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Hi Lovelies!
Back to School!! This time of year often feels hectic, even in our household… and we only have a preschooler! #wimps. Working out the kinks of a new schedule, cleaning out/switching over closets, mom and dad entering a busy work season, a mile long “before baby gets here” list – you know, the ushe – gets this mama out of sorts.
And then there’s feeding everybody – I often say this is the hardest part of parenting. Goodness, by the time one meal is down, you have to start thinking about the next. And will they even eat it?? Who knows?!?! It’s a gamble over here every day.
There are about three things (for now) that I know my boys will eat without my having to bribe them with ice cream, one of which is spaghetti. I’m one of those moms who makes one thing for the kids and something else for me and the mister. Judge away but it’s just how we do things over here. I do, however, like for the two versions of dinner to have a common denominator. That’s where RAGU® Homestyle is coming in these days. For the boys, I go with simple spaghetti with a dusting of parmesan and they LOVE IT. I never anticipated the joy I would feel from the simple act of my kids cleaning their plates. Also, I love that this sauce has NO artificial colors or flavors and NO high fructose corn syrup (#nomommyguilthere). For the adults in the house, I still keep it simple but I add ricotta cheese and flavored olive oil. We, as adults also *try* to eat a salad as a side. So our two versions of dinner still only take 7-ish minutes to make and everyone ends the meal happy and satisfied. #momwin/#wifewin
There are several delicious looking/sounding recipes on Ragu’s website that I definitely want to try out. I’m thinking Caprese Farfalle is up next (for the grown-ups of course)!
Caprese Farfalle
Ingredients :
1 box (16 ounces) uncooked farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, divided
1 jar (23 ounce) RAGU® Homestyle Thick & Hearty Four Cheese Sauce
8 ounces mini fresh Mozzarella balls (pearls)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup loosely packed thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Instructions :
1. Cook pasta as directed on package; drain.
2. Meanwhile, microwave ¼ cup vinegar in small microwaveable ramekin on HIGH 1-2 min. or until thickened and reduced by half; cool completely.
3. Heat sauce and remaining vinegar in saucepan on medium heat. Remove from heat; toss with hot pasta and half of the cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze; serve topped with remaining cheese, tomatoes and basil.
What are your go-to meals for your family? Any tips on dealing with picky eaters?
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of September’s Cooking Light® Magazine for more recipe ideas!
Click here for a coupon for RAGU® and Cooking Light® combo!
