Take a Bite Out: Pasta Bolognese

You know what, toddlers are jerks.  I don't think they can help it. They have limited social skills.  They have limited communication skills.  They have sharp teeth.

I mentioned yesterday that I've been getting a lot of emails from Thatbaby's daycare.  And they're not all fun stories about farm animals.  Last week I got an email stating that Thatbaby grabbed a toy from one of his friends who then bit his shoulder.  He has a large, dark, bite-bruise on his shoulder.  He spent the whole night telling us bite and pointing to his shoulder.

Yesterday I got another email, mentioning that Thatbaby was now biting his own hand and holding it out to the teachers telling them, "owie."  When they ask him what happened, he points to one of the other children.  Yeah, my child is already trying to get other kids in trouble for nothing.  One of his teachers calls him a pot-stirrer.  I know I'm going to have to keep an eye on him.

I'm currently working with him on the fact that it's not okay to bite - even if he's the one biting himself.  Teeth are for biting, but biting food!  Sinking your teeth into warm pasta, loaded with a thick and hearty meat sauce is good.  Sinking your teeth into your arm, foot, or hand?  Completely unnecessary.  I mean, why would you waste your jaw muscles biting something that isn't filling and delicious?

Pasta Bolognese

1/2 lb of your favorite pasta

1/4 cup olive oil

1 stalk celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup basil, chiffonade

1 lb ground beef 

1/2 cup red wine

1 can crushed tomatoes

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat oil in pot over medium high heat. Add celery, carrots, onion and garlic.  
3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook until carrots are tender (about 10 minutes).
4. Add the ground beef and brown.
5. Add the wine and cook for about 3 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes and lower heat.  Cook until the sauce thickens, 10-15 minutes.
7. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve.