This is one of my favorite recipes I found on eatingwell.com! It’s simple, clean and so very tasty. Yum Yum. You can enjoy the cozy flavor of ravioli but it’s also very light with the peppery arugula greens mixed in. Enjoy it as a potluck dish, a side, lunch or light dinner. Leftovers eaten cold the next day are delicious as well!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, vegetarian, heart healthy
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
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
I thought this summer weather would die down and I’d be on to making hearty, warmer dishes like slow-cooker meals, soups and stews. Well, I was wrong. We had a heat-wave once again. I remembered a while back my hubby ate out and said he had an amazing “salad with bread in it” (aka panzanella). When he told me what was in it, my wheels started turning and I immediately thought of this salad. I am a huge fan of making your own salad dressings. They are just better! You can control the amount of sugar and salt. I always have homemade on hand and if I do not, I’m able to whip some up in just a few minutes. So here is what I came up with when my hubby asked me to re-create the dish. Even though I haven’t tasted the restaurant’s version, mine was pretty darn good, if I say so myself. My brother-in-law was over and really enjoyed it as well! So raise your glass to this yummy and filling salad! CHEERS!
-Tammy
Health tips: Heart healthy, kidney friendly
I absolutely love big one pot meals, especially for the family or a small dinner party! This recipe combines hearty flavors of traditional Spanish Paella, while still keeping it light. If you like Jambalaya, this is very similar, a mix of delicious “land and sea” meats, rice, peppers and spice! I had some amazing Paella at a friend’s going away party a few weeks ago and the wheels started turning in my head. Hope you enjoy!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat
Who doesn’t love to bite into chicken with a crunch!? This healthy recipe is sure to satisfy kids and adults alike.
-Tammy
Health tips: Low carb, kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, kid friendly
Family Apron 