Spaghetti is Messy!

So I made spaghetti the other night and the boys loved it, but I didn’t exactly love the mess! They are both busy trying to master the use of their forks. Sometimes they do really well and other times the fork winds up on the floor and their hands are what works best. I had spaghetti noodles everywhere and although it was fun eating for them, mommy wasn’t having fun cleaning it up. So I think next time I will try a heartier noodle…like macaroni or rigatoni or something. The noodles taste the same but I think it will be easier for them to get their fork into.

Favorite Crock Pot Recipe!

I absolutely love my crock pot!  Since I am busy most days caring for my two lil guys, my meal preparation time is almost always limited.   So I started making use of my crock pot and have done some experimenting over time.  One of my favorite recipes, I call “Pork Chops in a Pot” seems to be a going favorite around here, so I thought I would share the recipe!  Also, if you have a favorite crock pot recipe, I invite you to share!  I am always looking for something new to try.

6 Boneless pork cutlets or chops (I trim off the fat)

One large Vidalia Onion (sliced in 1/2 inch rings)

2 TBS of the quick cooking “Minute” brand tapioca

4 TBS of apple juice

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 can of garlic and herb cream of mushroom soup

1 TBS of beef boullion granules

1/2 cup of water

2 TBS of worstershire sauce

1 8 oz can of mushrooms

I usually salt and pepper the chops and brown them in a lil bit of olive oil before tossing them in the crockpot..you don’t have to do the browning but I think it makes for more tender chops.  I place the onion rings on the bottom of the crock pot and place the pork chops on top.  I mix all the other ingredients in a large bowl and then poor them over the chops.  I usually set the crock pot on high and let it go for about 7-8 hours. I will make a mashed potato or some egg noodles and serve over top and WAHLAH…there ya have it!  Of course I have a vegetable and/or salad and rolls or something too!

A new recipe to try

My husband loves the German Spaghetti that I make, so I thought I would share it with you all. This dish is basically a layered spaghetti dish, that is great for a summer meal, but we make it a lot in our house. I typically use 1 lb of spaghetti and double the meat sauce.

German Spaghetti

1 Tbs oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
1/4 lb of ham (chopped in cubes)
1 lb of ground beef
1-3 beef boullion cubes (dissolved in 1/2 cup of water)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 small can of mushrooms
1/2 tsp of italian seasoning
1 Tbs worstershire sauce
1 lb of spaghetti cooked
1/2 lb of grated swiss cheese

-Brown onion and garlic in oil for 10 minutes. Brown ground beef and drain off fat, add ham.
-Add all other ingredients, except cheese and spaghetti, and simmer for 30-45min.
-Layer several times in the following order: Spaghetti, meat mixture, and cheese till all ingredients are used, cover the dish and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes.

I usually serve it with a fresh garden salad, some garlic bread, and make a fresh fruit salad. ENJOY!

Naked Nuggets

I am always looking for good ideas for meals for the boys. It is always difficult when you are trying to come up with 3 meals every day for 7 days! One afternoon while we were at Costco we ran across these Naked Nuggets. They aren’t breaded which makes them healthier than most and they are easy to prepare. The boys love them and I usually serve a vegetable and fruit. I love easy, yet healthy meals!

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