Spaghetti Soup, #MeatlessMonday

It is all about marketing when you are dealing with picky eaters. Audrey is 5 now and will repeat back to me the words I have used to sell things to her. When I say no to a cookie sample at the grocery store or a donut on the way home from school she quickly replies that they have too much sugar and processed flour. But she still asks.

Maurene is still a little young and could care less about all the sugar or food dyes in the snack she is coveting. She wants it and will beg in hopes that I will give in. That is why I am trying to find new ways to provide healthy food options to my children so they can have their cake and eat it too. 

To start down that road we are eating healthier, unprocessed, plant-based meals more. Like Spaghetti Soup! I got the idea from a yummy cookbook called Clean Eating for Busy Families by Michelle Dudash, R.D. That's us, busy! Her recipe is called Buckwheat Noodle Bowl with Edamame & Ginger. Since I did not have buckwheat noodles, edamame, or ginger I decided to make Spaghetti Soup.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas

optional additional ingredients:

• sun dried tomatoes
• baby bella mushrooms
• sauteed swiss chard

Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 3 minutes. Stir in carrot and cook an additional 3 minutes. Add broth and turn heat up to high. Once boiling add noodles and cook for 8 minutes. Add peas for last minute of cook time. Remove pot from heat and serve. If adding mushrooms saute them in a separate pan and add after broth. sun dried tomatoes or chard can be added with broth as well.

While I was gathering the ingredients for this meal Audrey ran into the kitchen and begged to help. She was so willing to help I was able to get her to load the dishwasher and clear off the table first. Then I had her add the pasta and stir the noodles. Even small amount of helping makes the children feel included. 

Eat your spaghetti soup with chopsticks. And slurp.

I didn't get any photos of the girls helping so I snapped this one of Audrey eating. She used her spoon to consume the liquid first and then started in on the noodles. I like to eat my noodles first and soup next. Kids, sheesh.

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! Our favorite granola and cereal company is giving away 20 baskets to help celebrate the day. Head over to http://www.cascadianfarm.com/sweepstakes for your chance to win.

They also put together a poster of ways you can help our Earth.

Newly Diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes

I shared the following story about being newly diagnosed with pre-diabetes with you recently but wanted to re-post to include some information I have learned:

As the girls get older I have been thinking a lot about what I will do with my time once they are in school full time. Audrey starts kindergarten in the fall which is full time these days. They have both been in a half day program 5 days a week all year and Audrey for the entire year before that. They love school and love the idea of going more. The major problem is going to be the entire year Audrey is in all-day and Mo only half day. Which leads me to my thoughts of going back to work.

If I go back to work the girls will both need to attend school full time. I can  move up Mo into all-day if I  am bringing in a paycheck to cover the expense. The reason I bring this up is because I am trying to decide if I go back into my chosen profession, teaching, or retrain for a career I have been coveting, registered dietitian. 

As I was contemplating these two idea and looking into the really interesting online program at one of  my state schools I had a doctor's appointment for my annual well-woman exam. While there they asked if they could test my blood sugar level because it had been several years and the guidelines have changed recently.  I love the idea of information and was hoping for a better report than last time because I have been learning and applying more about nutrition and exercise. 

The results of my test were not good. My A1C places me in the pre-diabetes category. I am Native American and use a clinic on the local Native American college so they have a program for me to attend to learn more about nutrition, exercise, and weight loss.

Funny thing is this:

Summer 2012

Hard to tell that I am 5"7 and weigh 139lbs currently. I am also currently training for a half marathon on April 21st. And nutrition is something I know a few things about. On my bedside table are no less than three books on pediatric nutrition. I have read or am currently reading them all.

Do I give up my idea of becoming a registered dietitian and teach instead? I feel I would be lying to patients if I have high blood sugar and I am counseling them on proper nutrition.

These are tough decisions to make. But I can tell you that I will be learning a lot more about diabetes. This week I meet with a nutritionist. I hope to report back with positive news.

As I learned about this I was contacted to see if I would be interested in reviewing a product called Optimal Life. I have been very busy recently but have taken the time to read through the book and have been learning a lot. The DVDs are so easy to understand and the book really goes in-depth to explain why this is something you should take seriously. I will continue to gather information from the book and DVDs and hopefully make a positive change in my life. I invite you to do the same.

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.

Pink Grapefruit Pie #SundaySupper

Grapefruit Pie!?

I don't know when or why but my best friend mention a recipe for Grapefruit Pie recently. I remember thinking how different and fabulous that sounded. I used to not like grapefruit or its juice but then we started purchasing the good stuff, Simply Grapefruit, and I took another look at the fruit. 

Now it is one of my favorite fruits. I like the sweeter pink and love to consume it in fruit or juice form. The girls are still learning to like it. I have to giggle because I know what a long road it was for me to get to my love of it today.

That is why I never give up on foods, for myself or the girls. Tastes can change so it is good to revisit foods from time to time.

Regardless of the outcome of this pie on our Easter table the girls enjoyed the process of making it. I took a Strawberry Chiffon Pie recipe from my favorite cookbook, Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, and adapted it slightly for grapefruit. It is creamy and has many low-fat and low-sugar substitutions. 

We purchased a Shortbread crust because it is a very busy week for us and we wanted to just enjoy the making of the pie.

Grapefruit Chiffon Pie

• 2 1/2 cups pink grapefruit (We used 20 oz Del Monte Jar in light syrup)
• 2 tbsp C&H Light Sugar & Stevia Blend
• 1 tbsp grapefruit juice from fruit jar
• 2 tbsp C&H Light Sugar & Stevia Blend
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 2/3 cup grapefruit juice from fruit jar
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Pie Crust (Graham, Shortbread, or pastry)

We used a Pampered Chef Hand Food Processor to chop the grapefruit. Feel free to chop by hand if you do not have one. You will need around 1 1/2 cups chopped grapefruit. Stir in 2 tbsp C&H and 1 tbsp juice and set aside.

Stir together 2 tbsp C&H, gelatin, and 2/3 cup juice in a small saucepan and place on low heat. Stir until everything is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool. 

Into the grapefruit mixture stir the cooled gelatin and chill for 1 hour. Meanwhile beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into gelatin mixture and chill for 1 hour.

Whip coconut milk until soft peaks form and then fold into chilled grapefruit mixture. If filling mounds it is ready to pour into the crust. Extra points if yours does not run into the edges. 

Chill for 8 hours and hope no little fingers dip into it before time to serve.

I would love to share with you a sliced piece or tell you how the girls enjoyed it but we are saving it for Easter. There was about 2 tbsp extra filling so I can say it tastes amazing! Try a different fruit in your favorite pie recipe and see what happens.

She loved that manual processor.

Fascinated by egg whites.

Love citrus like we do? The #SundaySupper team is pulling out all the stops and sharing some amazing citrus recipes this week. 

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

• Orange Ricotta Pancakes from Gotta Get Baked

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

• Honey Lime Dressing from Ruffles & Truffles
• Lemon Poppyseed Sweet Bread from Food Lust People Love
• Meyer Lemon Pistachio Loaf from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Moroccan Preserved Lemons from MarocMama

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

• Ceviche from Cookistry
• Cilantro Lime Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Citrus Ginger Chicken from Kudos Kitchen
• Easy Indian Lemon Chicken from Soni’s Food
• Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
• Grilled Orange & Lime Chicken Thighs from Big Bear’s Wife
• Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus with Brown Rice from Daily Dish Recipes
• Orange Chicken from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Raw Beet Salad with Citrus Dressing from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Red Cabbage and Red Pepper Salad with Citrus Dressing from Family Foodie
• Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw from Magnolia Days
• Tangy Lemon Rice with Grated Mango & Roasted Cashew from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

• Blood Orange Sorbet from My Cute Bride
• Broiled Oranges with Toasted Coconut from Neighborfood
• Clementine Curd from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Creamsicle Cupcakes from The Meltaways
• Dairyfree Key Lime Meringue Bliss from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Fresh Lemon Mousse from Comfy Cuisine
• Frozen Lemon Dessert from Gourmet Drizzles
• Gluten Free Orange Pound Cake from Simply Gourmet
• Honey and Lemon Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Key Lime Biscotti from Juanita’s Cocina
• Key Lime Cheesecake from Flour on My Face
• Key Lime Cookie Bars from Supper for a Steal
• Key Lime Truffles from What Smells So Good?
• Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Lemon Coconut Cinnamon Rolls from Chocolate Moosey
• Lemon Cookies from Basic N Delicious
• Lemon Cream Pie Push Pops from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Lemon Layer Cake from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Lemon Ricotta Cake from The Urban Mrs.
• Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Mini Meyer Lemon Pies from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Mini Orange Cream & Lemon Cream Scones from The Foodie Army Wife
• No-Bake Lemon Cheese Cakes w/Blueberry-Lemon Sauce from Momma’s Meals
• Olive Oil Cake with Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom
• Omiyage California Citrus Cake from Ninja Baking
• Orange Cake with Orange Syrup from The Lovely Pantry
• Orange Crinkle Cookies from Mom’s Test Kitchen
• Pink Grapefruit Pie from In the Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from In the Kitchen with KP
• Sugar-Free Lemon Meringue Pie from Webicurean
• Tarte au Citron from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Sour Sips & Drinks:

• {DIY} Arancello and Limoncello from girlichef
• Orange Creamsicle Smoothies from Mama.Mommy.Mom

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, March 31st to talk all about citrus recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Bunny Rabbit Bread #SundaySupper

Have you ever seen those meme's with the perfect picture of a craft and then a horrible reproduction with the words, "Nailed It!" I used to laugh at them until I started trying to do more with the girls. We are now those meme's.

This one was a really cute picture of Bunny Bread I saw on Pinterest. It looked so easy! As much as I would love to blame this one on the girls, it was as much me as them.

Who even knows where the original picture or link is. It shows up on none of my boards. Here is our picture:

Those are supposed to be bunnies. They look like cute little cats. The girls still loved them. We made the dough in the bread machine and formed the balls together.

I then cut the ears and baked the bread. If nothing else it was a fun experience that allowed the girls to play with their food.

If you are interested in some other fun Easter Foods check out the #Sundaysupper Team:

Easter

• How To Color Easter Eggs Naturally from Shockingly Delicious

Breakfast, Breads, and Buns

• Bunny Rabbit Bread from In The Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Easter Brunch Creme Brulee Baked Oatmeal from In The Kitchen With KP
• Fresh Blueberries Hot Cross Buns from My Cute Bride
• Hot Cross Cinnamon Buns from girlichef
• Jamaican Easter Spice Bun from The Lovely Pantry
• Paska - Ukranian Easter Bread from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
• Portuguese Easter Bread | Folar de Pascoa from Family Foodie
• Resurrection Rolls from Neighbor Food

Appetizers and Sides

• Asparagus, Brie & Ham Crostini from Daily Dish Recipes
• French Gratin Potatoes (Dauphinoise) from Simply Gourmet
• Lemon Glazed Carrots from Curious Cuisiniere
• Not So Deviled Eggs from Country Girl in the Village
• Orange Raisin Couscous from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Potato and Leek Gratin from Webicurean
• Spinach Spaetzle (Spinat Spaetzle) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

Main Dishes

• Roast Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham from The Meltaways
• Sicilian "Enchiladas" from The Cooking Actress

Dessert

• Alebele - Goan Coconut filled Pancake from Masala Herb
• Bunny-Approved Baked Easter Doughnuts from The Weekend Gourmet
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake from Chocolate Moosey
• Coconut and M&M's Cookie from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Coconut Cake with Coconut Buttercream from Juanita's Cocina
• Coconut Cupcakes from Magnolia Days
• Cream Cheese Candies from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Easter Cookies: Carrots in Dirt from The Urban Mrs
• Easter Egg Cookies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Easter Simnel Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Exotic Walnut Cookies from What Smells So Good?
• Honey Panna Cotta with Grand Marnier Roasted Figs from Gourmet Drizzles
• Japanese Easter, Petit Fours and Flowers from Ninja Baking
• Nutella Easter Egg Candy from The Messy Baker
• Old-Fashioned Peanut Rolled Eggs from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Painted Sugar Cookies from Ruffles and Truffles
• Strawberry Bundt Cake from Basic N Delicious

Passover

• Homemade Matzo from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mock Gefilte Fish from Fast Food to Fresh Food

Dessert

• Charoset from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
• Flourless Chocolate Torte from Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Moroccan Haroset from MarocMama
• Pavlova with Red Berries, Lime and Hibiscus from YinMom YangMom

Wine Pairing Recommendations for #SundaySupper Religious Feasts from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, March 24 to talk all about Easter and Passover recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.

Fast Food Part 2 Wordless Wednesday

Spinach Bacon Salad #SundaySupper

Wish I had some bacon.

This week we had an 80 degree F day followed immediately by a 42 degree F day with the possibility of snow tomorrow. Welcome to (almost) Spring in Kansas. It has always been my favorite season for many reasons, the main one being the season of my birth. In a few short weeks I will enter a new decade. I welcome my 40s in the same vain as I ushered in my 30s: I am wiser now than I was 10 years ago.

With Spring and my birthday also come rain and fresh new crops. With the weather always in question we can never tell when Spring crops will really arrive but we can always find a farmer with a hoop house or greenhouse with some yummy spinach. Our first venture out of winter veggies is almost always spinach.

It can be consumed in a smoothie; baked into a muffin, meatloaf, or spaghetti; or enjoyed in a simple salad such as this:

Spinach Bacon Salad

• 2 lbs spinach
• 1 lb leaf lettuce
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese
• 1 tbsp onion juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup salad oil
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients and toss with salad. Serve immediately. Or, mix dressing and top individual servings as you serve them. Keep greens in a sealed container and consume within 3-4 days.

I have yet to be able to eat just one serving. There is something about the mix of fresh onion, tart vinegar, and sweet sugar that makes me crave this recipe. This time around we ended up eating all of the bacon for breakfast and I was not willing to run out for more at dinner. The salad still tasted good. It tastes even better with a little bacon so I may run out for more later today.

Cute hat!

One last tip. To make the onion juice you simply pulverize an onion in the food processor. I used to spend time letting the juice separate to the top but now I just scoop up a tablespoon of onion pulp and toss it in. Taste great.

If you are looking for more Spring or Green recipes check out what the #SundaySupper team has put together this week:

Green and Spring Dishes Menu Includes:

Breakfast

• Baked Eggs with Shaved Asparagus and Proscuitto by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Shrimp and Leek Quiche by Gourmet Drizzles
• Spinach and Cheddar Quiche for St. Patrick’s Day Brunch by Supper For A Steal
• Asparagus and Spring Onion Frittatta by Country Girl in the Village
• Egg Bake with Spring Onions, Asparagus and Artichokes by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Apps, Bread, Salads, Soups and Dressings:

• Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread by The Meltaways
• Strawberry, Avocado, Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette by Daily Dish Recipes
• Asparagus Gazpacho by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Spinach Bacon Salad by In The Kitchen with Audrey
• Anchovy and Egg Salad by Pescetarian Journal
• Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup by Fast Food to Fresh Food
• Asparagus Red Pepper Salad by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• White Asparagus & Salmon Spring Salad by Family Foodie
• Chicken-Strawberry Field Green Salad w/Strawberry Balsamic Dressing by The Weekend Gourmet
• Bacon & Egg Spring Salad by Daddy Knows Less
• Green Garbanzo Hummus by Soni’s Food

Main and Sides:

• Pea Shoot Risotto by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta by Juanita’s Cocina
• Sweet Ginger Scallion Noodles by What Smells So Good?
• Asparagus Pesto w/Heirloom Fingerlings and Orecchiette by Webicurean
• Coddle for St. Patrick’s Day by Noshing With The Nolands
• Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls by Curious Cuisiniere
• Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts with Gruyère and Hazelnuts by Hip Foodie Mom
• Raw Cucumber Sandwich with Avocado and Spinach Sauce by Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Berry Tacos by Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles by Diabetic Foodie
• Caramelized Grapes and Brie Whole Wheat Galette by Vintage Kitchen
• Pink Water Kimchi (Nabak Kimchi) by Kimchi Mom

Desserts:

• Key Lime Cheesecake by The Foodie Army Wife
• Irish Coffee Ice Cream with Caramel Whiskey Sauce by 30A Eats
• Coconut Raspberry Layer Cake by Gotta Get Baked
• Fresh Mango Berry Mousse With Coconut Cream by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Chocolate Mint Brownies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Strawberry Sorbet by Magnolia Days
• Cadbury Creme Egg Pull-Apart Sweet Rolls by Chocolate Moosey
• Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Meyer Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches by Cravings of a Lunatic
• Lemon Roll Cake by The Ninja Baker
• Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Candied Flowers by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Lemon Citrus Cookies by Mom’s Test Kitchen
• Mini Fruit Tarts by Big Bear’s Wife
• Faux Fried Ice Cream by Neighborfood
• Watergate Salad by Cupcakes and Pearls Blog
• Good-for-You Strawberry Tiramisu Cheesecake Cups by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Beverages:

• Guinness Beer Milkshake by The Urban Mrs
• Wines to Pair with Springtime #SundaySupper Dishes by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Please be sure you join us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper. We’ll be meeting up at 7:00 p.m. EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat where we’ll talk about our favorite Springtime recipes!

All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, or you can follow us throughTweetChat!