This year’s Fourth of July was really low-key. The past few years, Chris and I have spent the holiday at the Jersey Shore (aka the Italian American Riviera), and while I have celebrated with friends before, a lot of people end up leaving the city for the long weekend.

Because Chris has work today, we came home yesterday afternoon. After unpacking, he assembled a warm pasta salad, which was a very creative way to use up what little was left in the fridge.

Here’s what’s in it (that I can remember):

• Whole wheat fusilli
• Baby spinach
• Seitan
• Roasted cauliflower
• Jarred eggplant caponata
• Olives
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil from my mom’s garden
• Parm

It may sound ridiculous, but it was delicious. After a few days away, it can be hard to make something edible, but sometimes it all comes together nicely.

After dinner, we went to go watch the fireworks. When we first got to our spot, there weren’t many people, but it slowly began to fill up. I love listening to people talking  during fireworks displays—we have some great accents here in NYC.  I get a kick out of all the different names people come up with for the different types—the “pop-sizzle,” “the weeping willow,” etc… I wonder if there’s some kind of “what does your favorite firework say about you” quiz.

Hope your long weekend was a good one. I’m glad I had a few days off—I feel ready to face the week. Luckily, my schedule is a little lighter, so I’m planning to work on a few writing projects I’m excited about. Oh yeah, and clean the apartment…

What was your favorite part of the holiday? What are you looking forward to this week?