Tried a new granola recipe from 100 Days of Real Food. The granola is so yummy and easy to make. Booli loved it too! I did the cereal version this time around. Can't wait to try granola bar version!

My husband is the king of pasta salad. He has a knack for throwing the most delicious ingredients together. Over the weekend, he made this amazing tuna pasta salad. This recipe is insanely simple. Toss in any raw veggies you may have on hand.

THE MISTER'S TUNA PASTA SALAD

1 8oz. package of extra broad egg noodles (we use No Yolks -- much lower in fat and cholesterol than regular egg noddles)
2 red medium red peppers, diced
1 medium cucumber, diced
2 cans chunk white tuna, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (adjust to your preference)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Cook egg noodles according to package directions, drain and cool.
Combine all ingredients except Parmesan cheese.
Serve in bowls, Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Eat.

This is the easiest baked chicken recipe I have ever made and it is so moist and delicious. The meat seriously falls off the bone. It is nice and basic so you can dress it up any way you like. And you can save the left overs and use them in different recipes. We like to use ours in burritos and soups.

BASIC POACHED WHOLE CHICKEN
adapted from Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook

1 3-4 pound broiler
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Wash and dry chicken. Remove giblets and neck. Cut off any lumps of fat.
Season chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
Place in slow cooker breast side up.
Sprinkle rosemary and thyme on top of chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh register 180 degrees. About 6-7 hours.

This is a staple in my house. We all (this includes my 2-year-old) love it!

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

1 Head Cauliflower (about 3 lbs.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper

Preheat the oven to 450.
Cut the cauliflower into florets and spread them on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with the nutmeg and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Bake on the middle rack for about 35-45 minutes, tossing the cauliflower halfway through. You will know they are fully roasted when the edges appear nice and brown.
Enjoy!

Still working through those apples! Decided to try making some homemade applesauce in the slow cooker.

APPLESAUCE
From Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook

8-10 apples, peeled, cored and quartered
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. water, as needed
Sugar to Taste

Put the apples in the slow cooker and toss with lemon juice. If apples seem unusually dry, add water to cooker. Cover and cook until the apples are extremely tender and falling apart, on HIGH or 3 to 3 1/2 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
Puree the cooked apples in the cooker with a hand held immersion blender. Add sugar to taste.
Yum!

I found these lovely "red and yellow" potatoes at the market today.


OVEN ROASTED RED & YELLOW POTATOES
This is the Mister's recipe and a staple in our house.

2 pounds Red & Yellow Potatoes
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried basil
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 450
Quarter the Potatoes and place in a shallow roasting pan.
Toss with oil and seasonings.
Roast for 50 minutes or until potatoes are crisp and golden.
Enjoy!