4th of July Appetizers

The Fourth of July is coming up! A few weeks back, I had a BBQ for Memorial Day and made these two patriotic appetizers: 7-layer dip and a veggie tray. If you are having a BBQ or are invited to one, you may want to bring one or both of these snacks to celebrate our Independence Day! Cheers!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kidney friendly*, diabetes friendly*, kid-friendly, cheat meal**

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Caprese Panini

My hubby has the week off and we’re heading to the beach. I over pack food and drinks. But I’d rather have too much than not enough! My kiddos requested the good ‘ol peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I wanted a different kind of sandwich to enjoy, so I’m making a panini-a caprese panini….tomato, mozzarella, and basil.  If you don’t feel like PB & J, then make this!  Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kid-friendly, vegetarian

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Dilly Salt and Vinegar Cucumbers

This is one of my, and also my nephew Aidon’s favorite, healthy snacks. And it seriously only takes 5 minutes to make. I found this recipe on the Recipe Book and More blog and adjusted a bit to decrease the salt and increase the dill. Enjoy that slightly salty, tart flavor of salt and vinegar chips with the brightness of dill, without all the carbs. It’s also very refreshing on a hot summer day!

 -Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, Low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead More »

Fruit and Greek Yogurt Pops

There are times when I just want something sweet for breakfast…or I want something sweet after dinner, but don’t want to feel guilty about eating something unhealthy like ice cream. And since it’s gettin’ hot out, I decided to make a sweet treat I don’t have to feel guilty about. Yes, popsicles! You can totally have pops for breakfast…or dessert! After all, it’s just basically yogurt and fruit. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kid-friendly

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Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato Spring Rolls

Today was my first official day of summer break as a teacher! I now have the entire summer to focus on my favorite hobby. And that would be to cook…and eat! I looked in my kitchen to see what I can see. I saw bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. But I didn’t want the bread, so I decided to make spring rolls with rice paper. When I went to the store, they didn’t have rice paper, but these soy papers. They worked equally as well!  They came in different colors, so it was really fun for my kids to eat. If you are looking for a snack, then make one per person, but if you want it for lunch, make two per person. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:   kid-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb

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Cheese Ball Stuffed Bell Peppers

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like….there are mini cheese balls stuffed inside these stuffed bell peppers! I know, I know, it’s a good one! Even my son said “Mom, you can’t say this recipe is ‘kid-friendly’, you should say it’s ‘kid-addicting’”. That’s how you know you made a great meal! Even if you already have your own favorite stuffed bell pepper recipe, make my mini cheese balls to stuff inside yours! You will thank me for it! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kid-addicting, kid-friendly, kidney-friendly*, diabetes-friendly**

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Blueberry Power Muffins

I definitely can’t call myself an expert at baking, although I’m trying to sharpen my skills as much as I can. Muffins and cupcakes though are some of the few baked goods I really enjoy making, it’s so easy and not very intimidating, they are just little palmfuls of love! I found the original recipe for these wonderful Power Muffins on Domesticated Academic and have been making them regularly ever since. It’s also one of the few baking recipes I’ve been able to experiment on with different ingredients while still keeping it delicious! I tweaked it a bit to reduce the fat even more. Enjoy these as a convenient and quick breakfast or snack!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, kid friendly

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Portobello Mushroom Pizza w/ Italian Sausage, Tomatoes and Kale

Ok, who doesn’t have pizza as one of their tops favorite foods? It is #1 on my list! But oh how we wish we could have it multiple times a week without feeling guilty! This portobello “crust” allows you to enjoy your favorite pizza toppings…mmmm cheese and meat… without the carbs. These are some of my favorite low-fat toppings, but you can definitely make it your own. It’s also a fun recipe you can make with your kids while giving them a good dose of veggies!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, low fat, anti-inflammatory, heart healthy, kid friendly, diabetes friendly

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Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Strawberry season is upon us! And what better way to celebrate than to make my Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast! A yummy breakfast to make on the weekend OR for dinner (which is what we did….it’s always fun to have breakfast for dinner once in a while)!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney-friendly, kid-friendly

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Parmesan-Crusted Spinach Artichoke Dip Chicken

Here’s another delicious recipe that transforms a popular, indulgent appetizer into a low-carb alternative! And I swear, those low-fat Laughing Cow edges are my new obsession, especially when transforming a boring old chicken breast. The options are endless with all the flavors they come out with. You’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of that lovable spinach artichoke dip in this fun and easy recipe, without feeling as bad! Pair it with a vegetable side and you’ll feel even better!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendly, anti-inflammatoryRead More »