Just so we’re clear – there is a reason I have a muffin top.  And it isn’t because of the flax-laden treats I serve my children.  It’s because of recipes like this one.  My friend Jenny sent this me this recipe from one of our favorite recipe sites, Tasty Kitchen.  The subject line said “yummy pasta” and she’s right!

The kiddos were sick when I made this and Mike and I had it for dinner after they were in bed.  It’s pretty spicy, so I’m not sure if it would be a big hit for them, but I really enjoyed it.  Mike thought it was too spicy, and we’ll probably use mild Rotel in the future to calm it down a bit.

The bread is homemade Pain d’Epi, from the cookbook Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, which is amazing!

Creamy Sausage and Tomato Bowtie Pasta

• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• 3 cloves of garlic (diced)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 pound ground seasoned pork sausage
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 can diced tomatoes and chiles (Rotel)
• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and set aside.

Heat EVOO in large skillet over medium heat. Add in garlic, onion, red pepper flakes and mix for 1 minute. Add in ground sausage and cook for until meat is no longer pink.  Add cornstarch to skillet and mix with meat. Add heavy whipping cream and Rotel to the meat mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat, stir in cooked pasta, and let stand for 10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan.

Each Monday, I’ll showcase a family and kid-friendly recipe to share with your family.  Please let me know if you try one of my recipes! Enjoy!

The trio has been sick all weekend.  🙁  However, I made this Chocolate Pudding a few weeks ago and the girls loved it!  I was inspired by Roni over at GreenLiteBites.  Bo was at school when I made it and the girls ate it so fast (I knelt on the floor and fed it to them – patience is not a virtue) that he didn’t try this recipe.  Also, due to the hurried nature of their eating, there are no photos of of the girls trying this one, but it was definitely a hit!

I tried it, and I couldn’t taste the avocado.  It just adds the creaminess.  This definitely isn’t low-calorie, but it is full of good fats and perfect for my quest to fatten up Anna.

Chocolate Pudding (made with Avocado!)

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 4 tsp agave nectar (can use sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 Tbsp milk

Dice avocado and place all ingredients into a small food processor.  Blend until smooth and creamy.  Dish into serving bowls and garnish with whipped cream, if desired.  Makes 1 large or 2 small servings.  Double if feeding twin girls. 😉

Each Monday, I’ll showcase a family and kid-friendly recipe to share with your family.  Please let me know if you try one of my recipes! Enjoy!

On Thursday evening, I threw together a batch of baked oatmeal to use up some pears that were nearing the end of their lifespan.  My original recipe calls for quite a bit of fat (great for Anna, bad for Mama) so I decided to lighten up this recipe a bit.  Clara, Anna, and I enjoyed the results.  Bo was in a mood and wouldn’t try it.  He gave his to Anna and had yogurt with granola for breakfast on Friday morning instead.

Cinnamon Pear Baked Oatmeal

• 1/2 cup applesauce (replaces oil)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp flax seed mixed with water to make a paste (replaces eggs)
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp wheat germ
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup milk
• 2 small pears, diced

Mix applesauce, sugar, and flax mixture until smooth.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Fold in diced pear. Pour into greased 8 x 8 pan and bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Also great with diced apple!