This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScrubWithDots #CollectiveBias

I'm always looking for quick weeknight meals that the whole family will enjoy (including my picky toddler). I also try to keep clean up to a minimum, so I always go to Dollar General to pick up everything I need for clean up after. I seriously do not know what I would do without Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Dots Sponges. They help with eliminating baked on messes on pots, pans, and heavy duty cookware when making recipes like falafels. Plus, Aimery loves helping me wash the dishes with Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Dots Dish Wand. It allows me to clean up easily while he's entertained.

One of our favorite dinners is falafels. We eat them at least twice a week! I always make a whole bunch so I can pack them in Aimery's lunches for preschool and we can eat them throughout the week. I love making them because they are packed with protein and even Aimery loves them! They are also super easy to make and only take about 15 minutes of prep time.

You'll want to begin by chopping onions and garlic cloves and place in food processor until finely minced. Then remove the onion/garlic mixture from processor and set aside. Next, add chick peas, parsley, and cilantro to the food processor until blended (not puréed!).

Add onion/garlic mix back to the food processor and blend. In a separate mixing bowl, mix 1/2c flour, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Add flour mix to the processor and continue to add 1/2c flour until mixture is no longer wet. Transfer to large bowl and place in refrigerator for one hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a separate mixing bowl, mix 1/2c flour, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Add flour mix to the processor and continue to add 1/2c flour until mixture is no longer wet. Transfer to large bowl and place in refrigerator for one hour. If you don't have an hour to spare, go ahead and skip this step! Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to place falafels a on pan. Place in oven for 15 minutes. Then turn another 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow time for cooling so they can set.

After chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to place falafels a on pan. Place in oven for 15 minutes. Then turn another 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Allow time for cooling so they can set.

While waiting for the falafels to cool, I always like to start cleaning up so I don't have as much to clean after dinner! Our bedtime routine is giving Aimery a bath right after dinnertime and then straight to bed, so if I'm able to clean up while he's still awake that gives me more time to get other things done after he goes to bed. Plus, I love when the whole family takes the time to clean up together! Our cleaning must have's include Seventh Generation Dish Soap and Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Dots Sponge and Scotch-Brite® Heavy Duty Scrub Dots Dish Wand.

We believe in the power of Scrub Dots to scrub fast and rinse clean. It makes clean up so much quicker. I think that I can speak for all moms that no one has the time for cleaning, so when we do clean, we need it done fast! When Aimery was a baby, I used to always bathe him in the sink because it was easier then giving him a bath in the tub. Now that he's older, sometimes I'll still put him in the sink although he barely fits (see photos below!) and have him help me wash the dishes. I always give him clean dishes to play with, and not only does it keep him entertained, but it also gets him into the habit of helping around the house, even though he's only one!

The falfels have cooled, the dishes have been washed, and Aimery is having the time of his life playing in the sink. I consider this a nightly mom win because everyone is happy! I serve the falafels with a warm pita, tahini sauce, and veggies like cucumbers, spinach, jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes. I cut up the falafels in bite sized peices for aimery and give him rice and beans on the side.

Baked Vegan Falafels
Yield: About 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients
1.5 medium white onions
3 garlic cloves
2 cups cooked + drained chickpeas
2 cups parsley and/or cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pita bread and veggies of choice, for serving

Chop onions and garlic cloves and place in food processor until finely minced. Remove the onion/garlic mixture from processor and set aside. Add chick peas, parsley, and cilantro to the food processor until blended. Add onion/garlic mix back to the food processor and blend. In a separate mixing bowl, mix 1/2c flour, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Add flour mix to the processor and continue to add 1/2c flour until mixture is no longer wet. Place in refrigerator for one hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. After chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to place falafels on pan. Cook in oven for 15 minutes. Flip the falafels and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with pita bread, tahini, cucumbers, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, etc. Enjoy!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ScrubWithDots #CollectiveBias

Easy Baked Falafels and Clean Up Tips