Easy Restaurant-Style Salsa

One of my best friends, Diana, introduced me to this super easy and refreshing salsa at a BBQ over her house a few months ago. We are both big fans of Pioneer Woman because of her simple yet delicious recipes. This is one of our go-to’s for sure! I adjusted just a bit for my taste. This recipe makes quite a lot for a group, and then some!

 -Mel

Health tips: Low fat, low carb, diabetes friendly Read More »

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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Chipotle Ranch Bacon Potato Salad

I created my 2nd new favorite potato salad for summer BBQs! Besides Tyler Florence’s delicious dilly lemony potato salad I posted previously, I am now in love with the flavor of chipotle in salads, especially a creamy potato salad. I was inspired by a yummy chipotle pasta salad that I just fell in love with during an air show a few weeks ago. Mixing ranch in with the chipotle softens the spice for a larger crowd and adds a tangy creaminess to it. Hope you enjoy!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead More »

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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Garlic Lime Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado

My hubby and I love shrimp tacos but sometimes we want a low-carb option. I created this recipe so that we can enjoy the rich, fresh flavors of shrimp tacos without the tortilla. They are so yummy! They are also a great recipe for the spring and summer seasons, light yet very tasty, especially with the creamy avocado scooped up with each bite!

 -Mel

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

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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Strawberry Spring Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

My sisters and I spent Mother’s Day harvesting some fresh strawberries at beautiful Tanaka Farms in Irvine a few weeks ago. What a fun experience…only $6 per person, and you get a tour of the vast property on a hayride truck, and your own container for picking plump, sweet strawberries! I picked up this yummy recipe from their farm store and just had to try it. It’s the perfect salad for this spring!

 -Mel

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

Pork Loin and Veggie Kebab with Garlic Lemon Marinade

We had a nice, warm day this spring week. I didn’t feel like cooking inside. And I definitely didn’t feel like eating a gut-busting meal either. With the warmers days ahead, I’ve been into lemons more than usual lately. That, and I’m lucky enough to have friends with lemons. J So I created a recipe that I am quickly becoming obsessed with; garlic lemon…it could be a quick marinade or the perfect vinaigrette! It’s perfect for poultry, pork, veggies, and salads. It’s so refreshing and adds the perfect amount of brightness to many dishes. If anything, make this marinade/ vinaigrette to keep on hand. Enjoy!

 –Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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