Sometimes I want something sweet for breakfast and sometimes I want something savory. Either way, I try to have a healthy, filling breakfast to start my day. I like balance and my breakfast toast with a hardboiled egg is the perfect savory breakfast to start my day.
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes friendly, kidney friendly*, low carb
Low carb zucchini lasagna? Yes, please! My mother-in-law makes the best traditional lasagna with meat sauce. It’s fabulous! However, she was recently diagnosed with diabetes and cannot have her lasagna as often. I wanted to make a healthier version so when she comes to visit, I can make this for her and she doesn’t have to feel guilty about eating it! I invited my neighbor and her boys over to share this meal with my family. She said “Tammy, you out-did yourself”. They all went back for seconds!
Lasagna is usually not a quick 30 minute meal, although you can always use your favorite jarred pasta sauce to make this recipe move faster. But I highly recommend you make mine. So when you have some time on a Sunday, I suggest you open a bottle of wine, make this lasagna and enjoy the end of your day with this meal.
-Tammy
Health tips: low carb, diabetes friendly, kid friendly
Did I mention I love Italian food?! =) Shrimp Scampi is one of those traditional, luxurious dishes that is a favorite among many. But often times, the rich sauce and pasta served alongside, makes you feel guilty after devouring it all. Here’s my fresh take on the favorite with a lighter sauce, served alongside some tasty greens that you can feel good about. You will not miss the flavor of Scampi and I feel like it’s just as comforting with the warm salad. After all, the best part is the shrimp, and they’ll be an even bigger star in this dish! Topped off with some nutty parmesan cheese, you won’t be missing that extra butter and pasta!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly, heart healthyRead More »
We asked all of our followers what recipes they would love to see more of in this coming new year. One of the requests was for stuffed bell peppers. Since its winter (and I was thinking comfort food), I decided to make my stuffed bell pepper soup. By using no or low salt ingredients, this recipe is also great for someone who has kidney disease. And if you have diabetes, you can lessen the amount of rice you add to your soup for a lower carb option. So enjoy this guiltless soup! Oh, and if your kiddos love stuffed bell peppers, they will love this soup too!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney friendly*, diabetes friendly, low carb**
I was inspired by the wonderful Rachael Ray for this delicious recipe. It’s a nice light change to the traditional tomato-based beef chilis, instead using white beans, chicken and poblano peppers for some kick. I cook it in the slow-cooker so I can set it and forget it, and then enjoy it on a cold night. So simple and comforting!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, low carb, anti-inflammatory, diabetes friendly, heart healthyRead More »
It’s a brand new year and a new start! We’re so excited over here at Family Apron to share a brand new set of healthy recipes with you. Our goal this year is to share recipes that are not only healthy, but also easy, delicious and nostalgic of popular favorites. =) One of my absolute favorite cravings are the Jalapeño Poppers over at Jack in the Box, I swear if I could eat those everyday, I would! But unfortunately, nope I can not! This recipe takes those amazing flavors, and transforms them into a light, wholesome dish. Looking forward to a great 2016 with you!
-Mel
Health tips: Low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendly, low fat
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away… I can’t wait for all the goodies to devour! This side dish was inspired by a visit I had to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse a couple months ago with some great friends as we “held court”(Our weekly meet up to catch up on the week and vent!). Brussel sprouts often get a bad wrap, but if they are so good for you! And, if you season and mix them up with just the right ingredients such as bacon, mayo and Sriracha, you can’t go wrong. You deserve a little indulgence if you eat your greens…Try this super easy and delicious recipe for your Christmas dinner!
-Mel
Health tips: Diabetes-friendly, anti-inflammatory, low carb
Tomatoes, garlic and basil, oh my! These three things go together like a good three-piece suit. Throw in a few extra ingredients, and you have yourself a delicious topping to add onto a cute little piece of toasted bread (which toasted bread itself is actually called bruschetta).
I work at an elementary school…yup, I’m a teacher! We were celebrating birthdays for the month of December. I needed something I could feed a ton of people with. I decided to create a “build-your-own bruschetta bar”. Basically, I put out a pile of little sliced pieces of toasted baguette (bruschetta), and tons of toppings (classic tomato bruschetta topping, roasted garlic, 3 different kinds of goat cheeses, jams, pesto, herbs, and honey). Super simple, but super fun! Heck, you can even have your guests bring a topping if you’d like. If you are entertaining for the holidays, this is an easy, yet elegant way to feed your friends and family. Add a few bottles of wine/champagne, and you have yourselves a sweet holiday party! Cheers!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian
I love how diverse chicken can be…it’s a blank slate for so many amazing flavors and is a healthy, lean meat. One of my favorite Italian dishes is Chicken Marsala! The flavor is kicked up in this recipe with the addition of Prosciutto and fresh tarragon. Try it this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, low carb, heart healthy, diabetic friendly, anti-inflammatory
My family and I had a lot to do this evening. I needed something I can make quickly. So, thank you Rachael Ray for coming up with such quick and easy meals. This one was done in less than 30 minutes! This dinner was not only quick, but it looked fancy-shmancy (Rachael calls this type of dinner, a “fancy fake-out”). I will use this recipe to entertain with in the future. And with the holidays coming up, you might want to keep this recipe around. It’s simple, yet elegant.
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