Rosemary Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Julia hates potatoes.  She won't even eat french fries.  On the rare occasions when she gets a happy meal, she is sure to inform me that she would rather eat apples with her cheeseburger, and "NOT french fries, Mommy!"

Weird kid. 

Sammy, on the other hand, would live on french fries and tater tots if it were humanly possible.  She is my meat and potatoes girl. 

Just because one or both of my kids doesn't like a certain food, it doesn't mean that I'm going to stop serving it to them.  I like potatoes.  So I make potatoes.  And I put them on my children's plates.  It's their job to try everything on their plates, regardless of the fact that they have never liked that food in the past.  I love this rule.  And every once in a while it pays off. 

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making your own marinara could not be easier.  Its such a versatile product, too.  You can use it for any pasta dish, a soup base, or just for dipping bread.  I made it for lasagna.  I'll post that recipe later. 

Heat some olive oil in a medium sauce pan and saute some minced garlic and minced onions until they are soft and translucent.

Then add the tomatoes.  You can use fresh Roma tomatoes (those seem to have the right flavor and texture for marinara) or canned tomatoes.  I used some tomatoes that I canned from my garden last summer.  Either open the cans or chop them up fresh.

I'm Spicy

Hello.  My name is Heather and I have a problem.

I'm a spice-aholic. 

Would you believe that's not even all of them?

And would you believe that only two of those jars are doubles?  Its true.  I own two jars of basil and two jars of ground cloves. 

The rest are completely different, individual, non repetitive herbs and spices.

Why?  Because like I said, I'm a spice-aholic.  During this time of year all the spices go on sale.  Some are even buy one get one free!  How can I pass that up?  Some people have shoe addictions, others have jewelry addictions....I have spice additions.  What can I say?  I like flavor.