Meatless Baked Ziti

I love a good pasta dish.  This one is cheesy, simple, and delicious.  I could easily make this meal in a half hour which makes it the perfect dish for a family on-the-go.  It makes a large portion so I simply divide it between too dishes and freeze one for lunch the following weekend.  With just five ingredients, it's super affordable too!

Ingredients:
1 box whole grain penne pasta
1 jar light alfredo sauce
1 jar traditional pasta sauce
1 bag mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (I used the leftover from making Cesear Salad)

In a large pot, bring the pasta to a boil with a little salt.  While the pasta cooks, mix together the alfredo sauce, pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and add directly to the sauce. Pour into a prepared 13x9 inch pan and top with the shredded parmesan cheese (At this point, I split mine between two 9x9 pans to freeze one). Bake covered at 350 for about 20 minutes, remove the foil and finish baking until the cheese is bubbly. Enjoy!

This comes out to 8 points plus per cup! I enjoyed two servings for a splurge.

Eight Months

Our sweet and sassy Haley is eight months today! I can't believe that she has grown so much, so fast. She's definitely a ray of sunshine and she loves her brother so much.  She makes us giggle with her silly faces and exciting laugh.  Haley is certainly easily amused and that makes her so fun to be around.

She is/has...
18 pounds.
five teeth.
wearing mostly 3-6 month clothes.
self feeding.
crawling.
cruising along furniture.

Her favorite thing right now is pulling on Owen's hair while he's getting changed on the floor. He hates it and she just laughs.

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies

Tomorrow we have a play date with The Good's.  It's become a normal Thursday event that not only the kids enjoy, but I do too. Whether or not I'm actually going to make something for lunch I haven't decided on, but a dessert is always necessary.  I had some reduced sugar craisins in the cabinet and decided to make oatmeal cookies!  I prefer to use the reduced sugar ones because they are more tart than the normal ones, which helps cut the sweetness of oatmeal cookies. These cookies are nice and chewy with a little crunch on the edge!  They came out to 3 points plus a piece so I can have one and not feel guilty either.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup light butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 egg
tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole grain quick cooking oats
1 cup white wheat flour
1 cup reduced sugar craisins

With a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars.  Add in the egg, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.  Mix in the flour in 1/2 cup increments until smooth.  Add the oatmeal.  Fold in the craisins. Drop oversized tablespoon sized dough on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes. This recipe should yield 18 cookies.

Poor Charlie

My poor little puppy has a double ear infection.  He is my third "child" to suffer from this awful thing, and I can't help but think that my job as a mother is to take care of these painful things.  He had his check-up at the vet today; He is 22 pounds and now up to date on all his shots! I can't believe how fast he's growing.  We love him and he's the perfect addition to our family.  He's curious, rambunctious, playful and sweet.

I made him a new toy out of one of Adam's old socks.  It has become his favorite and it was free!! You just can't beat that.  It's an old tube sock with an empty water bottle that is tied off at the top.  The sound from the bottle crunching keeps him coming back to it. You could easily fill the sock with treats or food and make them work really hard to get it out.  Doggy entertainment just got a little cheaper!

Cuban Sandwiches

My best friend, Audrey, drove up from Atlanta with me to help with my kids in the car.  We have a sisterly relationship; I've known her for the better half of 16 years and I couldn't imagine not having her around to talk too.

Her family is Cuban so I like to consider these sandwiches authentic!  I grew up eating her mom's sandwiches, listening to salsa music, and having a wonderful time.  When Audrey decided to ride home with me I knew without a doubt that this would have to be our Saturday night meal!  We cooked them up and paired them with some delicious margaritas.  It was nice and quiet after the kids went to bed and we really enjoyed them.

Ingredients:
1 loaf Cuban or French bread
1/2 pound sweet ham
1/4 pound Spanish Pork (this can be hard to track down but should be available by request at the deli)
8 slices smoked provolone (or swiss)
Dill pickle chips
Mayonnaise
Mustard

Slice the sandwich bread in half.  On one side spread the mayonnaise and spread the mustard on the other. On the bottom slice, add the pickles. Top with the Spanish Pork and then the ham.  On the other split the cheese and half and layer across the bread.  Carefully top the sandwich and wrap tight in aluminum foil.  Bake in the oven at 400 for about 15-25 minutes or until the center is hot and the cheese is melted. Remove it from the oven and press down until the sandwich is flat. Enjoy!

Key Lime Cookies

On Wednesday, while we were shopping at Target, my mom and Ruthie said we just had to have these cookies.  We are huge fans of key lime pie but the thought of a cookie didn't exactly appeal to me. Trust me when I say, these are a must (or not if you lack self control)!!  I will say that I don't generally make cookies from a box but these had a nice fresh taste. The frosting was even better than the cookies! I can imagine topping a fresh squeezed lime cake with this tasty frosting. It would be a terrific treat on a summer day.  I made a few tiny ones and a few normal sized ones and I recommend cooking them under just slightly, since they firm up once they are cool.

 

I have to give credit to my mom for this awesome picture of the cookies.

Busy Busy!

The kids and I have been on the move these last two days!  It has definitely helped pass the time!  I don't want them pulling out too much at my mom's house and I love getting in as much time with my best friend as possible. We had a nice dinner at Outback last night and a wonderful shopping trip at Target. I even stopped by my old office, and chatted with a co-worker that watched my entire relationship with Adam develop. But today, we are laying low.  I think Haley is tired of her car seat, and I'm sure that Charlie is tired of his crate.

Beach Party Cupcakes

It is absolutely gorgeous in Atlanta today.  The sun is beaming through the windows and it is beginning to warm up.  My sister and best friend, Audrey, are home today because of the federal holiday, so we decided to bake up some beach party cupcakes.  We used a boxed cake mix and reduced the fat tremendously by using egg whites and applesauce.  I found blue frosting pre-made but you could easily buy a simple vanilla and add your own blue food coloring.

Ingredients:
1 box Funfetti cupcake mix

3 egg whites
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 1/4 cups water
1 jar of frosting (and blue food coloring if you can't find any)
Lifesaver gummies
Mini teddy bear graham crackers
Skittles
Gum

Mix together the boxed cake mix with the egg whites, applesauce and water. Fill cupcake liners 1/2 way full. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Let cool and frost with the blue frosting.

For the toppings, you can use any combination of choice.  We used the lifesaver gummies as floats and the skittles as beach balls. The graham cracker bears were our "people".  The gum was rolled up on one side to represent life rafts.  You could really get creative and your kids would have a blast!

Monkey Joes

The kids and I drove down to Atlanta on Saturday for a little get away from Kentucky, and some much needed sunshine.  It was 60 degrees today and absolutely gorgeous! Adam was able to drive over from school for two days and Owen has never been so happy to see his daddy!

We headed to Monkey Joes today for a little fun, and to burn off some energy. It was definitely needed after the last couple of crazy snow days!

5 Years!

Today is our anniversary.  I'm sure you're all thinking how cheesy are they to get married on Valentine's, but we really have the Army to thank for that. The only four day weekend the year we got married was Valentine's weekend and that Saturday just happened to be the 14th.

Adam and I met on Match.com and got married five months later.  We heard a lot of negativity from everyone.  I heard that I was using him for his money (he was a E-4 with barely any time in service; I can assure you he had no money for me to use him for), or that we wouldn't make it 5 months because we barely knew each other.  I wonder what all those people are thinking now.  It hasn't been easy but what marriage is?  Five years of happiness, excitement, understanding, compassion, resilience, and lots of hard work have gotten us here.  We've survived two combat deployments, two babies, two cross country moves and countless field problems, schools and nights away.  I would say we are better now than we ever were in the beginning.

These five years have been perfect.  If I could go back and do it all again; I would do it exactly the same way.  I'm right where I am supposed to be.  I can't wait to see what the next 5 have in store for us (and a whole lot of 5's after that)!

I Locked My Kid In The Car!

Ok, so that title might be a bit shocking, unfortunately, it is true! Of course, not on purpose, but sometimes things just happen...

Today started off earlier than usual.  The kids were up before 7 and although it was early I was glad because Sully had a vet appointment.  We all got ready and were going to make it out the door on time; for once!  At this point it all started going down hill. I couldn't find my car keys, anywhere!  I was frantically searching every room, every couch, every surface of the car and they were gone.  While I had the car doors open, Owen climbed in and was playing around with his hot wheels.  Finally, I turned a corner in the garage and there they were, my keys, sitting on a box waiting for me.  I started the car, shut my door to warm it up and went to go get Haley. At that moment I knew the car locked.  I was frantic! Owen couldn't understand to roll down the window for me to unlock the door and he was content watching his movie that I had just turned on.  I called Adam in a panic and after some time calming me down he told me to call the police department.  After a half hour of trying to get Owen to understand I finally called and they dispatched the fire department.  Two trucks came rolling down our street and eight men worked to unlock our doors. I was so relieved when they pulled him out and Owen was giving them all high fives.  After that ordeal and missing the appointment I decided we needed a break.  We headed to the mall and played on the playground! Both kids had a great time and I had great conversation with another recruiter's wife.  I'm glad the day ended off much better than it had started!

Pudding Dirt Cups

Owen is in love with Jello brand pudding dirt cups.  They are cute and I can definitely see how they appeal to the two year old eye. However, they are around two dollars for two cups at my local grocery store and I find that to be a little much for a quick snack.  So, I picked up a box of cook and serve pudding and a package of reduced fat Oreos and we decided to make our own.  Thankfully Owen doesn't know the difference and he loved being able to reach in the fridge and grab his own cup.  I spent 80 cents on the pudding and the Oreos were on sale.

Ingredients:
1 box cook and serve chocolate pudding
2 cups milk (we used skim)
5 crushed oreos

Cook the pudding according to package and let firm up. Crush the Oreos in a small baggy. Fill mini Tupperware containers with pudding and top with Oreos. Pop in the fridge! They are ready to go when your kiddo needs a snack!

Coconut Lovers Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing sucks more than going to bake cookies and realizing you have no butter!  In reality all you really need is some kind of fat, whether that be butter, oil or lard.  I always keep coconut oil on hand for different homeopathic needs and know that it bakes at high temperatures pretty well!  I subbed out the butter and used a little less flour and what do you know, I had a coconut lovers chocolate chip cookie.  I loved the way they baked up,  crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.  They did take a little longer to bake but it was probably from the larger sized cookies! You can always adjust the time for smaller ones. They were a huge hit with everybody, even Owen. Although, I'm sure you noticed he is pretty easy to please.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup solid coconut oil, unpacked
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 3/4 cup white wheat flour
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

With a mixer, cream together the coconut oil and sugars.  Add the two eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.  Slowly add the flour (this batter is extremely thick and gets a little difficult to mix).  Fold in the chocolate chips and shredded coconut.  Roll into 2 inch balls and place on a parchment lined sheet pan.  Bake at 350 for 17-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.  Enjoy!

Honey Glazed Carrots

Adam's coworker, Christy, came over dinner last night.  She is also new to the recruiting station, like we are.  We had a wonderful time, full of great conversation!  I made a slow roasted chicken for dinner and realized at the last minute that I needed a side dish.  I had this bunch of whole carrots sitting in the fridge, begging to be eaten and I was sure that they would probably go to waste. What better way to cook a carrot than with a sweet glaze?  These carrots were fantastic! I will make them this way from here on out and not feel one bit guilty!!

Ingredients:
1 pound whole carrots, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp butter (I used light), melted
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp black pepper
salt for boiling

Take the whole carrots and peel them with a potato peeler.  Chop them at an angle about an inch thick.

In a small pot, bring the carrots and salt to a boil.  Once rapidly boiling turn them down to a high simmer and cover with a lid.  Cook for about 15 minutes.  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a bowl, add the brown sugar and honey and mix until dissolved.  Add the black pepper.  Once the carrots are cooked and drained, add the glaze to the pot and bring the heat back up, continue to stir while the sugars caramelize.  Cover with a lid over a low heat until you are ready to serve.  Enjoy!

Jackie's White Chicken Chili

My best friend, Audrey, and I have been friends for nearly 17 years.  I know what you're thinking, wow that must be an incredible relationship.  Truth is, it's the best! We are so close and really share everything with each other.  Her older sister, Jackie, shared this recipe with me. When I first saw the ingredients I was a little surprised.  A whole block of cheese? In a chili?  But please let me assure you that this is absolutely amazing!  The smell permeated our home.  It was so hearty, spicy and delicious that I had to go back for seconds.  I served this for a playdate lunch and I'm glad that I did because it just felt inviting.  

Ingredients:

5 cups cooked diced chicken breast

8 oz block of pepperjack cheese 

16 oz jar salsa

2 tsp cumin

32 oz chicken stock

3 15 oz cans of great northern beans

In a large pot, combine the chicken, salsa, cumin, and chicken stock.  Chop the pepperjack into tiny bite size pieces so it's easy to melt once heated, add to the pot.  Rinse and drain the great northern beans and add them in.  Bring the chili to a rapid boil and then turn down to a simmer.  Let simmer for 2 to 3 hours while the excess liquid boils off and the chili thickens.  (You could also use a crock pot and cook for 3 hours on high and 2 hours on low, stirring often)

We topped ours with sour cream and green onions and I served chips and guacamole on the side. A one and half cup serving is only 8 points plus. Enjoy!

I think it's safe to say that it was enjoyed by everyone!

Wonton Apple Pies

Adam and I love to bake apple pies together, and by together, I mean he takes care of the apples.  I'm a little bummed that he is gone training right now and I really wanted a giant slice of comforting apple pie.  Since I follow Weight Watchers, I wasn't going to waste points and needed a healthy alternative to an apple pie sitting on my counter tempting me.  This recipe is a modified version of one directly from Weight Watchers.  They were delicious! I already had wonton wrappers left over from another recipe and I couldn't believe how well they worked with this sweet treat.  They cook up incredibly fast and even Owen ate two of them.  I absolutely love when diet food doesn't taste diet at all!

Ingredients:
14 wonton wrappers
1 large granny smith apple, minced
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp light butter
cinnamon sugar for dusting

Start by peeling, coring and mincing the granny smith apple and placing it in a small bowl.  Add the lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon and combine until all the apples are coated.  Fill the wonton wrappers with a tsp of the apple mixture. Moisten the edges of the wrappers with a little water and fold in half; pinching off the edges to seal them.  Melt the butter in the microwave.  Brush each wonton with the melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Serve warm.  Enjoy!

Two of these are only 2 points plus! Now that's an apple pie I can enjoy!

To The Vet We Go!

It's been three weeks since Charlie's last vet trip.  He's now almost 12 weeks and a huge ball of energy!  I was completely shocked when they weighed him! He is already 16 pounds!  They said he is doing great and learning a lot for a little puppy.  We are definitely struggling to get him to walk on a leash, but I left with a training tool and the vet said just to have confidence!

Charlie did not love the vet's office or the car ride, but I am happy knowing that he's growing. I'm succeeding as a human mom and puppy mom!

He even shared a few kisses with his favorite little guy!

One Of Those Days...

Today is just one of those days.  The day when nothing possible can go right.  The day when you fall on the driveway because it's a solid sheet of ice.  It's a solid sheet of ice because you actually took the time to shovel and what melted, re-froze.  The day when your two year old spills a brand new box of cheerios on the carpet, refuses to pick them up and then snatches what his sister is eating and ends up in time out.  The day when the dog pees on the carpet and the cat meows at your feet for nothing.

It's just that day.  It's not a bad day or a good day.  Tonight I will take "me time".  Everyone deserves that occasionally.  Whether you are a mom or not doesn't define who has the harder struggle. We have all been there! That's the beauty of life, that we have all, at one point or another, had that day.

Today was mine.  I will have that glass of wine or an extra scoop of ice cream and celebrate that although things didn't go my way, tomorrow is a new day.

Things could always be worse, I am grateful for these moments, as stressful as they may be.

Toasted Coconut and Pecan Oatmeal Bars

This recipe came from my beautiful friend, Cassie.  I'm sure she asked me to make them out of fear that she may burn her house down. I can assure her that it was easy, and as long as she doesn't step away from the broiler, it's nearly fool proof!  I found these bars to be incredibly moist, but if you are not an oatmeal fan then it's definitely not for you.  These would make a great dish for a brunch date.

For the bars:
1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 large egg
1/4 cup melted butter

For the Topping:
3 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 shredded sweetened coconut
1/2 minced pecans

In a small bowl, add the oatmeal and hot water; sit aside and allow the oats to cook.  Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, add in the oatmeal and combine until smooth.  Pour into a prepared 8x8 pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

While the bars bake, mix together all the topping ingredients.  When the bars are finished, remove from the oven and turn on the broiler.  Pour the topping on and spread until the bars are covered.  Place the bars back under the broiler until the brown sugar begins to bubble and caramelize. Let cool before serving.  Enjoy!

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

I have always been extremely intimidated by the idea of making bread.  I would be lying if I said making this loaf was like making a traditional bread.  Actually, making this cinnamon raisin bread was more like baking a banana bread because it was incredibly easy.  Although I did use yeast; I haven't quite made that leap into actual bread making, although it is coming.

This bread was a huge hit with my two year old.  He stole the piece I was eating right out of my hand and ate the entire, oversized, portion!  I topped mine with a little light butter straight out of the oven and it was delicious. We could smell it baking long before it was ready! I definitely plan on making some more for french toast at breakfast or even a nice housewarming gift!

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups white wheat flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp active yeast
1 cup warm milk (I used skim)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg
1 cup raisins
1-2 tsp water (if needed)

Start by adding the active yeast into the warm milk, sit aside for a few minutes while the yeast begins to bubble.  Meanwhile, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Make a well in the middle and add the melted butter and egg straight into the dry ingredients.

Once the milk mixture beings to bubble pour into the bowl and mix everything together. The dough should become very sticky, add water 1 tsp at a time if your mixture is not wet enough. Fold in the raisins and incorporate, top with a towel and leave it to rise for 1 hour.

Once the dough has risen, pour into a prepared loaf pan and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.  The top should be a nice golden brown.  Enjoy!

 If you're as lucky as me you'll even have a cute baking partner.