A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over....



Tuesday, January 25, 2011

EASY-PEASY TOOT-PLEASING SPAGHETTI

Greetings! I have had the glorious experience recently of cooking for my two-year-old granddaughter, lovingly nicknamed "Toot" and not because she likes trains (although that is the reason we'll give her when she's older). It can be somewhat frustrating how quickly yesterday's favorite is now today's "NO!" but it definitely keeps me on my toes, or at the stove, as the case may be.

One thing she hasn't lost her passion for is anything pasta, but especially spaghetti, the messier the better. Truly, is there any more pleasing compliment to a cook than wearing the meal over such a smile?




EASY-PEESY TOOT-PLEASING SPAGHETTI

1lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1 teas. minced garlic

1 jar favorite tomato pasta sauce

Dried basil, oregano, salt/pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese to taste

Spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained


In a medium large pot, brown ground beef with onions and garlic until beef is no longer pink and onions/garlic are soft. Drain grease from beef and return to pot. Add tomato sauce. Add water to jar (approximately 1/3 cup), replace cap and shake to mix; add to pot and stir well. Add additional dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste. (Or no extra if you're happy with the flavor of the sauce). While sauce simmers and thickens (about 15-20 mins), cook spaghetti per package directions and drain. Add spaghetti to sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and stir briefly to melt cheese. Let cool slightly for tiny mouths and serve - no fork needed! (We usually plan spaghetti night on bath night.)

What does your toddler love best?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is exactly how I make spaghetti sauce with the exception I throw in a bunch of veggies otherwise the hubby will never eat them! LOL!
Toot is way too cute! But I am wondering if her face was stained after that experience. LOL!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

hehehehehehe...tooooooooooooo cute!!! My daughter loves anything pasta related too...wonder if that's from being 1/2 Italian! LOL! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)