Life has been busy lately, kind of crazy if I am being honest. But then again that's mom life right? That means the days where I can prep dinner in advance (aka naptime) and know that I have a nutritious and filling dinner ready to go for my family are the best days! I am a big fan of recipes that are comforting, filling, and delicious all the while staying on the nutritious side! My easy pumpkin and sausage baked ziti made using Barilla ProteinPLUS pasta is the perfect dish to make any night of the week!
I love burgers. In fact, there are few foods that hold a more special place in my heart than that of a burger. True story, but unfortunately most burgers do not go hand in hand with my "get back to pre-baby body" game plan. I did say most burgers though didn't I? Well that is because one of my favorite ways to satisfy my on-going burger craving is to fix a turkey burger in place of the traditional beef burger. My easy baked turkey burgers take care of my cravings without killing my diet.
There's a tiny (and I do mean tiny) feeling of fall in the air here in Texas, and it has me way too excited about all things cozy and fall like. With the drop in humidity and temperatures, came my desire to cook comfort food and turn my stove back on over the weekend. I am not going to lie, I am already plotting Thanksgiving and Christmas menus, decorations, and more. I know I need to have this baby first...that's what you are thinking...but honestly I think his arrival is making my excitement even more so. Regardless, my whole wheat butternut squash and pesto lasagna is the perfect transition meal right into fall!
Butternut squash and pesto is an epic combination.
Yesterday my morning started out kinda rough, and I was in a blah mood all day long. Later in the afternoon, I was checking my email and I saw where I won an Ergo baby carrier from a blog giveaway! I never win anything, EVER, and was beyond excited because I had just registered for one and they run about 170.00. It was just the pick me up I needed to change my mood for the afternoon. Do you ever have days like that where you just have a hard time getting out of your funk? If you are human, I am sure you do and there is nothing better at the end of one of those days than a big bowl of comfort food. My easy baked ziti is just the sort of meal that will make you feel better in one bite.
It's funny how food can do that, transform your mood after a long day. It's one of the reasons I love to cook. For me, it's healing and to be able to serve others a meal that makes them feel better too is such a rewarding experience.
