Summer Break

That's right. We waited 9 long months, but summer vacation is finally here. Yes, I'm one of those moms who count the days, just as much as the child does. I can't help it. I LOVE having my boy home with me all day, every day. And now that it is actually boys, I'm even more excited!

We have lots of fun things planned over the next few months, and they will all be even more special since it is Max's first summer. One of the things Alex has been planning on is getting into the kitchen and cooking even more than he usually does. He actually has a couple cookbooks of his very own, and he has been picking out the recipes he wants to try for a few months now. 

This was the first one we decided to make. A homemade sauce that we can have on a hot day without heating up the house? Sign us up!

This is technically a spaghetti sauce, but we had 2 boxes of ziti in the cupboard, so that's what we served it over. Absolutely delicious! 

If your kids are home and you've already run out of things to do with them, try cooking with them! You would be surprised just how much they will love getting involved in making what they eat, and you will love the memories you make!

Slow Cooker Meat Sauce

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, with juice

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 TBS sugar

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. dried basil

2 tsp. dried oregano

1 dried bay leave 

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large skillet, brown beef with onion. Drain if necessary. Add to slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and seasonings. Stir well. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 1 hour before serving. Serve with your favorite pasta.