"My favorite Allie-original"

Tone and Iva, as two of my few blog followers, I know you'll be reading this... the meal I was preparing while you Skyped with Zak turned out so wonderfully delicious!

I had been craving a meal like this one for nearly a month now. Finally got around to making it. I stopped quickly at Trader Joe's after work to pick up that which inspired me. I came home and quickly threw together what I had been envisioning for the last hour of my work day, and we ate. And what a feast it was! I was hoping to take really awesome ones not only of the final product, but of the process, but I got out of work later than expected and was focused solely on getting a meal on the table before 9:00pm. I sat down with my bowl of goodness, having resigned to the decision that I would not be taking photos. But just a couple of bites in, I thought (actually... I said... aloud) "this is too pretty not to take pictures of!" It was a rushed photography job, but these will do...

(Yes, that's a baguette with brie, a candle burning bright, and a delicious glass of white wine.)

I warned Zak while he was at work that I was going to try something a little new for dinner tonight. I told him I thought he'd like it but I wouldn't be offended if he took one bite and opted for the McDonald's down the road. Turns out.. he LOVED it! In fact he said it was his favorite Allie-original. Here's the proof: His bowl when mine was still completely full.

And his face after a few bites.

I regret to inform that I have no name for this dish. I further regret that I took no measurements while making it. So I cannot relay it to you exactly. But this is the gist:

1. Cube/ roughly chop one zucchini, one butternut squash, one red bell pepper, and half an onion.

2. Place veggies into a large Ziploc bag with chopped garlic.

3. Add to bag a few tablespoons of olive oil, some cayenne pepper, cumin, and cinnamon to taste.

4. Add a generous dose of S&P.

5. Shake vigorously. With vigor.

6. Spread onto a baking sheet and roast at 475 degrees for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

7. While veggies roast, prepare Israeli couscous (aka pearl couscous) according to instructions on box. (I opted for chicken stock as opposed to water.)

8. Mix those bitches together, add some chopped basil, and ENJOY!

9. Don't forget to enjoy.

Super easy. Super delicious. Super recommended.

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And now it's time to play another romping game of guess that celebrity! 

I do think more people will recognize this beautiful lady. 

I met this one at Rocco's about a week or so ago. 

Oddly enough, when she came in, I did not recognize her because of her most recent project, the much-loved 30 Rock; I hesitantly admit I've never seen a full episode. Instead I knew her as Elaine, the nosey, attention seeking, but still somehow lovable assistant to the one and only Ally McBeal. Odder still, I only knew this because for the last month I've been on an Ally McBeal binge. I had not seen one episode, and now I'm on season 4.

Yes, the aforepictured (it's a word if I want it to be) lady of the hour is Jane  Krakowski! My heart skipped a beat when she waltzed in. 

I hope you were all able to see big, loud, better-than-I-remember-last-year's-show-being fireworks last night! Happy 4th.