Back in the Kitchen

Now that I'm somewhat back on my feet, I am also back in the kitchen and experimenting with easy recipes that I come across from pinterest, friends, etc.

Rice Cooker Mac'n'Cheese was something I had to try. Granted, mac and cheese is easy enough to make, but this Rice Cooker method makes it EVEN easier and only one pot to wash. Score!

I usually create the mac'n'cheese base that can last several days, and then the day of, I try to throw in leftover meat and veggies so the kids have a complete meal.

On this particular day, I woke up to E sleeping in our bed in the wee hours of the morning. I just had to take a photo of this. People think snuggling with a sleeping kid is so peacefully bliss. It is definitely cute, but this is also REALLY how it is. Ryan's lucky he didn't get the foot in the face that morning!

Pumpkin Pie Cupcake (I just call them pumpkin muffins) was a staple weekly affair last year during pumpkin season. I'm back to making this one again often. We especially like this recipe because it leaves the insides all gooey like pumpkin pie. Best to eat it warmed up!

Along the same lines, for Liam's birthday this year, I tried the next recipe, the Pumpkin Cake Bar with Cream Cheese Frosting. I obviously replace the egg using the EnerG Egg Replacer and reduce the sugar. Another tip for easy removal of the cake is using a foil lining.

Pre-Oven...

Post-Oven..

Finished product!! Liam finally gets a cake for his birthday!

I alo like checking in with my friends' blogs/facebook to get inspired. Such as Sam & Christina's long ago post about sous-vide cooking (on my wish list or this at some point and time in the future!) and Monica's recent blog and recipe about banana pancakes. Sounds so easy and fun, we had to give it a try! I utilized child labor and put Emilia to work! =)

Mixing the egg replacement powder + water.

Mashing bananas.

Eating the pancakes before I even have a chance to finish cooking up the batch.

And, of course, feeding the Liam (aka sharing) behind the kitchen gate. =)

Thanks for passing along your recipe, Monica! The kiddies and I LOVED it!