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Monday, December 16, 2013

Happy Birthday To...

Happy Birthday to the most amazing Dad a girl could ask for! 


To the dad that has encouraged me to be the best version of myself, who taught me all about cooking  (and yes grill in the rain) and who continues to encourage me to go after my dreams. Thank you for being my role model, my biggest supporter, and my shoulder to cry on. 


Thank you for teaching us that anything is possible with a little hard work and determination and for modeling that throughout our lives. I have put you through a lot over the year, but I wouldn't be the person I am today without you!


 I love you daddy, Happy Birthday!

{Comfort Food - Veggie Packed Penne with Spicy Chicken Sausage}



Piping hot chocolate piled sky high with whipped cream, heaping bowls of veggie packed chili and steamy plates of good old spaghetti.  These are a few of the foods I crave on a cold December day!   I reach for dishes like these that are comforting, yet healthy during these long cold winter months! 


Doesn't that look delicious?  Want to learn how to make it? 

Veggie Packed Penne with Spicy Chicken Sausage:

Ingredients:
1 Box Whole Wheat Penne Pasta 
One 24 Oz. Jar Low Sodium Marinara Sauce ( I like Prego Heart Smart)
1 Green Pepper Chopped 
1/2 Onion Chopped 
1 Tomato Roughly Chopped
Pepper  and dried basil to taste
Parmesan Cheese for Serving
1 tsp Olive Oil or Butter 
3 Links Italian Style Chicken Sausage Chopped (I like Trader Joe's Brand) 

Directions:
1- Prepare pasta based on package directions.  
2- Chop your pepper, onion, tomato and chicken sausage.  Heat oil or butter in a skillet.  Once skillet is hot add your peppers and onion.  Saute until tender. 
3- Add your chopped tomato and sauté for 2 minutes. 
4- Add in chicken sausage (Trader Joe's brand comes precooked) and saute with veggies for 5 minuets until sausage is browned. 
5- Add your jar of tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. 
6- Drain pasta and serve with sauce and Parmesan cheese if you desire! 


Enjoy!