I haven't written recently because I'm in the midst of purging and packing...with two children in tow. I try to get done what I can each day, which really isn't much because I usually have one or both children on me. The baby is a given with lack of mobility and the frequent nursing. Tot is missing daddy who's spending long days training for a new career. I must admit I'm suffering from a bit of depression looking at how much I've donated. I did wind up getting rid of some things that I really didn't want to for either sentimental reasons or just because. But, the moving trucks are so expensive and with the new higher salary it's still not quite enough to cover a moving truck and then deposits for a new place to live. But, it'll be a new place to live that's not with family which is wonderful. So, I'll figure out making ends meet. Right now the main focus is keeping hubs confident enough to get through his training. And the positive all the time is really hard because I miss seeing him. Our schedules are so off right now. But, it'll be worth it in the end. And a new home with a place we can raise our children without as much advice, and the ability to cook and lead our lives the way we want will be wonderful. Not dairy free but tasty nonetheless.
I really haven't gotten to cook much lately other than pasta because tot is on a kick of pasta and cheese lately. I am not getting much time to sew either right now since the one room living makes it harder to use the serger while the kids are sleeping. I may put the baby in the moby today to get some sewing done so I can clear off my table.
Anyway, one of the things I can make for tot right now is an easy dinner. I make pasta and vegetarian baked beans. It's something my mom made for me and it's super easy even with the changes I made to it.
Make pasta for however many people you're feeding.
In a separate pot make heat up your baked beans. I add about 1.5 TBSP of maple syrup to it and sometimes a pinch of dry mustard, although a dime size amount of spicy brown mustard will do as well. It's just enough to give it a little something. Stir until heated and keep warm until the pasta is ready.
When the pasta is cooked drain it. Then pour into a serving bowl. Add a few TBSP. of butter if there's a lot eating or a little if it's just you. This is completely a drench to taste dish with the butter. Then add some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, garlic salt (just a little salt will go a long way), and a tap or two of paprika (again a little will go a long way). Toss this all together while the pasta is still nice and hot. Place some on your dish and top with parmesan cheese. Serve the beans along side the pasta or in tot's case on top of and you'll have a very easy summer vegetarian dinner.
