The Truth Behind Our Christmas Card

I LOVE Christmas cards.  The month of December is my absolute favorite time of year to check the mail.  In this world of social media and digital everything, there is something so special and exciting about getting pictures and cards from friends and family that make the effort to place a real stamp on something.  We love to hang them in our house and pray thankful prayers for the sweet families that we are so blessed to have in our lives. I also love taking our Christmas card pictures.  Why wouldn't I?  We have the perfect family, and the perfect kids who happily smile for the camera and make the experience so enjoyable.  (Anyone that actually knows my family is already laughing at the last sentence.)

Let me give you a little background of our "perfect" Christmas card picture this year.  It looks something like this: The week before the picture, I am trying to plan out our outfits....because, clearly, if we are going to sit happily in a field at sunset, like we do most evenings in the fall, we need to all be color coordinated.  This is usually somewhat challenging, because solids are the way to go, and solids apparently aren't "in" for babies.  Since shopping with a two year old and a baby is such a relaxing experience, I usually choose the "buy everything remotely cute and take back what doesn't work method."  Phil loves this method and is super thrilled to not only pay for formal pictures, but also pay for new outfits for the entire family (well for everyone but him...it always seems to work that way. ;))

The day of pictures this year, I dropped Cole at school and headed to get an eyebrow wax...because clearly I needed freshly waxed eyebrows to go with my new outfit.  As I was laying back relaxing in the chair and the skin was being ripped from my face, my cell phone rang.  It was Cole's school (which is NEVER a good phone call to get.)  The sweet preschool director on the phone said, "Cole is okay, but he's been crying all day and saying his ear hurts.  We think you need to come get him."  Oh no...not on picture day!  (Selfish mom confession, this may have been my first thought.) I called the doctor and made an appointment as I headed to Cole's school.  The doctor confirmed that, sure enough, he had his first ear infection since he got his tubes back in January.

Since it was a beautiful day and rescheduling with Phil's schedule is nearly impossible, we decided to take the pictures anyways.  Just getting Cole dressed for the occasion was a battle in itself. Now I was running twenty minutes late (and I am someone who HATES to be late.)  I arrived flustered and already sweating.  Thankfully with some medicine and tylenol, Cole was back to himself, but like any impossible two-year-old, he was being SO disagreeable.  The first time Cole ran away screaming, Phil threw his hands in the air, and said "I give up, this is pointless at his age."  You give up?!  What do you mean you give up?  We JUST got here.  This is no time to give up!  We will look like one big happy family if it kills us.  Isn't that what Christmas is all about?!

So there we were...Cole with an ear infection, Phil sweating and in a bad mood, me irritated at Phil for being impatient (oh and sweet Annie just sitting there smiling...thank the Lord for sweet Annie.)  Cole was running away towards the playground he could see in the distance, and Phil was having to chase him, tackle him, tickle him and throw him in the air to get him to smile for the pictures. At one point Cole tackled Annie and was basically wresting her in the dirt. I have to give a shout-out to my friend and amazingly talented and patient photographer Jamie, because she is clearly a MIRACLE worker for getting this beautiful picture and so many other good ones that day.

The gorgeous pictures don't necessarily tell the entire story of what our family looked like that day (although I am pretty sure Jamie has some hilarious outtakes).  So why "fake" it?  The truth is, the picture with Cole's HUGE smile perfectly describes Cole at his best.  That is the two year old that I adore and that is constantly making us laugh.  The smiles on mine and Phil's face may not reflect our attitudes towards each other that day, but they do reflect the love we have for each other and our little family.  Annie's calm nature came through in her sweet little grin.

A few weeks later we attempted a grandparents photo shoot, and Phil and my brother weren't able to be there (since the first attempt at pictures was cancelled because half the family had the stomach bug.)  We had a very similar experience to our family pictures.  The toddlers were running in different directions, the babies were crying and kicking off their shoes, and my dad was complaining that his knee hurt.  Bless Jamie's heart, because she had to WORK to get some pictures that day.  We laughed so hard we cried, and somehow we ended up with sweet pictures like this one...pictures that show Nanna and Mac at their best, loving on their sweet grandbabies that adore them.

So no, we don't take these pictures so our family looks perfect.  Clearly, we are far from it.  The pictures don't tell the entire story. There are so many moments in between the big smiles that might not look so picture-perfect. The pictures represent us at our best, which is exactly how Jesus sees us.  In a world that can be dark and negative, Jesus is the light that shines in all of us and the reason for all of the good we see.  Christmas is a time to celebrate his birth and to worship the one that sees the best in everyone.

So when I look back at our Christmas card this year, I will smile.  It is the perfect representation of our family at our best.  Please keep sending us pictures of your smiling faces, too.  They brighten our house and remind us just how much our Father loves us, by putting such special people in our lives.

REJOICE!  Merry Christmas, Love, The Adra Family.

P.S.

I also attempted to surprise Phil with a picture of me and the kids, and well, this was the best we got.  You can't win 'em all!

Meal Planning- The EASIEST and most delicious baked chicken ever (courtesy of my SIL!)

I am going to include the baked chicken recipe and also the recipes for the two EASY sides I always make with this meal: sautéed spinach and yummy rice (wish I could come up with a better name, but it is yummy!)

I can't take credit for this delicious and easy baked chicken recipe.  My sister-in-law, Stephanie, made it up, and it is one of our favorites. (I got her permission to share it on my blog!)  It was included in a cookbook my Aunt Lauren made for me as an engagement gift, that is compiled of recipes from friends and family (side note: this priceless cookbook is one of my favorite gifts EVER!  I love looking through it and making recipes from all my favorite people!)  So here is this simple recipe that you will LOVE:

From the Store:

2 chicken breasts with ribs and skin (I LOVE the Publix Greenwise split breasts w/ribs)

olive oil

kosher salt

pepper

That is ALL...and you probably have 3 of the 4 ingredients in your kitchen already.

1. Pre-heat oven to 375. Wash the chicken breasts and place in a medium sized casserole dish.

2. Pour olive oil on top of chicken breasts (I always hate when recipes don't give amounts, but you really can't mess it up.) 

3. Add kosher salt and pepper.

4. Place chicken breasts (uncovered) in oven and bake at 375 for an hour. (Cooking time can vary....these are usually large chicken breasts so can sometimes take longer.  I take them out at an hour and cut open, and if they aren't done, I add 5-10 minutes.)

5. ENJOY!  This is seriously my favorite way to make chicken.  

Sauteed Spinach

My mother-in-law made spinach this way one time when she was visiting, and I have made it weekly since.  It is SO easy and a great way to get your greens.

From the Store:

1 bag of spinach

grape tomatoes

salt

pepper

1. Heat a large pan on medium to high heat.

2. Wash the grape tomatoes and slice them in half (I use the brand with Elmo on the sticker, because Cole always spots them...Once he even opened them and poured them out in the store, because he thought they were "Elmo Balls."  That was fun!)

I only use about half of the tomatoes, but this is a personal preference.  

3. Pour olive oil into bottom of the pan and add the tomatoes. 

4. Next, pour the bag of spinach into the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the top and add salt and pepper.

5. Stir the spinach and add a little more salt and pepper.  (The whole process should only take about 5 minutes.)

6. ENJOY!

Yummy Rice:

I got this rice recipe from my best friend, Katie.  She used to make it all the time when I lived with her.  I am waiting to find out where she got it so I can give credit.  I think there are a lot of versions of this recipe out there, so here is how I make it.

From the Store:

2 cans beef consomme

1 onion

1 cup of original condensed rice

sliced mushrooms (optional- I almost always make it with mushrooms, but yesterday they didn't look good at the store, so this time I didn't include them)

butter/soy sauce (to sauté the mushrooms)

1. Chop the onion. (Or you can use a can of french onion soup!  If you do that, only use 1.5 cans of the beef consomme.)

2. Add the rice, onion, and beef consomme to a large pan.

3. Bring to a boil, uncovered.

4. OPTIONAL- saute mushrooms in butter/a small amount of soy sauce while you're bringing the rice to a boil.  Add to mixture.

5.  Cover rice and leave on low heat. It takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on how hot your burner is.  I think it tastes better if you cook it longer on lower heat.

6. Stir occasionally. 

7. Enjoy!  You will know it is done when the liquid is soaked up.  Make sure not to leave it too long, because the rice will burn and stick to the bottom of the pan.

This is what the meal looks like all together.  I also like to dip my rice and chicken in ranch (because I like to dip everything in ranch!)  Cooking timing tip: I typically start the rice right after I put the chicken in the oven.  Once the rice is ready, I put it in a dish with the lid and make the spinach.  Usually by the time the spinach is done, the chicken is ready!  ENJOY!!!

Recipe Card: Baked Chicken.

1. Pre-heat oven to 375. Wash the chicken breasts and place in a medium sized casserole dish.

2. Pour olive oil on top of chicken breasts (I always hate when recipes don't give amounts, but you really can't mess it up.) 

3. Add kosher salt and pepper.

4. Place chicken breasts (uncovered) in oven and bake at 375 for an hour. (Cooking time can vary....these are usually large chicken breasts so can sometimes take longer.  I take them out at an hour and cut open, and if they aren't done, I add 5-10 minutes.)

5. ENJOY!  This is seriously my favorite way to make chicken.

Recipe Card- Sauteed Spinach.

1. Heat a large pan on medium to high heat.

2. Wash the grape tomatoes and slice them in half.
3. Pour olive oil into bottom of the pan and add the tomatoes.
4. Next, pour the bag of spinach into the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the top and add salt and pepper.
5. Stir the spinach and add a little more salt and pepper.  (The whole process should only take about 5 minutes.)
6. ENJOY

Recipe Card: Yummy Rice
1. Chop the onion.
2. Add the rice, onion, and beef consomme to a large pan.

3. Bring to a boil, uncovered.

4. OPTIONAL- saute mushrooms in butter/a small amount of soy sauce while you're bringing the rice to a boil.  Add to mixture.

5.  Cover rice and leave on low heat. It takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on how hot your burner is.  I think it tastes better if you cook it longer on lower heat.
6. Stir occasionally.
7. Enjoy!  You will know it is done when the liquid is soaked up.  Make sure not to leave it too long, because the rice will burn and stick to the bottom of the pan.

Thankful Thinking

Tis the season to be THANKFUL, and it has gotten me thinking about the way I think as a mom.  I thank Jesus all the time for these two sweet little souls I get to call my babies, but how often do I give thanks in my daily life? How often am I grateful for the day-to-day small tasks that make up my days as a mom?  While there are big “mom moments” from time to time, most of my days are made up of not-so-glamorous things like changing diapers, wiping hands and picking up toys.  Even small tasks that used to be simple before I had kids can be quite challenging, so sometimes giving thanks doesn’t come naturally. 

Take going to the grocery store, for example.  Before I had kids, I would put on my shoes, grab my purse, and maybe even stop for a latte on the way.  I pulled into my parking spot, got out of the car, did my shopping and paid at the register.   Now, it looks something like this:  “Cole, let’s get dressed and change your diaper, because we are going to the grocery store to get your chocolate cookie nice.” (yes Cole thinks that is the sole reason we go to Publix is for his free cookie, and yes he calls it a chocolate cookie “nice.")  Cole’s typical response, “No grocery, no cookie (now I just know he is being difficult,) wear my jammies, no shoes.”  Perfect.  The next few minutes are spent negotiating/threatening/bribing/whatever it takes to get him to lay down for a diaper and wardrobe change and get him out the door.  Sometimes I pack a snack, since he clearly needs something to eat on his way to get his chocolate cookie nice.  We say goodbye to our friends on the Disney Channel (thank you Jesus for Mickey Mouse ClubHouse,) and I strap him into his car seat.  While I am loading Annie into the car, Cole usually has some sort of complaint or issue that needs immediate attention.  I usually hand Annie a bottle while I tend to his emergency, since the sweet child feeds herself these days.

On the way to the store, Cole yells from the back seat, “Cole no like THAT song” about pretty much every song.  When we arrive, I get him out and tell him he has to hold on to Mommy’s leg while I unload Annie.  I then tell him he needs to hold my hand as we walk across the parking lot, which is usually very upsetting to him, since he would prefer to run in front of oncoming traffic.  As we walk into Publix, he has a long debate about which car he would like to drive.  I juggle Annie in one arm and ask him to hold onto my leg and not to touch ANYTHING until I can give the car a “carwash” (AKA wipe it down with fifty tiny wipes.) While I am wiping the car, Annie is leaning down and licking the steering wheel, which gives me heart palpitations thinking about those germs.  I finally get the kids into the car.  Cole makes it clear that Annie is not allowed to drive, and sits on her, which makes her cry.  This is all before we step foot inside the actual store.  I mean, Lord help me, I am already sweating.

Between boring mundane things like picking up toys off the floor, and tasks that are meant to be simple becoming major events, like going to the grocery store, it is SO easy as a mom to have a bad attitude.  It is easy to complain, and it is easy to think about the days before leaving the house was an Olympic event.  I saw something on social media recently, though, that really changed the way I have been thinking.  Many of you probably saw it.  It was a list of things that people may complain about, and beside it a reason to be thankful.  For example, “Dishes to do: means food to eat.”  What a wonderful way to transform your thinking; so simple, yet so powerful. It is amazing what an attitude of gratitude does for your soul, and how it changes the simple tasks into things to be thankful for.  Piles of laundry to fold means I get to be a mom and wife to this amazing family that has clothes to wear….and a lot of clothes at that!  Thank you Jesus for these clothes to fold. Thank you for these diapers to change, because it means I get to care for my sweet babies, and thank you for this house to clean, because it means I have a house (and it's a house that I love). 

While going to the grocery store may not be the easiest task, it is time spent with my PRECIOUS babies that will only be this little for so long, and I am SO thankful for that.  As we walk into the store and straight to the bakery, I watch Cole ask for his “chocolate cookie nice” with a smile on his face in the sweetest little voice.  He politely says please and thank you to the lady at the counter, and he is sure to “no share” that cookie with his sister…and my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you Jesus for these moments at the grocery store.

Meal Planning Monday- Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup (and it's actually Monday, y'all!)

Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

I thought this YUMMY crock pot chicken enchilada soup would be perfect to share on this rainy Monday!  A few years ago, I went to a wedding couples shower, and each of the hosts brought a different crock pot soup for the guests to enjoy.  I have way more of a tooth for salty than sweet, so I loved this idea.  My friend who hosted brought this delish soup, and I am going to update the blog once I figure out where she got it.  I made a few changes, and we enjoy this meal ALL. THE. TIME.  That's because it is so easy to make, of course. This mama likes anything I can quickly throw in the crock pot in the morning (and it smells SO good cooking all day.)  I love it served with tortilla chips, sour cream and pepper jack cheese.  It is perfect for colder weather. ENJOY! 

From the Store:

2 cans petite diced tomatoes with sweet onion

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts

10 oz frozen corn

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can medium enchilada sauce

1 onion

1 red pepper

1.5 cups skim milk

sour cream (for topping)

pepper jack cheese (for topping)

tortilla chips (for topping)

1. Chop the pepper and onion (I use a small-medium sized onion.)

2. Drain and rinse the beans.

3. Combine the onion, red pepper, beans, 2 cans petite diced tomatoes and corn in the bottom of the crock pot.

4. Place two chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Make sure they are small chicken breasts (if you use large ones trim them down.)

5. In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken and enchilada sauce.

6. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk.

The mixture should look like this:

7. Pour mixture over top of chicken breasts.

8. Cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.

9. Take out chicken breasts and shred.

10. Add the chicken back in to the soup.

11. Cook on low for another hour (or longer)

12. ENJOY!  I love to top the soup with sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded pepper jack cheese.  It would also be yummy with avocado slices on top (I just have a hard time picking out good avocados!).  Oh and wine...everything is better with wine! ;)

I made this yesterday for a friend, so I don't have a picture of the finished product ready to eat.  I will update if she shares any pictures of her kids enjoying it!  When re-heating, be sure to put it on the stove or back in the crock pot.  It needs to be served HOT.  Also, if needed, add a little skim milk or water when reheating.

Recipe Card:

1. Chop the pepper and onion (I use a small-medium sized onion.)

2. Drain and rinse the beans.

3. Combine the onion, red pepper, beans, 2 cans petite diced tomatoes and corn in the bottom of the crock pot.

4. Place two chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Make sure they are small chicken breasts (if you use large ones trim them down.)  

5. In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken and enchilada sauce. 

6. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk. 

7. Pour mixture over top of chicken breasts.

8. Cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally. 

9. Take out chicken breasts and shred.

10. Add the chicken back in to the soup.

11. Cook on low for another hour (or longer)

12. ENJOY!  I love to top the soup with sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded pepper jack cheese.  It would also be yummy with avocado slices on top (I just have a hard time picking out good avocados!).  Oh and wine...everything is better with wine! ;)

That debate, y'all!

I have been debating ever since I started my blog about whether I want to write about anything political.  It is easy to share recipes or stories about my days as a mom, but not quite as easy to write about something a little more controversial.  Let’s be honest though, it is not a secret that I am conservative in most of my beliefs or that I strongly disagree with our current president. I think the biggest problem with our society is that anyone who has an opinion different than the politically progressive liberals is afraid to speak up for fear of being labeled as a hateful, homophobic, racist.  

The thing is, that while I do believe, for example, that in the eyes of God and the church that marriage is between a man and a woman, I actually do not think that is an important issue for this election.  The decision has been made in the courts and as a Christian it is only my job to love others as He loved us.  My fear is, though, that the media is going to focus on certain “gotcha” social issues like that one and totally ignore other important things like national defense and the economy... and this entitlement society we live in is scary and dangerous, folks.  

I LOVE watching the Republican debates.  I think this is hands down the most important election we have ever had in our country.  I do not like the path that America is going down, and I truly believe if a conservative candidate cannot beat Hillary Clinton (or Bernie Sanders…seriously?) that America will never be the same.  As I have watched the debates and followed the candidates, I have gone back and forth over who I am going to vote for.  I actually haven’t decided yet, so I am going to give my thoughts on where they each stand after the debate last night. I would love some (nice, respectful) feedback on what you all think, too!

First off, those moderators.  They were absolutely terrible.  I could not believe how disrespectful their questions were, but that is the mainstream media for you. They managed to put down each and every candidate and were just flat out RUDE.  I was pretty impressed with how most candidates handled it, and I LOVED when Cruz and others called them out.  That was awesome.

As for the candidates:

Donald Trump: Right out of the gates my husband supported Trump and I said NO WAY.  I was seriously concerned he would be the nominee or, even worse, run as a third party candidate.  The funny thing is, as time has gone on Phil has decided Trump is probably not his vote, and Trump has actually grown on me (just a little!) He is still NOT my vote, but he sure does keep things interesting right?!  I LOVE how he does not care about political correctness and how he calls out the mainstream media.  I don’t think he had a great performance last night, but I thought it was hilarious when he called out Kasich when he tried to attack him. I also think he has softened up some since the beginning and comes off as a little more likable.

Ben Carson: In the beginning, he had my vote.  I think he is an amazingly smart man that truly looks to God for guidance, which is just what this country needs.  He spoke at a work event for Phil, and he has an amazing story.  I am going to be honest though, I have not been overly impressed with him the last two debates, especially last night.  I don’t know what it is, but I just don’t see him as president. If he ends up getting the nomination, I would back him 100 percent, but I am not feeling as enthusiastic as I was before.

Jeb Bush: Ugh.  I am so unimpressed.  For anyone that knows me well, you know I LOVE me some George W. Bush.  I think George W is a great man and did the best he could for our country and truly loves America.  I love the entire family, really…except Jeb.  He is just SO unlikeable and so boring.  I cannot get behind him.

Marco Rubio: Right now, I am strongly considering voting for Rubio.  I think his debate performances have been excellent.  He is very convicted and the more I see, the more I like. I don't know a lot about him, though, so I definitely need to do my research. 

Carly Fiorina: I am SO impressed by Fiorina.  I think she is an excellent debater.  She comes off as extremely smart.  I feel like I learn something from all of her answers and she is so clear and direct.  And can you imagine a debate between Hillary and Fiorina?  I would pay money to see that.  I think she would also be an excellent VP candidate.

Mike Huckabee: For someone that doesn’t get a lot of camera time, I think Huckabee did great last night.  He is so likable, and I love how he doesn’t attack the other candidates.  I actually voted for Huckabee in the last primary election.  He is one of my favorites even though he isn’t a front-runner.

Ted Cruz: At first I did not like Cruz at all.  He comes off as a little hokey and cheesy to me.  However, the more I see of him, the more I like him.  He stands by what he believes and does what he says he is going to do.  And how AWESOME was it when he called out those terrible moderators?!  That was the best moment of the entire debate. I think he had a really good debate performance last night.

Chris Christie: I don’t agree with Christie on some issues, but I do think he is an excellent debater.  I don’t plan to vote for him, but I think he is really important for the debates.  My favorite moment of his was when he called out the moderators for asking a question about fantasy football, when they had not even touched on ISIS.  Seriously, though, that is what is wrong with this country!  I also think he is strong on national defense, which I like.

Rand Paul: Meh.  I just don’t like him.  I do agree with him on making the government smaller and probably some other issues, but he is definitely not my guy. 

John Kasich: He isn’t my favorite, either.  I hated how he started the debate attacking everyone.  He took the moderators' bait, and that is exactly what they wanted him to do.  I think that is why I loved it when Trump called him out.  I do think he has some good ideas and has done great things in Ohio.  I just won’t be voting for him.

I think that just about covers it.  I am excited to see how the rest of this election cycle plays out.  As for now, I would like to see a Rubio/Fiorina ticket.  That may change, though.  The one thing that will not change, is that I truly believe every single candidate on the stage would be, as Huckabee said, a better president than Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I mean, come on y'all...can we at least agree on that?!

Now back to sharing recipes and mama stories... ;)  

Meal Planning Monday- Nanna's Turkey Chili

Meal Planning Monday is on Tuesday this week, because that is just life with a toddler and a baby, and this mama enjoyed a night out with girlfriends last night!

My mom has been making this delicious chili recipe for years, and it has always been one of my favorites, especially during the cooler months.  It was originally made with beef, but when I was breastfeeding Cole, I was forced to give up red meat and dairy.  I tried it with ground turkey instead, and I LOVED it!  Nanna even swapped the beef for turkey after tasting it.  I made it yesterday for a friend who recently had a baby, so I don't have any pictures of my little taste tester this time.  Cole probably wouldn't have tasted it anyways, since he is not into soups lately, but my friend does have a two year old and promised to share a picture if he eats it! Here is Nanna's EASY and delicious chili recipe, with a few small changes.  ENJOY! 

From The Store:

2 lbs ground turkey (or beef)

1 green pepper

1 onion

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

1/2 can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 can light red kidney beans, drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 cloves fresh garlic (or garlic powder to taste)

1 cup water

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)

5.  Add one tablespoon of chili powder.

6.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top (and of course beer for Phil and wine for me on the side!)

 I don't have any "after" pictures, since I put it in tupperware as I was running out the door last night.

UPDATE:  Here is a picture of the most precious taste-tester, ever, Carter!  His mama served the chili over rice, and he loved it!

Recipe Card:

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top.
6. ENJOY! :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Meal Planning Monday- Lasagna Style Baked Ziti

Cole's FAVORITE Meal!

One of the main reasons I am so excited about this blog, besides opening up about my heart for being a mama, is sharing some of my family's favorite recipes.  While I still have A LOT to learn in the kitchen, I have come a very long way since I burned my fingers making a frozen pizza the first time I hung out with my husband, Phil. I love trying new recipes, and I like to keep things simple. Like most moms of littles, I don't have time for a bunch of crazy ingredients.  I love slow cooker meals and things I can make the evening before or during nap time.  Cole has become the world's pickiest eater, which drives me insane, so I am always looking for recipes that he will eat.  I found this lasagna style baked ziti online, and I changed it up a bit.  It is Cole's FAVORITE, and Phil and I love it, too.  It is also my go-to recipe when I bring friends meals, because it makes so much and tastes just as good the second time around.  Enjoy! :)

 From the Store:

16 oz ziti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lb lean ground beef

kosher salt

black pepper

24 oz marinara sauce

10 oz spicy marinara sauce

4 cups spinach

1/2 cup ricotta

1/2 cup grated parmesan

16 oz bag of shredded mozzarella cheese 

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400. Cook the pasta according to the package.  Drain and add to large mixing bowl.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir until they begin to soften (this takes about 5 minutes.)

3. Add the beef (I love Greenwise lean beef from Publix), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to skillet and cook until meat is browned. 

4.  In large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta and 1/4 cup of parmesan.  (I like it to have a little kick, so instead of using all regular marinara sauce, I use one jar of regular marinara and about 1/2 a jar of spicy marinara- I LOVE Barilla spicy marinara.)

 5. Add 4 cups of spinach to the mixture (I use the bag of Publix baby spinach, and I tear it apart and tear off any long stems.)  This is an optional step, but I love the dish with spinach added.  It is also my sneaky way of getting Cole to eat something green! ;)

5. Spray a 9-by-13 baking dish with pam.  Transfer the mixture to the dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan.

I almost forgot, I always cook with a little wine... ;)

6.  Add the shredded mozzarella to the top.  I use about 10-12 oz of cheese (the 8 oz bag isn't quite enough, so I buy the 16 oz bag and use about 3/4 of it...this is a personal preference...I like a lot of cheese!)

7. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes on 400.  If you refrigerate for later, bake on 375 for 25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered (or until cheese is melted and turning slightly golden brown.)

8. ENJOY!  I like to serve a caesar salad on the side (I get the ready made bags from Publix, of course!) Cole will eat a large bowl of ziti and ask for "more ziti PLEASE," which is pretty much unheard of for my picky eater.

He said it was, "DELICIOUS!  Thank you, Mommy!" I hope you and your kiddos enjoy it just as much as he does.

Recipe Card:
1. Heat oven to 400. Cook the pasta according to the package.  Drain and add to large mixing bowl.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir until they begin to soften (this takes about 5 minutes.)

3. Add the beef (I love Greenwise lean beef from Publix), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to skillet and cook until meat is browned. 

4.  In large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta and 1/4 cup of parmesan.  (I like it to have a little kick, so instead of using all regular marinara sauce, I use one jar of regular marinara and about 1/2 a jar of spicy marinara- I LOVE Barilla spicy marinara.)

5. Spray a 9-by-13 baking dish with pam.  Transfer the mixture to the dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan.

6.  Add the shredded mozzarella to the top.  I use about 3/4 of the bag. 

7. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes on 400.  If you refrigerate for later, bake on 375 for 25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered (or until cheese is melted and turning slightly golden brown.)

8. ENJOY!  

Recipe adapted from: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lasagna-style-baked-ziti