Oh I wish, I wish, I wish I would have thought of this one myself! It’s genius! If you like the flavors of Mediterranean food, you’ll love this layer dip! It’s super easy to make. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand, so when people come over, I am able to make it in just minutes. Thank you to Dara of Cookin’ Canuck for creating this brilliant recipe that I have used over and over again.
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-friendly*
“This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween Halloween…!” This is my favorite holiday of the year, it’s so much fun I can’t stand it. Horror movies, haunted houses, costumes, candy, what can be better!? Since Halloween is only a few days away, here is a super easy and delightfully creepy recipe for a cheese ball that you can conveniently serve at your party or bring to a potluck. Everyone will recognize the charming face on it… =P
-Mel
Health tips: Cheat meal!
I was organizing my pantry and came across my empanada makers that I bought for three dollars at Ross a few years back. They’re easy enough to make without them, but it’s been a while, so I wanted to give them a try with my kiddos. I thought I’d create a healthier version of my empanadas so we didn’t have to feel guilty about eating them. For times-sake, I bought pre-made Pillsbury pie dough that you roll out yourself. I know I cannot control the sodium since it’s pre-made, so I highly suggest making your own pie dough if you have the time. But since, I made all of the other ingredients (which contained minimal sodium), I knew this recipe would be fine for my husband’s kidney diet. These contain my homemade roasted green enchilada sauce, shredded chicken breast, oh, and they’re baked, not fried…mmmmmm…Happy eating!
-Tammy
Health tips: Kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly
Ok I’m totally jumping on this opportunity, since it’s a cooler day today, to start my soup adventure with you! I absolutely love soups, I even eat soup when it’s warm =P. It’s just so comforting and tasty. This recipe is based on one of my all-time favorite soups, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana. The original recipe actually is relatively light, but I adjusted a few ingredients to make it even healthier. Fingers crossed it stays pretty cool this week so you can enjoy this ASAP!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy
I have to thank one of my favorite people for this one…Rachael Ray! She made a burger on her show a few weeks ago. I had all the ingredients in my pantry and fridge, so I had to make them for my family. And who doesn’t love a burger? Especially when you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it! They’re generally healthy already, so I didn’t need to make too many modifications. My kids usually like greens anyway, so I didn’t need to trick them. But what better way to get your kiddos to eat their vegetables?! So go ahead, eat your greens…cause they’re inside the burger!
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-friendly, kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly, low-carb (if you eat it like I did, wrapped in lettuce)
Time to get back into healthy eating! It’s gone back to being pretty hot here in So Cal, so I’ve been thinking back to the good ol’ summer days and cooking up some fresh and light meals. Oh believe me, I’m anxious for the Fall and sharing more cozy meals, but whew we need some more rain and overcast days around here! Until then, here’s a delicious recipe for a grilled fish taco and light cilantro crema. Enjoy this along with our healthy Roasted Corn Salad as a side!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, low carb, diabetes friendly
It’s October finally…and Fall…and cooler weather…our birthdays kick off this holiday season. What better way to start off the holidays with our first ever cheat meal! We always get together and cook our own Oktoberfest. Last year, we made homemade sausages. This year, we decided to make a fun cheat meal so that you can all indulge with us! How do homemade sausage slider burgers sound? Oh yeah, and they’re smothered with beer-braised onions and beer-cheese sauce! We also made Guinness mustard for fun! Don’t forget to make a side of German potato salad! PROST! (That’s “cheers” in German)!
-Tammy & Melanie
Health tips: No healthy tips for this! It’s cheat day! Enjoy!
Who doesn’t like a savory and hearty Italian dish, especially when it’s low carb? This recipe pairs traditional flavors of a Marinara sauce topped over nutritious spaghetti squash. It’s so satisfying since you get to indulge in that delicious Italian turkey sausage, yet very light with all the vegetables jam-packed with vitamins. Enjoy this cozy meal this Fall!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, low carb, diabetes friendly
We were invited to a friend’s house for football this past Sunday. I wanted to bring something that didn’t require cooking (it was a HOT day). So I decided to make my refreshing shrimp ceviche. It comes together quite fast and couldn’t’ be simpler to make. But make sure you make it at least 4 hours ahead, or even better, the night before. And when I have my shrimp ceviche, I’m going to want a Michelada to go with it! So make a Michelada with this one my friends! CHEERS!
-Tammy
Health tips: Heart healthy, kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, low carb
Family Apron 