Category: kid friendly

Spicy Cheesesteak-Stuffed Pepper

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Cheesesteak sandwiches are to die for! I was inspired by a recent trip to historic Philly and one of my favorite sandwich shops, Jersey Mike’s, for this recipe…A traditional Philly Cheesesteak is topped with Cheese Wiz, which is absolutely delicious…the common phrase for ordering is “wiz wit…and then you can add other toppings like mushrooms and peppers. But I actually prefer the smokey Provolone cheese version when making the recipe lighter and carb free. The Big Kahuna hot cheesesteak sandwich at Jersey Mike’s is also heavenly! What does it for me are the caramelized onions, mushrooms and jalapeños, then topped with gooey cheese, yum! Here’s my take on a low-carb version of this genius sandwich. The flavor is all there, just no evil bun!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low carb, heart healthy, diabetes friendly, kid friendlyRead More »

P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Be nice to your butcher and your butcher will be nice to you! Seriously, make friends with your butcher! That’s my lesson for you today. Here’s just one of the many reasons why…This recipe requires 1 pound of ground chicken. But ground chicken was $4.99/lb. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts were on sale for $1.77/lb. I bought 10 lbs. of chicken breast and kindly asked my butcher to “course grind” the breasts for me. Now I have 10 pounds of healthy, ground chicken breast meat! When I got home, I divided the meat up into 1 lb. portions and put it into quart-size freezer bags, then stuck them in my freezer. Now, whenever I need, I just pull the amount I want out of the freezer, defrost it, and make a meal out of it! I know, I know….you’re welcome!

Now, onto this recipe… If you’ve ever gone to P.F. Chang’s, I’m sure you’ve had their famous lettuce wraps! It’s good as an appetizer, but hearty and filling enough for a meal (which is what we did). This is a fun, interactive meal. I like to serve it family style! Here’s my take on the recipe. This is not my original recipe, but it’s a good one. I got the adapted recipe here.

 -Tammy

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

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Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Portobello Stack

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This is another one of my favorite Rachael Ray recipes, it’s a take on Chicken Cordon Bleu but prepared in a fun compact stack. Grilling all the individual components really adds such great flavor, and the combination of ingredients is perfect. And the addition of the light swiss cheese makes you feel like you’re indulging. This is such a simple, wholesome, satisfying meal!

 -Mel

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

Sweet OR Savory Chicken Salad-Two Ways!

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Our followers ask, and we answer! You would love a chicken salad recipe you say? Well here is my take on two of my favorites! Chicken salad two ways- sweet and savory! Try my chicken salad with apples, celery, and grapes OR my buffalo chicken salad! Both are a delicious, healthy lunch or snack! Make it for a party, make it for your lunch, or take it to go!

 -Tammy

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

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Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

Why, oh why are carnitas sooooo delicious?!?! Is it the meat itself? Is it the tortillas you put them in? The fixin’s? Or a combination of it all? For whatever the reason(s), I love to make a slow cooker version of this yummy pork. It’s inexpensive to make and can feed a ton of people. In fact, if you have a nice little crowd over, you might want to think about making my carnitas for super bowl. Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  kidney friendly, diabetes friendly

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Juicy Lucy Turkey Burger Sliders

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

What better way to enjoy a luscious All-American burger without feeling guilty about it, then with a slider right!? Yes…this recipe uses turkey, but it’s absolutely tasty and super juicy, without all the calories. Plus, portion control is key! And how can you resist that oozing cheese inside. I’ve also included a few of my favorite spreads to further pack on the flavor. Serve these up to your friends and family before football season is over!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly, diabetes friendly and low carb (without the bun)Read More »

Zucchini Lasagna

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

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

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Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

Mel and Tammy2 Comments

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**

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Avocado Cream Cheese Bagel

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

This is one of mine and my hubby Dane’s go-to, super easy, and satisfying breakfasts! We were inspired by one of his work buds who would always have a slice of this bagel ready for him in the morning. You can enjoy it as breakfast, brunch or a light snack, and even better if you split with a friend. Enjoy it before work or school this week!

 -Mel

Health tips: Kid friendly, low fatRead More »

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken and Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Mel and TammyLeave a comment

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

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