Pumpkin, pumpkin, “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways….” Yes, I’m obsessed with pumpkin! And it’s pumpkin season! If you are a pumpkin junkie like me, then you will “fall” for this pumpkin oatmeal recipe, inspired by Lisa Lillien (aka Hungry Girl). It’s filling, super healthy, and oh, so delectable!
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, *diabetes-friendly, kid-friendly
Ok, you must be thinking…Tofu, why? Is it good? Yes, it’s really delicious, and good for you. If you’ve ever doubted tofu, this recipe will change your mind! For those new to tofu, it’s a solid, healthy, soy-milk based protein also known as bean curd. When fried, it gives you the substance and bite of something similar to a meat. My husband Dane absolutely loves this recipe because it’s full of flavor and frying up the tofu makes it crispy and so yummy. Hey, I know it’s frying, but you have to reward yourself since all these ingredients are so healthy right? =) This recipe is also very flexible, if you don’t like tofu, you can substitute it for a lean meat, and you can pretty much throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, diabetes-friendly
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
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
Fall is officially here and what better way to jump in then with seasonal vegetables like squash and apples! This recipe was inspired by one of my favorite Food Network stars, Rachael Ray. Tammy and I are constantly inspired by her vibrant personality and deliciously simple recipes. I tried Rachel’s Apple Juice Pork a few years ago and fell in love with it, so easy and so tasty. I love the contrast of tart, yet sweet, apples with pork as well, so added that in with brown sugar and cinnamon. Pork loin is a great lean, white meat alternative to chicken, and it goes especially well with these cozy Fall flavors. Try it this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, low carb
Happy Labor Day from Family Apron! This holiday marks the last official summer gathering for many, so why not grill some more before Fall comes around!? Get together with family and friends this holiday weekend and try this recipe for Glazed Chicken Sate Skewers with Peanut Sauce! The chicken is tastier and more tender the more you let it marinate, so start early! Thank you to the amazing Ellie Krieger for your inspiration on this one!
Tip: If you have leftovers, shred or chop chicken and mix with some greens and peanut sauce. This makes a yummy salad or wrap!
-Mel
Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly
We still have a few weeks of summer so I want to take advantage of the grill as much as possible. Keeping the heat out instead of inside the kitchen is always a good thing, plus who doesn’t love the smell of the smoking grill on a summer day. As I’ve mentioned before, the Mediterranean diet is super healthy, fresh and delicious, especially for those trying to avoid inflammation of the joints like my hubby. The flavors are so flavorful, yet light! I posted a recipe with chicken when we first launched the blog, but here’s a take on Mediterranean flavors with yummy seafood. Again, we have the opportunity of using my hubby’s freshly caught yellowtail!
-Mel
Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
Are you ready for a super easy, quick and tasty snack? Roasted vegetables yield so much flavor and I’d have to say that cabbage is one of my favorites! As soon as you start roasting cabbage in the oven, the smells that fly through the house are amazing. And talk about healthy…cabbage is full of antioxidants, and rich nutrients that fight cancer and inflammation. This recipe allows you to indulge in a light helping of delicious bacon and cheese, while also taking in these amazing nutrients. We foodies don’t want to deprive ourselves right??? Proportion is key! You deserve it! =)
-Mel
Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
There’s nothing like comforting, delicious chicken stock…whether it’s in a soup, gravy or rice. It flavors and is the base of so many recipes that we often find ourselves always buying boxes and boxes from the store. This can start getting expensive and the healthy boxes of stock are typically pricier. Making your own stock at home allows you to store or freeze multiple quarts for future use and you can closely control the fat, nutrition and sodium content. And it’s easy, not much chopping or peeling, just waiting for those flavor to develop. =) Here’s my recipe for a healthy and tasty stock, which also includes strong disease-fighting ingredients like ginger and turmeric. You’ll definitely get a better bang with your buck with this recipe!
That’s not all folks! You’ll not only be getting a few quarts of stock from this recipe, but also tender and flavorful slow-cooked meat that you can store for future meals. My Creamy Chicken, Broccoli and Wild/Brown Rice Casserole is inspired by my Mama’s Chicken Divan, one of her staples at potlucks growing up. Love it! It’s simple, wholesome and can satisfy the whole family. Try it this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
Chia seed pudding is one of my new obsessions. Thank you to Giada De Laurentiis for introducing me to such a simple, healthy and tasty treat! It’s a great wholesome snack to have, and especially a perfect breakfast to start off the day with. Those chia seeds are jam packed with Omega 3s, and you’ll get a load of calcium and vitamins in the milk, fruit and almonds. I’ve discovered that it’s also very flexible according to your taste, you can mix and top chia pudding with just about anything. Here is a recipe for one of my favorite combinations, Nutella and bananas!
-Mel
Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat
Family Apron 