Pasta Al Forno

I've made this quick and easy pasta dish several times before but somehow it escaped my recipe blog!  This is just pasta and cheese, what's not to love?

Pasta Al Forno

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 (14-ounces each) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. In a large pot of lightly salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
2. After draining the pasta, return the noodles to the pot and pour in the sauce. Toss to combine. Lightly coat a 9X13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place half of the pasta in the dish. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cubes over the top. Top with remaining pasta. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

I'm not sure why I've never thought to put Reeses Pieces in cookies before but when I saw this recipe on The Sisters Cafe I knew I had to try it.  We had these for our family home evening treat on Monday night and I don't think any of us (Ben included!) ate just one.

Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

• 1 stick butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1½ cups flour
• 1 cup mini Reese’s Pieces (or regular if you can’t find minis)
• ½ cup milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add peanut butter, egg and vanilla and continue beating until creamy.
2. Add baking soda, salt and flour. Mix until well combined. Add chocolate chips and mix on low until chips are mixed in. Gently stir in Reese’s Pieces.
3. Using a cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat liner. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Don’t overbake, they will look undercooked when you take them out. Allow them to rest on cookie sheet for about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Shredded Wheat Banana Bread

I was excited when I found this recipe on my friend Sarah's blog because I sometimes buy Frosted Mini Wheats and there are always a lot of crushed leftovers at the bottom of the bag.  Now I don't have to throw them away!  Thanks Sarah!

Shredded Wheat Banana Bread

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use coconut oil, liquified.)
2 eggs
4 tablespoons buttermilk
4 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup flour (I use whole wheat.)
1 1/2 cup crushed shredded wheat (leftover from cereal)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine sugar and wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients (except nuts). Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Add walnuts. Pour batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan and bake for 60-75 minutes. Or pour into greased muffin tins (makes about 18) and bake for 25 minutes.