Tomorrow is the first of December. The holiday craze is now upon us. On my drive home last night from Vermont, many cars had Christmas trees attached to their roofs. During my morning run I saw many homes decorated with lights and wreaths. The stores have been ready for weeks with holiday decorations, wrapping paper, candy and calendars. I am not yet in Christmas mode. Still savoring Thanksgiving, but I know soon I will be decorating, shopping, baking, and planning busily just like most of you. Each year I tell myself to scale down and try and live more "simply". This year I really mean business! The kids made their lists. We tried something new this year. Their lists read: "something I want, something I need, something to share, and something to read." I will do my best to stick to their lists and not add all the unnecessary "fluff " and fillers. I would love to incorporate the idea of living simply into many areas of my life. I want to purge the house of things that have not been used in years--clothes, equipment, old furniture, and boxed food items that have too much shelf life. It's a big project, but I think I'm up for it!
Before heading to the market this morning, I reminded myself of simplicity. So this week's meals are basic. Clean and simple meals with real ingredients. We're staring off December on the right foot!
Monday: Caesar Salad with wild salmon rather then chicken. Granddaddy's homemade dressing and croutons will be made.
Tuesday: Roasted chicken with butternut squash, brussel sprouts and parsnips.
Wednesday: Beef stir fry with broccoli, carrots, onions, and brown rice noodles.
Thursday: Shrimp risotto with mushrooms, garlic and scallions.
Friday: Turkey black bean chili with red peppers, carrots and zucchini.
Saturday: Design your own pizza with lots of toppings like grilled chicken, pesto, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, arugula, etc! Fun to be creative.
Sunday: Linguine with clam sauce.
For the dinners that do not have many veggies in it, I always cut up some vegetables and fruits and have them in a bowl on the center of the table. Some of my kids' favorites are red peppers, snap peas, cauliflower, cucumbers, pink grapefruit wedges and red pear. In my experience with my children, the more exposed they were to fruits and veggies, the more they chose them at the table.
Would love to hear what works for your family. Please keep the sharing coming! Happy December all. Enjoy the holiday season and keep in mind "simple"!
Donna
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
True or False
As you may have guessed, the answer is true. Many people throw their fitness routines out the door during the holiday season which makes me so sad and frustrated! It's during these busy and somewhat stressful times that we need exercise the most....peace of mind, energy, a boost to the immune system, & stress reliever.
Thanksgiving is my favorite and I love holiday parties, but indulging in every craving and abandoning your fitness routine will only make facing reality come the New Year much harder! We need to live and enjoy this time of year, so try and remember balance.
Tips for success during the holidays:
Hoping these reminders are helpful, and you can put them into practice.
Yours in health,
Donna
Thanksgiving is my favorite and I love holiday parties, but indulging in every craving and abandoning your fitness routine will only make facing reality come the New Year much harder! We need to live and enjoy this time of year, so try and remember balance.
Tips for success during the holidays:
- make exercise a priority--pencil it in your calendar!
- fill up on the healthy dishes first like the turkey, veggies & salads
- sample the heavier calorie laden dishes
- choose wisely--a sliver of 3 different desserts vs. 3 slices of each
- drink plenty of water
- be mindful
Yours in health,
Donna
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Meals at a glance...
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love being with my family in Vermont and enjoying our time together. No stress over presents--yet--just enjoying good company and good food. My sister in Vermont opened a store that sells olive oils, vinegars, wine, prepared food like homemade pastas and soups, fresh food made daily, and even some of my Mom's pottery! I have yet to see the store since she opened last February so I am excited to visit and perhaps do some Christmas shopping there. Some of my favorite oils have been the Persian lime infused oil and the lemon infused oil. I use them constantly to marinate fish, chicken or beef and as salad dressings. Paired with a good balsamic there is no need to buy bottled salad dressings. My favorite balsamic is the dark cherry and the fig. Anyone want me to pick them up some to try?? Place your orders!
Since we will be having a short week at home, our weekly meal planning was fairly easy this week. The kids all knew what they wanted wish made the grocery shopping very easy.
Monday: Fish Po' Boys--ingredients needed---flounder, corn meal, good bread, your choice of toppings! We're making tartar sauce, lettuce, & tomatoes. Side dish of chick pea salad.
Tuesday: Flank Steak with red smashed potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash
Wednesday: homemade Italian Wedding Soup (Giada's recipe)
Thursday; Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Friday: If I were home, I'd make turkey noodle soup and panini sandwiches.
Saturday: Pumpkin soup from my freezer to have when we return.
Sunday: Pasta with pesto, potatoes & green beans.
Enjoy this special holiday. Remember to savor all the different flavors and take your time eating. Wait before you go and take seconds, let your body digest!
If you have a favorite recipe you use for a side or main dish over the holidays, please share! Always fun to have something new to bring to the table.
Donna
Since we will be having a short week at home, our weekly meal planning was fairly easy this week. The kids all knew what they wanted wish made the grocery shopping very easy.
Monday: Fish Po' Boys--ingredients needed---flounder, corn meal, good bread, your choice of toppings! We're making tartar sauce, lettuce, & tomatoes. Side dish of chick pea salad.
Tuesday: Flank Steak with red smashed potatoes and roasted brussel sprouts and butternut squash
Wednesday: homemade Italian Wedding Soup (Giada's recipe)
Thursday; Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Friday: If I were home, I'd make turkey noodle soup and panini sandwiches.
Saturday: Pumpkin soup from my freezer to have when we return.
Sunday: Pasta with pesto, potatoes & green beans.
Enjoy this special holiday. Remember to savor all the different flavors and take your time eating. Wait before you go and take seconds, let your body digest!
If you have a favorite recipe you use for a side or main dish over the holidays, please share! Always fun to have something new to bring to the table.
Donna
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Meals at a glance....
It seems as though winter is here and may be here to stay! It was a tease to be in the Florida keys last weekend, but was so nice to feel the warm sun. Lots of outdoor activities to enjoy which increased my appetite! I ate well with the variety of fresh produce to choose from and the selection of fresh fish. Fish was the main entree at most restaurants, so it was a pleasure to dine out.
It's been back to reality though and vacation is over! I know so many people feel this way, but once all 4 kids are home from school I find myself driving in all different directions! Eating together as a family is challenging, but luckily the kids activities have fallen either before or after dinner time. Sometimes we eat on the late side, but I offer fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers as an early appetizer to hold them over until dinner. Our system of kids choosing their dinner continues to work well. Some have been expanding their taste buds and trying new things which is one of the goals. Next week is parent teacher conferences so half days all week long. More time for the kids to help out in the kitchen!
Our week ahead looks like this....
Monday: Spaghetti Carbonara-a lighter version of this popular dish
Tuesday: Butternut Squash Soup, good dipping bread and a salad with "everything" in it (my daughters favorite to have sunflower seeds, broccoli slaw, crasins, avocado--you name it and it's in there!)
Wednesday: Grilled chicken sandwiches with pesto, tomato and mozzarella cheese on whole grain Chiabatta bread
Thursday: a new regular--Baked Potato Bar which includes eggs over easy, bacon, broccoli, cheeses, scallions, etc.
Friday: Pizza Bar--homemade individual pizzas with lots of toppings! My favorite is arugula.
Saturday: breaking out the crock pot and trying a friend's dish. She has no recipe but claims she throws boneless and skinless chicken thighs into a crockpot. Adds sliced red peppers, white beans, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter,and cilantro. She lets it sit and cook then shreds the chicken. I had it once and it was amazing! Hoping I'm not leaving anything out. This will be an experiment and I will give you a review next week! Serving it with brown rice and tortilla chips.
Sunday: Baked quinoa and roasted veggies--a nice alternative to lasagna.
Please let me know if anything is of interest to you and I'll send the recipe along--except for the chicken one--let me get that right first!
Enjoy the week ahead all! As always, please share what you're creating in your kitchen!
Best,
Donna
It's been back to reality though and vacation is over! I know so many people feel this way, but once all 4 kids are home from school I find myself driving in all different directions! Eating together as a family is challenging, but luckily the kids activities have fallen either before or after dinner time. Sometimes we eat on the late side, but I offer fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers as an early appetizer to hold them over until dinner. Our system of kids choosing their dinner continues to work well. Some have been expanding their taste buds and trying new things which is one of the goals. Next week is parent teacher conferences so half days all week long. More time for the kids to help out in the kitchen!
Our week ahead looks like this....
Monday: Spaghetti Carbonara-a lighter version of this popular dish
Tuesday: Butternut Squash Soup, good dipping bread and a salad with "everything" in it (my daughters favorite to have sunflower seeds, broccoli slaw, crasins, avocado--you name it and it's in there!)
Wednesday: Grilled chicken sandwiches with pesto, tomato and mozzarella cheese on whole grain Chiabatta bread
Thursday: a new regular--Baked Potato Bar which includes eggs over easy, bacon, broccoli, cheeses, scallions, etc.
Friday: Pizza Bar--homemade individual pizzas with lots of toppings! My favorite is arugula.
Saturday: breaking out the crock pot and trying a friend's dish. She has no recipe but claims she throws boneless and skinless chicken thighs into a crockpot. Adds sliced red peppers, white beans, coconut milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter,and cilantro. She lets it sit and cook then shreds the chicken. I had it once and it was amazing! Hoping I'm not leaving anything out. This will be an experiment and I will give you a review next week! Serving it with brown rice and tortilla chips.
Sunday: Baked quinoa and roasted veggies--a nice alternative to lasagna.
Please let me know if anything is of interest to you and I'll send the recipe along--except for the chicken one--let me get that right first!
Enjoy the week ahead all! As always, please share what you're creating in your kitchen!
Best,
Donna
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Shake up your snack time...
This week's "Meals at A Glance" focuses on snacks. We want quick and easy and also healthy choices for ourselves and our family members. Opening a box or bag is definitely fast and simple, but usually not healthy.
I was looking through my pile of magazines trying to see which ones I could recycle. I stumbled across a dated Real Simple Family edition and rediscovered some of these recipes. They take longer than opening a box, but are definitely easy, healthy, and delicious!
Some of my favorite and kid tested....
nut-free no bake energy bars
I was looking through my pile of magazines trying to see which ones I could recycle. I stumbled across a dated Real Simple Family edition and rediscovered some of these recipes. They take longer than opening a box, but are definitely easy, healthy, and delicious!
Some of my favorite and kid tested....
nut-free no bake energy bars
Ingredients
1 1/2
cups
cups pitted dates (about 13 ounces), chopped
2 1/4
cups
old-fashioned rolled oats
1
cup
raw sunflower seeds*
2/3
cup
wheat germ
1
cup
raisins
6
tablespoons
(¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/4
cup
pure maple syrup
1/2
teaspoon
fine salt
Directions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment.
- Pour ¼ cup boiling water over the dates in a small bowl and let soak until very soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toss the oats, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing once, until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Stir together the toasted oats, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ with the raisins, butter, maple syrup, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the dates and knead with your hands until everything is sticky and coated.
- Press the mixture into a flat layer in the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. Cut into 24 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
*Check to be sure that the sunflower seeds were processed in a nut-free facility.
Parmesan Pita Crisps
Split one 6-inch whole wheat pita. Brush with 1 T. soft unsalted butter; sprinkle with 3T. grated Parmesan and a pinch of dried oregano. Season with salt. Cut into triangles. Broil until golden, 1-3 minutes. Serve warm
Creamy Yogurt dip with Vegetables
Mix together 2/3c. plain Greek yogurt and 1 T. each olive oil and chopped dill. Season with salt. Serve with fresh vegetables.
Eda-Mommy Dip
Cook 2/3 cup shelled edamame. Puree with 1/2 ripe avocado, 8 basil leaves, 1T. olive oil, 1/2 t. lemon zest, 1 T. lemon juice, and 1/4 c water in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Season with salt. Serve with crostini or cut up vegetables. Can be refrigerated up to 2 days.
Some other easy choices to have in fridge---cheese sticks, Greek yogurts, hard boiled eggs, apples and peanut butter, hummus and veggies.
I hope these are appealing. I think they are worth the extra time to make, and I hope you agree!
Happy snacking...
Donna
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Meals at a glance...
Colder weather has arrived! Although I do not look forward to paying the heating bills, I do enjoy the colder weather. Soup and chili's go perfectly with the cold weather! I am not a big crock pot user, but may have to break it out now and experiment.
My kids love hot chocolate in the morning during the winter. I am picky about what I use since so many of the brands have added chemicals and preservatives. I have tried to make it in a pot with just unsweetened cocoa powder, but that doesn't usually go over too well. I normally buy "Silly Cow Farm" hot chocolate. It comes in a cute little glass milk bottle. There are a few flavors like peppermint, pumpkin, and marshmallow creme. It is a little on the pricey side for me but worth it because I can read and pronounce all the ingredients. I just saw that Swiss Miss makes a "simply" hot chocolate now as well. We tried it this morning to bring to a soccer game and all kids loved it. I am so happy to see that more brands are becoming aware of the ingredients they use. I hope this "simple" concept continues to grow and more brands realize that consumers want "real" ingredients.
With the colder weather here this week has some comfort foods for dinner. Many meals I can prep ahead of time so the early evening is not so crazy. Some recipes are new for me, but did not seem too difficult to make! Last week's hits were the Chicken Caesar salad, chili and risotto. What's working in your house? Please keep the sharing coming.
Our week ahead looks like this---
Monday: Beer-Braised Beef with Potatoes and Cabbage--new one for me. Found it in November Family Circle under article ,"Healthy Family Dinners". I think I may make some changes, like switching the cabbage with cauliflower. Not a big beef stew fan, but this recipe looks really good.
Tuesday: Pasta with chicken and creamy sauce and a mixed green salad
Wednesday: Surf and turf--Grilled shrimp and steak over jasmine rice and steamed veggies
Thursday; Fritata (baked omelet- like dish with cheese and veggies, kind of like a quiche?!)
Friday: Homemade pizza night--the grilled chicken pesto was a hit so we're doing that again
Weekend: Grandma and Aunt babysitting for weekend--kids requested Grandma's risotto and homemade meatballs & pasta sauce. A carb overload weekend, but whatever makes them happy when we're away!
Hoping you all stay warm and enjoy the week ahead!
As always, shout out if a meal looks intriguing to you and you'd like the recipe. I'm happy to send it along.
Donna
My kids love hot chocolate in the morning during the winter. I am picky about what I use since so many of the brands have added chemicals and preservatives. I have tried to make it in a pot with just unsweetened cocoa powder, but that doesn't usually go over too well. I normally buy "Silly Cow Farm" hot chocolate. It comes in a cute little glass milk bottle. There are a few flavors like peppermint, pumpkin, and marshmallow creme. It is a little on the pricey side for me but worth it because I can read and pronounce all the ingredients. I just saw that Swiss Miss makes a "simply" hot chocolate now as well. We tried it this morning to bring to a soccer game and all kids loved it. I am so happy to see that more brands are becoming aware of the ingredients they use. I hope this "simple" concept continues to grow and more brands realize that consumers want "real" ingredients.
With the colder weather here this week has some comfort foods for dinner. Many meals I can prep ahead of time so the early evening is not so crazy. Some recipes are new for me, but did not seem too difficult to make! Last week's hits were the Chicken Caesar salad, chili and risotto. What's working in your house? Please keep the sharing coming.
Our week ahead looks like this---
Monday: Beer-Braised Beef with Potatoes and Cabbage--new one for me. Found it in November Family Circle under article ,"Healthy Family Dinners". I think I may make some changes, like switching the cabbage with cauliflower. Not a big beef stew fan, but this recipe looks really good.
Tuesday: Pasta with chicken and creamy sauce and a mixed green salad
Wednesday: Surf and turf--Grilled shrimp and steak over jasmine rice and steamed veggies
Thursday; Fritata (baked omelet- like dish with cheese and veggies, kind of like a quiche?!)
Friday: Homemade pizza night--the grilled chicken pesto was a hit so we're doing that again
Weekend: Grandma and Aunt babysitting for weekend--kids requested Grandma's risotto and homemade meatballs & pasta sauce. A carb overload weekend, but whatever makes them happy when we're away!
Hoping you all stay warm and enjoy the week ahead!
As always, shout out if a meal looks intriguing to you and you'd like the recipe. I'm happy to send it along.
Donna
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