Like many, my weekend consisted of chores, and cooking, and for me, it included the dog park too. But I also had a breakthrough moment this weekend, and I thought it was worthy of sharing.

I struggle with healthy eating; I know a lot of us do. I am a self-acknowledged chocoholic and there are many comfort foods that are triggers for me. I was single for many years before I married Steve, and I came home to food every night rather than people. It is hard to relinquish those feelings of familiarity that food provided in the past. It is a daily battle. Anyway, this weekend, I was happy with my success. I was craving a healthy pasta salad, but I didn’t have all the traditional ingredients. What I ended up with was spectacular (if I say so myself).

As I wondered what to put in the pasta, I remembered that Sophia, our twelve-year-old, likes Brussels sprouts. Thankfully I had those in the refrigerator. I also had some vermicelli pasta, capers, black olives, and Italian dressing. I tossed the shredded Brussels sprouts in olive oil and salt and pepper, then roasted them in the oven while the pasta cooked. Then, in the interest of time, I mixed all the ingredients in a lite Italian dressing. I was pleased with the results. A homemade olive oil vinaigrette and a little feta cheese would have raised the bar quite a bit, but the results were met with pleasant appreciation from my family. Sophia, who is normally a picky eater, routinely ranks my cooking and she ranked the concoction a 7 out of 10 which I count as a success.

My point is that vegetables are wonderful, and they fit where you think they may not. If you are like me and love comfort food, you may find that veggies could be welcome new friends. Give them a try.