I had firsts. Then seconds. Then thirds. And *maybe* fourths. (Perhaps it's the half marathon training and the fact that my body is just CRAVING calories! Not only am I still full-time nursing, I've decided to train for the San Antonio Rock n Roll Half Marathon that will take place in November. I think I'm burning close to 3,000 calories per day. Hence *maybe* the … [Read more...]
Homemade Lasagna with Garden Herbs
Even though most of us in our family, 80% of us to be exact, are not eating dairy foods right now, I still stock up on cheeses when on sale. This allows me to make lasagna for Steve's lunch. A 9x13 pan will last 8 lunches. I cut 4 pieces off and store them in the fridge. And the other 4 pieces go in to the freezer in individual baggies for him to enjoy later. Or whenever … [Read more...]
Beef & Bean Burgers
A few notes about this lovely meal. These were SO GOOD, but they were super crumbly...from the beans...so I would add an egg to hold the burgers together. The cilantro and lettuce are from the garden. The bread...because I had no buns in the house. And ran out of time to make them from scratch. The salsa is homemade from last year's garden. (Canned, of course.) … [Read more...]
Homemade Coconut Mango Popsicles
These homemade coconut mango popsicles are the perfect treat for any age! So Tyler had his first popsicle yesterday. Just in time for summer!!! I hadn't planned on letting him have a taste...it just sorta happened. I sat down to nurse him with a popsicle of my own in hand and he had NO interest in what I had to offer him and kept eying my popsicle. And by … [Read more...]
Blackberry Vinaigrette Recipe
See how easy it is to make a homemade vinaigrette dressing - this Blackberry Vinaigrette is delicious! How to Make Blackberry Vinaigrette Dressing Puree. Strain. Press out the blackberry juice. Add blackberry juice with the oil and vinegar. Mix mix mix. Pour over your salad. Enjoy! Blackberry Vinaigrette Recipe A … [Read more...]
Three Bean Crispy Tacos
We've talked about adding beans to taco meat to stretch the protein out a little further. But now, it's time to take it even further. To "three bean" tacos. So my idea for "three bean tacos" turned into a "two bean" taco! If you look close enough, you'll notice that there are only 2 beans in these tacos. Only the black beans and pinto beans made the cut. I … [Read more...]
How to Roast Asparagus
Learn the hacks for how to roast asparagus to perfection - and it'll be your new favorite side dish. I love asparagus. And I especially love it when it's on sale for $.99/lb. Because then I'll actually buy it! Hooray for saving money on produce. When it is on sale at that price (or close to it), I'll get enough for 2-3 meals that week. The … [Read more...]
Grilled Chicken Spinach Pesto Pasta
I've been waiting. And waiting. And waiting...to try this pasta! A l-o-n-g time ago, I made some Spinach Pesto from the garden. And it's been patiently waiting in the freezer for me. To eat it! *I wish I had not waited until now!* The reason I've been waiting...I didn't think the boys would go for "green pasta" for dinner. They like green foods. Broccoli, peas, green … [Read more...]
Pepperoni Calzones
These didn't stay on our plates very long! And, they are completely freezer friendly, so be sure to make a big batch and freeze for a future meal! (Freeze after baking.) Pepperoni Calzones These are just so fun and so delicious! 1 cup water1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt1 cup whole wheat flour2 cups white flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp … [Read more...]
Homemade Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
I was inspired. You see. I like salad. I like lettuce. But straight iceberg lettuce is tough to swallow. It's just so bland. But it's cheap. And a great base for salads. What if I topped it with some STRONG homemade garlic ranch dressing. Like this... A match made in heaven. Be warned: You will suffer from "garlic breath" after eating this. But the fullness of … [Read more...]