Basil Cream Pasta
Yield
2-3 servings
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This is one of the best creamy pasta sauces I have ever tasted, vegan or otherwise. It is right up there with 15 minute Creamy Avocado Pasta! This was also one of those moments when Eric and I looked at each other and said, ‘Can you believe this is vegan?’ I find that cashew cream sauces can be a bit bland, but this one was fantastic (probably due to the basil, tomato, and garlic trio adding so much flavour). Lightly adapted from Vegan Yum Yum.
Ingredients
- 2 servings uncooked spaghetti (I used Kamut)
- 1 large ripe tomato or two smaller tomatoes
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2-4 garlic cloves, minced (I used 3)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 3-4 tbsp water or wine, (optional)
- 1-2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup packed fresh basil, finely chopped
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Chop tomato and add it to the blender (including skin and seeds). Now add the cashews, water, and tomato paste. Blend until smooth.
- Add your pasta to boiling water and cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add olive oil to a large skillet and heat to low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes being careful not to burn it.
- Pour the sauce from the blender into the skillet, stir, and bring to a simmer. Add the salt and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, watching closely. You may add water or wine to thin out the sauce to you desired consistency, but this is not necessary.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in the chopped basil and pepper. Once the pasta is done cooking, rinse and drain it. Add the drained pasta back in the pot and now gradually add pasta sauce until your desired amount is achieved. Stir and serve immediately. Makes 2 servings, likely with sauce leftover.
I love making pasta sauces because with just a few ingredients you can create something that tastes so gourmet and special.
And this was one of the best creamy pasta sauces I have ever tasted, vegan or otherwise. It is right up there with 15 minute Creamy Avocado Pasta!
This was also one of those moments when Eric and I looked at each other and said, ‘Can you believe this is vegan?’ I find that cashew cream sauces can be a bit bland, but this one was fantastic (probably due to the basil, tomato, and garlic trio adding so much flavaaaa).
Time to get to work and then I’m off to another Moksha hot yoga class at lunchtime. Ange took me to my first hot yoga class on the weekend and I loved it. Many of you have been telling me for a long time now that a class is so different from a DVD and I must say you are 100% right! I will give a recap of my experience on the blog shortly.
Have a great day 
This looks divine! What type of wine would you reccommend in substitute of the water? Merlot? Or a white?
White was recommended :)
oooh! I cannot wait to try this! It sounds so delicious!
OK, I am here to tell everyone to make this NOW. This is seriously one of the best things I’ve eaten in a long time. I added white beans and broccoli florets to my pasta to add some bulk and it is the most perfect meal. I planned on saving half for lunch tomorrow but I’m not sure that’s going to happen…Thank you Angela!
This looks awesome, definitely going to try it. I’m not vegan (or vegetarian) but I love dishes that don’t include animal products!!
What gets better than tomato+bail+fresh mozz?! Caramel and chocolate is neck and neck with it!
I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious – thanks for the recipe!! Can’t wait to make it with tomatoes and basil from the garden!! My 4 year old said it needed more tomatoes ;)
That’s awesome that the deck is coming along so well! Just in time for a May 24 BBQ, right? :D
I’m excited to hear about your hot yoga experience. I think I’m trying out my first class next week!
Holy YUM! It looked amazing and easy and I had everything already in my cabinet (and garden!) except the tomato paste (and garlic french gread I added)! So delicious that my 5 year old slurped it up! Of course with her side salad of romaine and english cucumber with feta crumbles (I know, I am a lucky mom!) Only suggestion to make slightly more kid friendly was about half the pepper and a touch less basil. This is an amazing recipe and my first time creating a vegan “cream” sauce. I cannot wait to serve this to my completely-carnivorous-and-won’t-touch-veggies-in-anything-but-complete-puree-form fiance! Thanks!!
that is the best looking tomato i’ve ever seen
That looks so good! I must make it.
You and your creamy sauces…one word…brilliant!! Well maybe two words because I think DELISH is fitting as well :)
hi, i notice you use a lot of cashews in your cooking. i was wondering if you buy them in a store or online in bulk? if you buy them online, would you mind sharing your source? i’ve looked around and have found them, but they are a little pricey. thanks!
This looks amazing! I love your creamy avocado noodles and am really excited to make this one! I’ve never actually used cashews in cooking before. But I love ’em so I’m anxious to try.
This dish was already on my meal plan for this week! :-) I love Vegan Yum Yum. I agree that the fresh basil is key in adding great flavor to this dish.
What a crazy but amazing dish. I’m definitely going to print this one out.
That is going to be a HUGE deck!!! Awesome!!!!
I will absolutely be making this recipe. I love your vegan alfredo, and this sounds just as good!
I have made the one off Vegan Yum Yum and it is super delicious! Your looks just as good! Can’t wait to try it with your adaptations!
I have honestly never eaten a tomato cream pasta dish, having grown up with a mother allergic to wheat, tomatoes, and dairy. I can’t wait to try this!
I love hopw creamy this looks without actually containing any cream!
Perfect timing – I was just craving pasta wth tomato cream sauce the other night! It looks DELICIOUS!