Pesto Salmon Gnocchi

Summer time and the living’s easy…

I had an identity crisis on Wednesday when I was BY MYSELF for 2 hours in the middle of the day.  Kid free.

Ok, I will back up.

For the first time in all of my time momming, both kids are drop off eligible for camps that are at the same time!  His was from 9-2 and hers was from 1030-1230.  I wasn’t sure how they would do but it was easy peasy, no separation issues at all!  [FYI that’s still rare for us, even at places like church and soccer that we have been doing forever]

This is a huge deal for a variety of reasons.  First off, this is the first time he has eaten lunch with other kids without me there. And unlike his previous school, this place (gymnastics) isn’t nut free.  Soooo, I was a little nervous.  We have talked about these scenarios a ton, but you know how it goes with 5 year olds…in one ear…

The other main reason it’s a big deal is because I had solo time!  I know this is totally not something others would freak out about, but I don’t get time without my kids unless it’s a weekend and they are away with Kyle at farmer’s market or something.  I have never had a babysitter come and watch my kids in the middle of the day so I can get stuff done.  I really and truly didn’t know what to do with myself!!!  Full disclosure, I cried for a hot second int he parking lot.  But they weren’t really sad tears.  It was kinda confusing – bittersweet – to have my babies both off in the care of someone else (and happy about it).  I went home and soaked it up, but got a call shortly before noon asking me to bring more food for P because he ate his whole lunch at snack time.  Doh!  Silly kid.  Anyway, I had to pick up V soon thereafter, so I just stayed until her camp class was done.

Then we went to the co-op for lunch.

I was eyeing these chips…anyone tried them??

I packed lunch for V and a gluten free roll for me, but bought myself smoked salmon and Parmela Creamery artisan cultured nutcheese to go with it.

I really like this cheese.  It’s thick, but spreads easily.  It’s more flavorful at room temp, but a little goes a long way and I think it will give me a solid three servings.

I had kale chips and carrots as well.

And then we went to pick up Mr. P and all was right again…me and my buddies for the rest of the day.

You mean you don’t wear your swim suit to the park?  (We were early for swim class so that we could get some park time in before the temps cranked up to the 100s).

I went back to stroller strides on Friday so the kids got to do the play group craft…which was spraying paintings. It was a big hit but a messy one to bring home!

And now, a recipe utilizing my new favorite ingredient – cauliflower gnocchi.

Full disclosure, it’s not as *amazing* as I remembered it being, so I’m wondering if they had to change the recipe for some reason and that’s why it was out of stock for so long with “distribution” issues.  Anyway, it’s still very good and the whole family likes them, so it’s definitely something I will be making on repeat.

Pesto Salmon Gnocchi

Ingredients:

• 2 filets salmon
• 4 tbsp pesto (I used TJs vegan kale and cashew one)
• salt and pepper
• 4 cups mixed greens (arugula/spinach/mixed lettuce is best)
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 12 oz gnocchi
• 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup pine nuts OR 1/2 cup shredded pecorino romano/manchego

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Place salmon on greased baking sheet and coat in pesto.  Bake for 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked to your liking.

Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi per the package’s instructions.  [If you are using cauli gnocchi like I did, sauté it in 1 tbsp of the olive oil.]

In a large salad bowl, whisk together the juice from half the lemon, the remaining 3 tbsp of olive oil, and the salt and pepper.  Then toss the greens and tomatoes in the dressing.

Add the gnocchi and fish once they are cooked and top with either the pine nuts or the cheese.

I love salmon.  I will never get sick of salmon.  Good thing my fam is on the same page.

This super greens blend is so good and the kids love it!  It has different greens like tat soi that have been a huge hit!

GNOCCHI!!

The garden is putting out 2-3 pints of tomatoes every other day.  It is seriously crazy.