Cooking
Tortilla Stew – The Perfect Survival Meal for the Busy Mom
Taking a meal or groceries to a new mom is one of the greatest stress relievers. Thinking of what food to prepare for meals, let alone choosing what to eat day to day, was very difficult for me when I first became a mom. There are so many things at play – sleep deprivation, having to take the baby out to get groceries, not having the time to prepare a meal – so to have someone simply say that they will bring over dinner is such a relief! This is one of my favorite meals to make with a busy toddler and not always having the time I would like to prepare dinner. It is a “Throw everything thing in the crockpot, turn it on, and leave it kind of a meal” and it is delicious, making it a perfect meal for your own family in your busy life or to make for a new mom in need!
Ingredients:
1 Can of Tomato Sauce
1 Can of Stewed Tomatoes
2-4 Chicken Breasts (depending on how big they are)
1 Cup of Salsa
2 Cans of Kidney Beans (or Black Beans), drained
1 Can of Corn, drained
On the Side:
Shredded Cheese
Spinach
Cilantro
Whole Wheat Tortillas (I’ve really been liking the Whole Wheat Corn & Flour Tortillas from TJs)
Chips
Salsa
Veggies: Carrots, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers
Optional: Add another can of Stewed Tomatoes, Add more beans or a variety of beans, Tapatio Sauce (my hubby likes to add this to his stew for more of a kick)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot in the order specified above.
- Cook on Low for 8 hours. Stir every few hours. In the last hour, shred the chicken and stir.
- Serve in bowls with side options to sprinkle on top (cheese,
The Perfect Mother’s Day Breakfast-Helping your Family Establish Wonderful Traditions
Mother’s Day is one of the BEST days of the year! BUT, it can also be one of the most stressful days of the year for Moms caught in the middle…..balancing celebrating your own mom, your MIL (if you are so blessed to have a MIL), and being the focus of your own family’s celebration. Allowing your immediate family to creatively organize your celebration is vital to “growing up” strong and responsible children. Releasing control of the “meals” for a holiday celebration may be challenging to many moms. So here are some suggestions that might make it easier for you to let go, relax and give your family the opportunity to celebrate you!
Besides hinting that a new plant for your garden might be just the perfect gift…..Here are a few tricks I have tried that make for a fabulous Mother’s Day in the food department. Have many of your favorite foods on hand and already prepared so the “surprise” breakfast in bed can actually include many of YOUR favorite things. (No offense intended towards all those well-meaning husbands and children that prepare their favorite pancakes, waffles, etc. to serve to their moms). I personally love fresh fruit, granola and yogurt, or muffins, scones and coffee (Peet’s of course) or even oatmeal with lots of toppings as my favorite picks for breakfast. I do love a great veggie omelet so if you have a hubby or kids that are so inclined…let them take a stab at that. Of course make sure all your favorite veggies are in the vegetable drawer. Or you can whip up a batch of our family’s favorite Easy Egg Bake and have it all ready made in the refrigerator for the family to cut, heat and serve on your “breakfast in bed” tray.
Here are links …
Read MoreRefresh Your Next Easter Celebration with a Passover Seder
When I was growing up, my family celebrated Passover-led by my wonderful Jewish grandfather. I did not realize the incredible richness and depth of importance in the details of the Seder service until I was in my teens, after I had become a follower of Jesus. Although the Passover celebration is a Jewish festival, it holds deep significance and meaning for believers who call themselves Christians. So this Easter season, our life group from our church decided to have a Seder dinner, and the next night we attended a Seder dinner held at the Messianic Jewish Congregation gathering in a nearby town. Adding the Passover Seder dinner as part of our Easter festivities has enhanced my appreciation of the significance of all the events surrounding the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Every detail is a fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures as I truly believe that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb that came to redeem all people.
Passover (Hebrew word is pesach) occurs in the Spring. The Passover Haggadah (haggadah literally means “the telling”) contains the complete liturgy and instructions for the ceremonial Seder (order of service). Historically, Haggadahs have been written and revised numerous times, but the basic theme of God’s redemption of the nation of Israel from bondage to Egypt remains constant. Most of the ceremonial practices of the modern Seder have been in place since the late Second Temple period (second temple period was 530 BCE to 70 AD).
For thousands of years, even up to the present, the Jewish people have believed that God would again send redemption on Passover. Redemption did arrive on the very day they were looking for it, but it took a surprising shape. For God had engineered a far greater liberation than they had imagined–freedom not just …
Read MoreFreekeh Salad-A New Taste in an Easter Picnic or Brunch side dish
Easter Brunch or Picnic Fun—-Freekah Salad
Easter is a fun day to gather with friends and family. There are many traditions that make that day extra special. Being outdoors and celebrating resurrection Sunday with a picnic and time together is part of the way we like to remember the true meaning of Easter. New life, new beginnings and the opportunity to experience God in a fresh new way was made possible when Jesus died on the cross and came to life again on resurrection day!
Here is a new recipe that I tried last week and will make for our Resurrection Sunday/Easter picnic. It is made out of a grain called Freekeh. Freekeh (or farik) is ancient food made from green durum wheat that has been harvested early, while the grains are still tender and green. The kernels are then parched, roasted, dried and rubbed to create its unique flavor. It is a healthy whole grain food, much like bulgur wheat and often mentioned right alongside other superfood heroes like quinoa, spelt, amaranth and farro. 
Technically, the term freekeh is actually the name of a process used to prepare grains, and not the name of a specific grain variety. According to food lore, freekeh’s fiery story dates back thousands of years, possibly as far back as 2,300 BC. Allegedly, a Middle Eastern village came under enemy attack and their crops of young, green wheat caught fire during the siege. The villagers ingeniously found they were able to salvage their food supply by rubbing away the burned chaff to reveal the roasted wheat kernels inside. This is what we know today as freekeh, which means “to rub” or “the rubbed one. However, it typically refers to wheat, and generally to durum wheat. So, although the freekeh process can be applied …
Chili Chicken Stew-Creative Meals that Multiply for Busy Families
Spring is in the air and families are beginning the frenzy of evenings filled with sports practices, games, spring music concerts and all sorts of activities. As a mom who prefers not to grab fast food for her family on the way to or from all the evening activities….we have to have a strategy. When we were in the flow of 4 girls doing multiple activities and I felt like I was driving circles around our community, I came up with a creative strategy of “meals that multiply“. This is the first installment of some of the meals I made regularly that literally lasted for a week and the family never knew that our dinners came from the same big pot of stew.
Chili Chicken Stew (Crockpot or stovetop)
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into pieces if cooking in a pot on stove)
1 large onion chopped
1 yellow, orange or red pepper chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped or pressed
2 Tbs oil
2 (15oz) cans stewed tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans
1-2 cups pace picante sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1-2 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
Place whole chicken breasts, fresh or frozen, in the crockpot. Put all remaining ingredients in the order listed in crock pot and cook on low 6 hours. Remove chicken from stew and shred. Place back into crock pot, mix and serve. 
To make on stovetop, cut chicken into bite sized pieces and cook chicken, onion, pepper, and garlic in oil in a large pot until chicken is white and no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 2-3 hours. This chili chicken stew can be made the day before and freezes well.
Now here is where the magic begins……This one pot of chili chicken stew can be …
Anti-Inflammatory Foods and a Guide to Help YOU Get Started
Many of the foods on the anti-inflammation list are vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and non-animal based foods. Anti-inflammatory foods reduce the levels of inflammation in the body. When you eat anti-inflammatory foods at each meal, you can help protect your body one meal at a time.
“All disease is rooted in chronic inflammation in the body. Diabetes and obesity are now linked with chronic inflammation. Researchers have long known heart disease and inflammation were intrinsically tied and even cancers are perpetuated by chronic inflammation. Eliminate inflammation in the body, and disease begins to improve.” says Julie Daniluk, R.H.N.
Here is my list: (the anti-inflammatory nutrient is listed when available)
VEGETABLES
Kale (Omega 3)
Spinach (magnesium, calcium, folate, Vit A,B2,B6,C,K, iron)
Broccoli (sulforaphane)
Cauliflower (sulforaphane)
Brussel sprouts (sulforaphane)
Sweet potato (beta carotene, managanese, Vit B6,C)
Shitake mushrooms
Purple cabbage
Squash (carotenoids)
Tomatoes
FRUITS
Blueberries (phytonutrients)
Strawberries (phytonutrients)
Cranberries (phytonutrients)
Blackberries (phytonutrients)
Grapes
Papaya (papain)
Pineapple (bromelain)
SPICES/SEEDS/NUTS
Tumeric (cucurumin)
Ginger
Garlic
Flax seed
Chia seed (omega 3, protein and fiber)
Sesame seeds (plant sterols, Vit B1,B3,E calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese)
Hemp seeds (plant sterols, Vit B1,B3,E, calcium, Omega 3 and 6, iron, magnesium, manganese)
Walnuts
Sprouted sunflower seeds (omega 6, potassium, magnesium, iron)
OTHERS
Wild Salmon (EPA, DHA, Omega 3)
Olive oil
Avocado oil (polyphenols)
Green Tea (flavinoids)
Kelp (fucoidan)
Dark Chocolate (antioxidants, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron)
A few of the things I am going to make a commitment to cutting down on or removing totally from my diet are as follows:
Refined sugar
Transfat
Polyunsturated fats
Hydrogenated fats (including vegetable shortening)
Feed lot meat
Processed meat
Refined grains
Food additives
Here is a guide to help you with transforming your eating habits. Take one step at a time. Change what is logical for your lifestyle. This information is key to …
Read More11 Spices to Boost your Health and a Secret Recipe for a Spicy Salad Dressing
Spices are a common part of all cultural culinary preparation. While spices are often added to each dish in small amounts in comparison to many other ingredients, they are one of the most power-packed ingredients in a meal. Spices are loaded with powerful antioxidants that serve to protect your body from environmental compounds so that you can stay healthy and energized. Listed below are 11 of the most common spices that can enhance your health.
Nutmeg
Throughout ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations utilized nutmeg like a brain tonic. Nutmeg contains the essential oils myristicin and macelignan. These compounds have been shown to improve cognitive function and decrease the degredation of neural pathways. Known for its ability to detoxify the body, nutmeg can help cleanse the liver and kidney. The ancient Chinese utilized nutmeg oil as a balm for muscle pain, joint pain and other inflammatory processes that produce pain in the body. Nutmeg has anti-bacterial qualities so can help with gum problems and toothaches and is found as an ingredient in many toothpastes. Nutmeg can be used as a digestive aid if you suffer from stomachaches, bloating, and gas. Nutmeg is a spice that you can add to any cleanse, power drink, coffee and even your tea. Sipping on some nutmeg tea before bed can help increase your body’s ability to calm down for a good night sleep, due to high concentration of magnesium.
Cayenne Pepper
The primary ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin, which is a compound that has been known to fight fat storage in the body to help you lose weight. The main mechanism of action for the fat burning properties of capsaicin is an increased thermic effect A positive thermic effect can burn calories, shred fat, and help you to lose weight. Consider adding a …
Living Healthy
Do you find yourself trying to eat healthy and trying to cook for a family at the same time? Does your husband need more food? Are your kids picky? Well here are some healthy alternatives to go with some traditional meals. You can cook the traditional for the family and make yourself some extra veggies/salad/etc. on the side.
- Spaghetti/Pasta/Italian
- Spaghetti Squash or Zoodles (Zuchinni Noodles)
- Meat: Chicken Sausage or Ground Turkey Meatballs
- Chicken Cacciatore in Crockpot
- Eggplant or Zucchini Lasagna
- Use tomato sauce rather than cream sauce
- BBQ
- BBQ Chicken sandwiches for the family, BBQ chicken salad for yourself
- Cut the cornbread and heavy sides and do salad on the side
- BBQ chicken in crockpot
- Lettuce wrap the meat
- Use flat bread buns
- Mexican
- Lettuce Wrap Tacos
- Cook fajitas with lots of veggies
- Light on sour cream, cheese
- Asian
- Cook a big stir fry vegetable dish
- Cook teriyaki chicken in the crock pot
- Do lettuce wraps for yourself rice for the family
- Quinoa is always a great healthy alternative
- Use stir fried meats rather than fried
- Pizza
- Crust made out of cauliflower, zucchini, whole wheat
- Eat a big salad with your pizza to cut down on slices
- Do build your own pizzas and let family members put their own toppings of their choosing
- Use thin pizza crust
- Soups
- Make soups heavy broth soups instead of creamy
- Let people add their own sour cream, cheese, toppings, etc.
- Blend cooked vegetables to make broth thicker
- Salads
- Let people dress their own salads, Use vinaigrettes for yourself
- Use nuts/fruit instead of croutons/sesame sticks/chips
- Breakfast
- Use partial egg whites with eggs
- Add vegetables to eggs
- Oatmeal with cinnamon instead of sugar
- Muffin cups with separate toppings
- Healthy whole grain cereals
- Yogurt and light granola
- Eat fruit with protein
- Whole grain toast
And just …
Read MoreCurried Chickpea Chicken Stew: Cooking Healthy with a Modified Kitchen
As some of you may know, I have been operating our home with a “remodeling in process” kitchen. Due to an unfortunate mystery leak from the back corner of our 30 year old refrigerator, we have a forced kitchen repair in progress. We decided it was due time to do some remodeling, so we have turned our unfortunate event into a blessing of a new kitchen. I have spent the past few months learning a whole new vocabulary as I have become educated in appliances, countertops, backsplashes, hoods, knobs and pulls, etc….the list goes on and on. We are approaching the demolition day and I am getting excited to see how it all turns out. In the meantime…I have been cooking in a small space that I set up in my laundry room and a tiny bit of available countertop space in the kitchen. I have had to be very creative with the recipes I have tried because most of my kitchen supplies are packed away in bins in the playroom.
So, in honor of “National Nutrition Month” I have been experimenting with healthy Crock Pot meals. My favorite one to date is Curried Chickpea Chicken Stew.
Ingredients
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken (you can use a combo of breasts and thighs)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 onions chopped fine
4 cloves garlic smashed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons curry powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes undrained
2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
2-3 cups chicken broth
In a saucepan heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add salt, pepper, curry and cumin and stir on low until combined. Pour this mixture into crockpot. Add chicken, garbanzo beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Cook on low for 8 hours …
Read MoreLight Minestrone
On these rainy and cold winter nights, one of our favorite things to have for dinner is a big bowl of steaming hot soup. This recipe is loaded with healthy veggies and has a fresh and light flavor. The addition of a small scoop of pesto and a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top adds a special richness and yummy flavor. This soup freezes well for at least 2 months, so I made a big double batch of this to put in my freezer. i will be sharing freezer-friendly recipes like this over the next few weeks as I get ready for our kitchen remodel.
NEW LIGHT MINESTRONE
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced leek, white and light green parts only (about 2 leeks)
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 cup thinly sliced celery
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups unsalted chicken stock or vegetable stock
1 (14.5-ounce) can unsalted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5-ounce) can unsalted cannellini beans, rinsed, drained, and divided
2 cups chopped yellow squash
2 cups chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup uncooked pasta
5 ounces Lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
1 Tablespoon oregano or Italian seasonings (adjust as needed)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper or to taste
1/4 cup homemade or high quality pesto (Trader Joe’s)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1. Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add leek, carrot, celery, and garlic; cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add stock and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Place 1 cup cannellini beans in a small bowl; mash with a fork. Add …
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