Dinner's Been Good

I have to put my ego aside for a few minutes and tell you that we've eaten really well for the last week or so. Mandi's done the shopping and the decision making for the last 10 or 12 days, and while I wasn't thrilled about having those responsibilities usurped, I most certainly have benefited from it. Everything we've made has been added to the Recipe List , with the exception of last night's lighter and more homemade version of Cheeseburger Macaroni. It was tastier than anything that ever wore the "Helper" nametag, and far better for you. The best part is that the kiddos really won't know the difference between it and the boxed stuff (I know because Avery ate some of it, and she's the pickiest eater in the known universe). Seriously, Mandi took the time to get up early yesterday, put biscuits in the oven, and make the girls a nice hot ham, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich for breakfast on an 18 degree morning. Ave peeled one flake off of the biscuit, tried it, then turned up her nose and asked for a plain biscuit instead. This after she'd told me on Wednesday that she didn't need any lunch because she'd had a bacon egg and cheese biscuit from McDonald's at 9:00 and she was still full from eating every last bite of it. Sometimes I think there are five of her that rotate days . . four stay hidden in her room somewhere at all times and the other one comes out. This would explain the completely random tastes, moods, and attitudes that it seems couldn't possibly all come from one kid. But I digress . .

I have not yet delved into the task of rearranging the items on the website and making it more search-friendly, but I made the promise and you can rest assured I'll make good on it in due time. For now, I've put a small "*new" tag in orange next to some of the most recent additions, so if you've not visited the list in a while you can more easily identify some of the newer recipes. I highly recommend the Gnocchi with Sausage and Spinach , which we were only able to make after Mandi located the gnocchi in the dried pasta section of the grocery store. I had looked for it unsuccessfully on two or three previous trips. Some stores, such as Trader Joe's or Whole Foods also offer it in the deli or fresh pasta section, and I'd certainly recommend that if it's an option for you. Enjoy, and be sure to leave your feedback on our recipes in the form of comments.