Ma chere, chere amie,

What month is it? Fuck, what YEAR is it?

I'm sorry I have been an absent pen pal these past few months. This adjustment to our new life in Montana has not been without its challenges. Don't get me wrong - we're thrilled to be here and have absolutely zero regrets about our decision to move - but as you know, part of our transition meant that I would effectively be a single parent until T finishes up work in NY and can join us full time in the spring.

Remind me again why that last part was a good idea?

Even though I've had an enormous amount of help from family, friends, babysitters, etc., at the end of the day, I've still struggled. Like, big time. The two-kids-to-one-parent ratio is HARD WORK, mentally AND physically. How do single parents of the world do it?

Anyways, one of the biggest casualties of this transition has been my time and energy for all things culinary. Ma cherie, if you only knew how many meals of chicken nuggets and baby carrots my son has had in the last 12 weeks....Julia Child would be horrified. When it comes to my own dinner rotation, I could probably sum this up for you in a single post titled "Inventive Pairings: Red Wine and Amy's Frozen DInners."

All of this to say, today I came across this post from Phyllis Grant of dash + bella and felt a little less alone. I can honestly say I relate to about 10 different situations she describes....well, all but the part about how she finishes off the day with a delicious homemade carbonara. I still haven't found out how to end on such a high note...that is, until Amy's comes out with a frozen version of their own.

Organic Pasta and Basil Pesto Tortellini

by Amy's

Ingredients:

1 box of Organic Pasta and Basil Pesto Tortellini

Salt+pepper

Sleeping children

Cooking Instructions:

Set oven to - oh wait, you won't need your oven for this.

Remove cardboard bowl from package and cut three slits in plastic sleeve. Insert into microwave, nuke for 4:46 seconds (times vary, but with practice, you too can achieve the perfect amount of heat without overcooking).

Remove from oven and stir immediately - that's right, ignore package instructions about letting cool for one minute before eating. It's all a ruse. Plus, at this point you're so damn hungry you won't have the patience to wait.

Top with a sprinkling of salt flakes and a few grinds of pepper.

Enjoy. XOX