The joy of spring means knowing summer is just around the corner. Fresh summer squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, all fresh and in the markets to buy. Starting to prepare and plant my summer garden is one joy spring brings to me. The simple pleasures in life means knowing all my fresh vegetables are growing in my backyard. This is the time of year to make some of your favorite fresh vegetable recipes. One favorite I love to make is my Almost Pasta Primavera recipe. I can add any vegetable I want to this recipe and each time it receives a new taste. Mixing and matching various fresh vegetables adds so much to this simple to make recipe. Now that summer is almost here, prepare your taste buds to enjoy this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Angle hair pasta
• 1 Medium summer squash, sliced
• 1 Medium banana squash, sliced
• 1 Cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1 Cup fresh cauliflower
• 1 Cup fresh mushrooms
• 1 Cup fresh carrots, sliced
• 1 Small zucchini, sliced
• 1 Cup fresh tomato, diced
• 1 Can sliced black olives, drained
• 1 Green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 Red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 Cup Fresh green beans, cut into ¼-inch pieces
• ¾ Tablespoon olive oil margarine
• 1 Tablespoon almond milk
• 1/2 Cup vegan ricotta cheese
• ½ Cup cashew Parmesan cheese
• ¼ Teaspoon salt
• ½ Teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ Teaspoon ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cook angel hair pasta according to direction on package
2. Drain, rinse, and set aside
3. In a vegetable steamer, add sliced summer squash, banana squash, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, green bell pepper, and red bell peppers
4. Steam vegetable for 5 minutes until crisp and tender, drain
5. In saucepan sauté garlic and mushroom in olive oil margarine
6. Remove from heat
7. Add almond milk, vegan ricotta cheese, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper and salt
8. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture is hot. Do not boil
9. In large serving bowl, toss angel hair pasta with steamed vegetables
10. Pour the sauce over top and gently toss
11. Top with cashew Parmesan cheese and black olive slices

Serve with dinner salad of fresh lettuce, artichoke hearts, and tomatoes. Make your favorite Italian Salad dressing to top off our salad. Add a loaf of French garlic bread and enjoy this wonderful meal.