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Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

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When you add a puppy to your family things get a little out of whack and you forget to think about things like supper. Eventually however, people need to be feed, no matter how much fun we’re all having playing we need to eat. This balsamic veggie pasta is easy to make, easy to throw together when you have forgotten to make supper.

This is a great budget friendly, meatless meal. Healthy and filling.

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

We have been becoming big on roasted veggies. I buy bags of frozen mixed veggies from Costco, frozen because there is less chances of them getting lost in the fridge and going bad.

But also, frozen veggies have a more likely chance of being used in a meal instead of my kids snacking on them instead. Big vegetable eaters my kids. Which, I love, but sometimes it’s nice to actually have the vegetables for meal time too.

What you need:

  • 3 cups pasta
  • 1 ⁄2 tsp Sriracha hot sauce
  • 1 Tbsp EVOO
  • 1 ⁄4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 ⁄2 tsp ground ginger
  • 4 cups uncooked mixed vegetables

How to make Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta:

Take a cookie sheet and line with parchment paper. Bake in your oven at 425. This is how we all love our veggies at supper time. We’ll actually “fight” over them, that’s how much we love them.

We don’t like mushy vegetables, we like them roasted and delicious. This is how I made them for this pasta dish as well. Simply bake until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

Cook 3 cups of pasta following the directions on your pasta.

While the pasta and veggies are cooking, mix up the sauce. Simply just toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, or measuring cup.

Tasty Chicken, Broccoli and Pasta Skillet - pasta

All very simple, and not time consuming at all. Perfect for those days when you kind of forget to make supper until the last minute.

When the vegetables and pasta are cooked, toss everything together in a bowl (or large pot). We added a little bacon bits to the top of ours for a little extra.

Another you could top this with would be French’s Crispy Fried Onions. We actually have an auto subscribe set up for these.

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups pasta
  • 1 ⁄2 tsp Sriracha hot sauce
  • 1 Tbsp EVOO
  • 1 ⁄4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 ⁄2 tsp ground ginger
  • 4 cups uncooked mixed vegetables

Instructions

  1. Bake vegetables at 425 for 15 minutes or until cooked the way you like.
  2. Boil 3 cups of pasta.
  3. Mix together remaining ingredients together in a small bowl. This is the sauce.
  4. Once pasta is cooked, drain.
  5. Mix together pasta, vegetables and sauce.
  6. Serve while hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
© Ashley Mullen
Category: Main Course

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Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I love to bake, and to save money. We were heading out the other day so I planned on making cookies for my kiddos to snack on. I originally planned on making Thumb Print cookies, because I can’t really screw them up. I had no brown sugar so I moved on to these cookies. Double Chocolate Chip cookies, its been a long time since I made them, and it seems I can make them without burning them, too much anyways.

double chocolate chip cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

What you need:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cup chocolate chips

How to make Double Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Whip together the sugar and eggs for a few minutes before adding in the butter. Your batter will be fluffy.

Add in all but the chocolate chips and mix well. Once all mixed in add in the chocolate chips.

double chocolate chip cookies

I made small little cookies, for my kids before adding chocolate chips, because I wanted them to be the perfect snack size while we were out. You can use a cookie scoop to make them uniform in size and bake evenly.

double chocolate chip cookies

One nice thing about these cookies besides their chocolate-ness, is that they do not spread. The shape and size, and spacing you place them on the cookie sheet is how they will be when you take them out of the oven 11 minutes later.

The fact they are don’t spread makes it easy for kids to scoop them on to the pan because you fon’t have to worry about ending up with one giant cookie.

double chocolate chip cookies

These are a simple cookie to make, and perfect for your kids to either help you make, or to make on their own as they get older and more confident in their skills.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: 15
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven 350.
  2. Cream together eggs, sugar, and butter until fluffy.
  3. Mix in all but the chocolate chips until well mixed.
  4. Add in chocolate chips.
  5. Spoon onto greased cookie sheet. They don't spread.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly browned on bottom. They will continue to crisp once out of the oven.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
© Ashley Mullen
Category: Snacks

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Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

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We eat a lot of oatmeal in this house, a lot. Two of children would eat 3 packets of the instant oatmeal each morning if I let them. While yes oatmeal is great for them, so much better than sugary cereal, the instant kind gets to be expensive, so I try to cut it with some quick oats to make it go a little farther.

Cinnamon Roll Bake Oatmeal

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

I too, eat oatmeal quite often for breakfast, but instead of instant oatmeal, I usually have quick oats with berries and some sliced almonds.

But even that gets old after a while. So I tried making a baked oatmeal. It was a hit, it tasted great and fills you up fast, and has become something I make at least once a month for something different from the normal toast and cereal that we usually stick with.

What you need:

  • 3 cups instant oats
  • 1/2 – 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground all spice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup butter

For the icing:

  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp water

How to make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal:

Cream together the sugar, eggs and butter. Then add in dry ingredients alternating between the milk and oats for easy mixing. It will be quite wet/watery. Don’t worry though, those oats will do their stuff. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper, and spread the batter out evenly.

Bake in oven preheated to 350 for 35-45 minutes, bake it until solid with a little spring in it at a touch, and brown.

Cinnamon Roll Bake Oatmeal

Mix together some icing sugar, a little vanilla, and water to make a icing that you can drizzle over it. Cut into squares and serve. Best while its warm. This is filling, and taste great.

If you want thicker pieces bake in a 9×9 pan, you’ll just have to cook it closer to the 45 minutes. Either way, it is amazing!

Cinnamon Roll Bake Oatmeal

So tell me, how do you like your cinnamon roll? Do you like it a little more healthy like our baked oatmeal here, or are you like me and you want it for dessert like my Cinnamon Roll Bundt cake?

Cinnamon Roll Bake Oatmeal

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make ahead breakfast baked oatmeal.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups instant oats
  • 1/2 - 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground all spice
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup butter

For the icing

  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Cream together the sugar, eggs and butter.
  2. Add in dry ingredients alternating between the milk and oats for easy mixing. It will be quite wet/watery.
  3. Bake in oven preheated to 350 for 35-45 minutes, bake it until solid with a little spring in it at a touch, and brown.
  4. Mix up your icing, watery enough to be able to drizzle over your oatmeal. You may need a little more water, as I don't actually measure the water.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
© Ashley Mullen
Category: Breakfast

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Simply Delicious Chocolate Cookies

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For those times when you just need to have some chocolate and you can’t find it hidden in you house, that’s when you go to this simple chocolate cookie recipe. They hit the spot, every time.

Last week everything came to a head. I had papers everywhere that needed to be dealt with. It was crazy around here. And with it all, I just need some good comfort foods. Its a good thing that it has been cooler through the week because I was running the oven continuously making casseroles and, of course, these chocolate cookies.

Simple Chocolate Cookies

Simply Delicious Chocolate Cookies

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.*

Cream together the butter and egg, add in the sugar. Add in salt, vanilla and cocoa. Then add in flour. No liquids. No baking soda or baking powder.

This dough is really good! I’m not saying you should eat it, because, well, it has egg in it. I’m just letting you know that it taste good…

What you need:

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 egg

How to make Chocolate Cookies

Simple Chocolate Cookies

Scoop onto either a greased cookie sheet, or a silicone mat.

Simple Chocolate Cookies
They will be the size that you place them on the sheet, no rising and very little spreading.

Simple Chocolate Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350. They will be really soft, they’ll look basically no different but for the very slight toasted look. They will be lightly golden on the bottom. They will firm up as they cool down.

Enjoy with a glass of milk, a cup of tea or coffee, or a glass of wine, or just sit down with a big ol’ plate of cookies and get your fill of them.

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Simply Delicious Chocolate Cookies

Yield: 24
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Cream together the butter and egg, add in the sugar.
  2. Add in salt, vanilla and cocoa.
  3. Then add in flour.
  4. Scoop onto either a greased cookie sheet, or a silicone sheet. They will be the size that you place them on the sheet, no rising and very little spreading.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
© Ashley Mullen
Category: Snacks

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Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

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Each of my girls get to choose every aspect of their birthday. Once Gauge gets older he’ll get to do the same. They choose their breakfast (as normal), lunch and supper. What we do that do and so on. Included is, of course, their cake.

Minnie Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

*This post may contain affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.*

Despite Brookland claiming to not like Mickey Mouse anymore, when I asked what type of cake she wanted, she jumped at Minnie / Mickey Mouse.

There are so many great ideas out there! From very complicated and I stand no chance of doing them, to the very simple.

These are so easy to make that I had no trouble making them, kids could easily make them as well.

Take your favorite cupcake recipe, we used chocolate recipe, which you can find below, frost with your favorite icing, a lighter color will work best as the darkness will really pop against it.

What you need:

  • 1 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup milk

How to Make these Chocolate Cupcakes

Pre-heat oven to 350.

Mix eggs and sugar together, for 2 minutes – this makes the batter quite fluffy.

Add in baking soda and baking powder, and butter.

Add in cocoa and vanilla.

Alternate adding in flour and milk. Fill cupcakes 3/4 the way full.

Using a greased pan or muffin liners. Bake for 15-17 minutes.

How to Make Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Minnie Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Using large Oreos, and mini Oreos make Mickey or Minnie Mouses. One large, two minis. Simple.

If you are talented, you could fashion little bows out of fruit roll or Twizzlers Pull ‘n’ Peel Candy up for Minnie.

I would have tried but, A: I forgot to pick up something to make bows with and B: I tend to up be up late making these cakes so small details can be tricky that late.

Minnie Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

My tip for you would be to wait until right before you serve this to add the Oreos. They were quite stale after sitting all night and most of the day as I made them the night before Brookland’s birthday. Lesson learned, not that a stale Oreo stopped anyone from eating them.

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Cupcakes that you can make look like Mickey Mouse's head, a crowd pleaser for younger children.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup cocoa
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup milk
  • mini Oreos
  • regular Oreos
  • 1 can of vanilla frosting

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
  2. Mix eggs and sugar together, for 2 minutes - this makes the batter quite fluffy.
  3. Add in baking soda and baking powder, and butter.
  4. Add in cocoa and vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding in flour and milk.
  6. Fill cupcakes 3/4 the way full. Using a greased pan or muffin liners.
  7. Bake for 15-17 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool off completely before frosting your cupcakes. Then fashion a large Oreo and two small ones into a Mickey Mouse head.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
© Ashley Mullen
Category: Dessert

These were quite cute and might be making another appearance in November for Gauge’s birthday as he is another big Mickey Mouse fan.

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