family friendly friday

meatless sloppy joes

This is a great recipe to make for a big family.  We make the whole recipe for just the two of us, then eat sloppy joes all week long.  And don't you worry about not getting enough protein! Lentils have the third-highest protein content in the legume family (after soybeans and hemp).  I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by this sweet and spicy dish.

 

the recipe:

1 lb brown lentils
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1/2 can tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper

Cook lentils according to instructions. Meanwhile, saute onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes, until mixture reaches desired thickness.  Drain lentils, and add to sauce.  Serve on toasted buns. 

tip of the day

oregano

Oregano is the "pizza herb" of southern Italy that we're all familiar with.  But, you probably didn't know how good it is for you! Oregano is high in antioxidants and in {the overlooked} vitamin K.  It is also a great source for iron, magnesium, and fiber. It can even be used to cure stomach and respiratory ailments, and will make your sore throat feel better.  So don't be dainty! 

the recipe: 

cooked carrots

Now, I know there are no measurements for this recipe, and that's because the spices are "to taste" and the rest is determined by what's in my fridge or how many people I'm feeding.  

sliced carrots

diced onion

oregano 

salt and pepper

water

Fill the bottom of a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of water, and bring to a boil.  Add carrots, onion, oregano, and salt & pepper.  Cover and simmer until carrots are tender. 

family friendly friday

build your own pizza

When I was a kid, I used to love making homemade pizza! Something about adding your own toppings makes it taste extra yummy.  And with these healthy toppings, you can go crazy!  Believe me, when your pizza is piled high with colorful veggies, you won't even notice that there's no cheese or meat...but, if you can't wrap your head around that, go ahead and sprinkle some cheese.  

the recipe:

• Flatbread (I use whole wheat)
• Pizza sauce  
• Nutritional yeast*
•  A variety of chopped veggies:

                Spinach

                Red & yellow peppers

                Mushrooms

                Artichoke hearts

                Green onion

                Crushed pineapple

                Red Onion

Preheat oven and cookie sheet to 425.  Brush flatbread with olive oil.  Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce (without any cheese, the extra sauce is nice for adding moisture).  Add toppings, sprinkle nutritional yeast, bake for 6-7 minutes, and enjoy! 

 

Tip: Scoop the left over toppings into a bowl of spinach, lettuce, or kale and you've got yourself a fancy salad as a side!

*Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and vitamins, especially vitamin B.  It is often sold as flakes in the bulk food section, and is often used as in recipes as a cheese substitute because of its cheesy, nutty flavor. 

your wish is my command

Lately it seems like I've gotten lots of requests for healthy recipes, for good vegan dinner ideas, and for kid-friendly healthy foods.  So, to my 4 frustrated friends: your wish is my command!

Here it is -- a blog where I will compile all my best {healthy} recipes, my most creative kid's meals, and my non-scary vegan adaptions.

I love food and I love photography, and I like to be healthy, so please indulge me as I share my interests  with you.  Hopefully you can find something that will inspire you.

Stay tuned for our first recipe...what will it be??