If you are looking for an easy side dish for Christmas (or any other night of the year), then make my macaroni and cheese casserole. This is one of the very first dishes I created on my own. You do not have to make a sauce first; you just mix everything in a bowl, throw it in a casserole dish, bake it, and you’re done! It’s an oldie, but goodie. And it’s definitely a cheat meal. Double the recipe If you are cooking for a crowd. It’s the holidays, so enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: cheat meal
If you enjoy sweet and savory flavors, then this is the recipe for you. It reminds me of the flavors of a bbq sauce; sweet, smoky and full of flavor.
I’ve been spending a lot of money on food this holiday season (which I love), but I needed an inexpensive meal to make. And since chicken was on sale this week, I picked some up. Thighs and drum sticks on sale for .89 a pound! Can’t beat that! This recipe is cheap and cheerful, super simple to make, and smells super delicious while it’s cookin’ up in the oven! I added some smoked paprika to this dish, but the next time I make, I’m going to cook the chicken in my smoker. I only wish I would have thought of this one myself! Enjoy!
Thank you Mrs. Happy Homemaker for the inspiration!
-Tammy
Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I had a gut-busting great time with my family. Our day was filled with delicious food, good company, karaoke, and of course, lots of wine! And now that I have gained a few pounds; I wanted something a little lighter this week. I decided to make macadamia nut crusted chicken salad. Holy heck-a-roo, was it good! I could not scarf it down fast enough. I decided to make the chicken two ways (baked and fried); if you want it healthy or healthier, it’s up to you! Both were delicious. And the honey mustard dressing was oh, so yummy! Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney-friendly*, kid-friendly
I’m on Thanksgiving break and wanted something that I didn’t have to feel guilty about eating. I know that for the rest of the week, my family and I will pretty much be indulging! And since many of you know, I am obsessed with pumpkin; I wanted to create a healthier version of pumpkin bread. My recipe does not contain a lot of fat and has less sugar. I replaced a lot of the fat with unsweetened apple sauce and Greek yogurt (this gives it the moisture). My recipe contains some brown sugar, but some of the sweetness also comes from the apple sauce and a touch of organic honey. It’s also made with organic whole wheat flour. Feel free to add a glaze if you wish. I love this bread with just a dab of butter…it is bread after all, not cake (wink, wink). My family really enjoyed these fall flavors and says it tastes even better since Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
Health Tips: kidney-friendly, kid-friendly, lower fat
I can’t believe the holidays are already here, and Thanksgiving just around the corner! It is definitely the time to indulge, but I actually think that there are many opportunities to share tasty dishes while also keeping it wholesome and healthy, especially with the season’s produce. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of many, and they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Why not kick it up some and be a little bad since this glorious vegetable is so good!? Even if you’re not a big fan of sweet potatoes, this will change your mind! Share this dish with your family and friends this week!
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, anti-inflammatory, kid friendly
I was inspired by the Pioneer Woman for this recipe while watching her freezer meal episode and thought, what a clever idea, especially with how busy it is during the holidays. This recipe is so much fun and so practical at the same time because you’ll be able to enjoy, while also storing extra for later at the same time! I don’t have kids, but I think they would have a ball rolling these up with you! I added Italian turkey sausage for some extra substance and flavor, but you can also definitely keep it vegetarian.
-Mel
Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, kid friendly
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
It rained yesterday! There was an actual chill in the air! You know what that means…comfort food season! My sister and I are going to take the recipes we all love and make them healthier. I’m starting off by taking a gut-busting food and turning it into a healthy soup. So when it gets a little chilly outside, make my chicken pot pie soup with pie crust croutons…it’ll warm your soul 🙂
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-friendly, kidney-friendly, kid-friendly
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
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)
Family Apron 