As I mentioned not too long ago, my new next door neighbors have been giving me their excess produce. He works for a local produce company that distributes to restaurants and businesses in the local areas. He brings home so much, that they have twice now passed their extras on to me. This last go around, the extras consisted of TWO BOXES of delicious produce. And me, wanting to waste as little of it as possible, has been doing some fun and creative cooking without the use of a cookbook.
Some of this produce is things that it just somehow does not occur to me to get at the grocery store… fresh green beans and broccoli, for example. In my mind I always think I hate broccoli. But maybe my taste buds have changed, because I have really been enjoying it as of late.
While sometimes I like the guidance of a cookbook, I have also discovered how fun it can be to just use my brain and be creative. I have made stir fried chicken and green beans with orzo. I’ve made pasta with spinach. I’ve made Asian-esque stir fry with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice. I throw in whatever spices sound good (a lot of red pepper flakes in some of these meals!).
Last night I made spaghetti with broccoli, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Threw in some Lawry salt and crushed red pepper. It came out spicy and delicious. I was quite proud of myself! And while I realize that this is not necessarily an original creation, it is to me… so I thought I would share my recipe! Bear in mind, I used my discretion as to how much I thought would work for two people. So I didn’t use exact measurements. But anyone can do the same!
I have to admit, I am quite proud of my creative cooking as of late! And I would think that at least some of these delicious dishes that I have been throwing together fit well into the “heart healthy” category as well! 
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Broccoli florets (smaller ones)
- Red pepper, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Garlic, minced (2 or 3 cloves)
- A few sprinkles of Lawry salt
- A few pinches of crushed red pepper
It is fun to be creative in the kitchen and even more fun to get all of that produce
This dish is right up my alley and I love pasta dishes in the summer, cold or hot 
Hope you are having a great weekend
Love your creativity! It’s so great when you are a good enough cook to start experimenting and things actually come out delicious. This sounds and looks great!
Spagetti recipes are always welcomed! This dish looks so tasty! Thanks for sharing!
What a great predicament with all that extra produce
Your stir fry spaghetti sounds great!