Day 57: Busy in the Kitchen

One of the many reasons I love time off work is that I get to spend more time cooking and baking. I loathe going to the grocery store, so it takes a lot of motivation during the work week to get all the necessary ingredients together. Last night, I rolled up my sleeves and made two classics... homemade pasta sauce and Marshmallow Goodness. Rick is sure enjoying the benefits of having a stay-at-home wife... too bad it will only last for two more days.

Turkey Sausage Pasta Sauce (from Barefoot Contessa)

This recipe is actually for a lasagna, but I use it as a regular pasta sauce over spaghetti. It's deliciious and makes a TON so I usually freeze half. It's perfect for those nights you can't muster up the energy to cook from scratch and just want to reheat something easy. Enjoy!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes in tomato puree
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
•  3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a large (10 to 12-inch) skillet. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the sausage and cook over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a fork, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until no longer pink. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat, for 15 to 20 minutes, until thickened.

Marshmallow Goodness (inspired by the chef at Theta... created by me!) 

This is my take on rice krispy treats. I haven't made this in a LONG time, but it's always a hit! Easy, decadent and the perfect excuse to eat sugary cereal.

Using a large, microwave safe bowl, melt a bag of marshmallows with a tablespoon of butter in the microwave. Add a small box of Cinammon Toast Crunch cereal to the marshmallows and combine with a spatula (sprayed with PAM so it doesn't stick!) Press mixture firmly into a pan. 

Then, melt about 1/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove (whichever method scares you less). Using a fork or knife, drizzle chocolate on top of the mixture in the pan. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes before serving so the chocolate has time to harden. Cut into squares and enjoy!