sugar cookie frosting

This recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats is my go to for frosting cookies. 2/3 c. butter softened

1/2 c. milk

2 lbs powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together and pipe or spread!

slow cooker minestrone

I adapted this recipe from allrecipes.com slightly to cook the noodles right in the soup and served it with cheesy garlic bread for a veggie-packed meal that the kids ate without too much complaining.

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 small zucchini
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
• 4 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste

Directions

1. Combine vegetable broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, celery, carrots, green beans, zucchini, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, thyme, and black pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
3. 
   
4. Stir spinach and macaroni into minestrone; cook another 10 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese.

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gone all day dinner

This dinner was super savory and warming from the crock pot. We all wondered if the almonds were going to ruin the recipe, but they definitely provided needed texture. I used fresh, sliced mushrooms and beef better than bouillon.