Brownie Mix-DIY

I was running low on groceries last week. There was "nothing" to eat in the pantry. I decided to try making brownies from scratch as there was some coco in the pantry.

1 1/4 c. flour
2/3 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. melted butter

Mix dry ingredients together. Add eggs, butter & vanilla.
Mix and pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes.

These were just as good as the box brownie mix. All ingredients are usually on hand.
I am looking forward to making these again, to pair with some vanilla ice cream.

Italian Sausage Soup

8 oz of how or sweet turkey Italian sausage
2 cups of chicken broth (homemade, of course)
1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano
3/4 cup of uncooked small shell pasta
2 cups of spinach
2 tablespoons of grated fresh Parmesan or Romano Cheese
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil


Heat a large saucepan over medium hear.  Remove casings from sausage.  Add sausage to pan, cook about 5 minutes or until brown.

Add broth, tomatoes, and pasta to pan.  Bring to boil over high heat.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is done.

Remove from heat, stir spinach until wilted. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and basil.

This soup has a simmered all day flavor but takes only about 20 minutes to prepare.  I will be adding this to the rotation.  It was quick, easy and delicious.  I cannot wait until I have fresh tomatoes from the garden.

Low fat:  7.1g
17.4: grams of protein