Of Whole Wheat Penne and Paper Mache Volcanos

Yes -

I am one of those parents. This past weekend, while it was absolutely gorgeous out and we did TONS of stuff outside.... (big plug here for the David Brooks' Big Bugs sculpture exhibit at the Morton Arboreteum - it is amazing and if it comes to your town - go see it!) J and I also did a project. We made a volcano. Yes, you heard me right - a paper mache volcano.

We made the form and used plaster gauze to cover it - it took about 1 1/2 days to dry, then J painted it brown and red.... Then tonight - we Exploded it!!! Chemistry 101... 1 tsp of baking soda - a bit of food coloring - and 1 Tbsp of vinegar - and Voila! A volcano -

It was a "blast" (no pun intended). J loved it - as did A - and everyone cheered when it spilled over bubbles of colored "lava."

This of course, was after dinner.... Whole Wheat Pasta with Tofu and Spinach Sauce.

Confession here - Since it is technically the beginning of the week, dinner as always ran a bit late. I just can't seem to get it together for dinner the first day of the week. So, I used a jarred Indian Punjabi Spinach Sauce from Trader Joe's as the basis of this meal. A and the hubby both loved the tofu and sauce over the pasta. J (as always) shied away - but was VERY happy to help out with his new chore for which he receives an allowance each week - clearing the table and helping mommy fill the dishwasher!

Whole Wheat Pasta with Tofu and Spinach Sauce

1 jar Indian Punjabi Spinach Sauce (or your favorite veggie based simmering sauce)
1 package firm tofu (I like the Mori-Na Organic Firm)
1 package Whole Wheat Penne
1 tbsp olive oil
Kosher Salt

1. Bring water to a boil for the pasta - salt the water when it is boiling and cook pasta as directed.

2. Cut the tofu into 1 inch or so cubes.

3. Heat saute pan (one with high sides preferably) and the olive oil. Lower heat and gently saute the tofu until it is slightly browned and coated with the olive oil (I just did this to give extra flavor - you can skip this step if you want.)

4. Pour jar of Punjabi sauce into pan. Mix gently with tofu. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until pasta is done.

5. Drain pasta. Pour pasta into pan with sauce and tofu - mix together and serve!

Enjoy!