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
Oh I wish, I wish, I wish I would have thought of this one myself! It’s genius! If you like the flavors of Mediterranean food, you’ll love this layer dip! It’s super easy to make. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand, so when people come over, I am able to make it in just minutes. Thank you to Dara of Cookin’ Canuck for creating this brilliant recipe that I have used over and over again.
-Tammy
Health tips: diabetes-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)
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
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
I’ve made so many seafood dinners recently. But I can’t help it…it’s summer! There’s something about the summer and seafood (and wine); they just go together. You can make such light, healthy meals with seafood. And my shrimp salad is the perfect meal for warmer seasons (but please, feel free to make it whenever you’d like). Whether you make this on an indoor or outdoor grill, this meal is totally satisfying. This dinner may look super fancy, but it’s super easy to make. And the shrimp is full of flavor! Cheers to a great, healthy dinner!
-Tammy
Health tips: Diabetes friendly, kidney friendly
Who doesn’t love pasta? This is a yummy protein-packed pasta that you do not have to feel guilty about! The shrimp has protein, the pasta has protein, and even the yogurt has protein. It has a real kick too! Cheers to spicing up your life!
Health tips: Kidney friendly
I don’t think to make quesadillas often. But why not? They’re delicious, quick, satisfying, easy, and can be made healthy*. Note to self…make more quesadillas!
Loaded with veggies, lean chicken, and made with healthy tortillas, these really are fit-for-you! And with the temperature being over 100 today, I didn’t want to cook inside. So once again, I used my grill. It was as easy as making quesadillas on the stove. So I encourage you all to use your outdoor grill more, especially when it’s super hot outside!
-Tammy
Health tips: Kidney friendly, low carb, diabetes friendly*
Can I get a woop woop for making your own taco seasoning!?!?!? Making your own is cheaper and waaaay more healthy because you control the ingredients (especially the amount of sodium)!
-Tammy
Health tips: Kidney friendly, diabetes friendly
Family Apron 