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**
I belong to a private group on Facebook. The purpose of this group is to encourage each other and share ideas about living a healthy life style. We post and converse about many things, but my favorite thing is sharing ideas about food. One of my friends posted this original “Zucchini Carpaccio” recipe. It looked amazing; refreshing and simple with only 5 ingredients. I just happened to have all 5 ingredients on hand for lunch that day so I made it. I loved it so much, I made it for dinner that night and then for breakfast the next day! A big thank you to Gina Homolka from http://www.skinnytaste.com for this recipe. I hope you all can enjoy it too! Cheers!
-Tammy
Health tips: kidney friendly, diabetes friendly, vegetarian
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
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**
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
Lots of BBQ’s and summer gatherings will soon be happening (if they’re not already). If you need a yummy appetizer to bring to your next gathering, try my Sriracha Bacon Deviled Eggs! We recently went to a giant gathering and these bad boys were gone in minutes! Deviled eggs with a little kick! Enjoy!
-Tammy
Health tips: low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly
I’ve recently heard about cauliflower alfredo sauce. Sounds pretty temping, so I decided to try and create my own. And it turned out really yummy! Your typical alfredo sauce is made up of mostly butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, which is oh, so delicious. I definitely couldn’t hit the same bells and whistles without adding the cheese, but the rest of it is pretty darn healthy! I decided to make chicken alfredo with it. I made zucchini noodles for myself and the hubby, but used whole wheat fettuccini for the kiddos. So if you are looking for a low-carb option, I say go with the zucchini noodles!
-Tammy
Health tips: gluten free*, diabetes friendly*
Craving a different kind of salad? I cannot tell you how delicious this salad is. And if you think you don’t like quinoa…you’re wrong! When you add the flavors of lime, cilantro, and avocado, along with the “poppy” texture from the quinoa, your mouth is going to explode! If you are going to give quinoa a try, please make this! And the best part is that you can feel great about eating it!
-Tammy
Health tips: gluten free, vegetarian, heart healthy, diabetes friendly
I went to the Temecula Spice Shop the other day and found GREEN chili powder. I came home and made this super fricken delicious recipe (thank you Rachael Ray)! I doubled the recipe because I new I would want leftovers! So, so, so, so good!
-Tammy
Health tips: Kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, low carb*
Talk about a perfect mix of flavors! I love this beet, goat cheese, and walnut salad. This salad hits all the bells and whistles; it’s earthy, a little sweet from the beets, tangy, has crunch from the walnuts, has some creaminess from the goat cheese, and just has a unique flavor-not your typical salad! Plus, there are so many healthy benefits from eating beets!
Confession time- I used to hate beets! Until one day, I went to a restaurant to meet up with some friends. My friends were munching on a salad just like this recipe. I wanted to give it a try. Yup, explosion in my mouth! Who knew beets were so delicious! I went back to the same restaurant a few weeks ago and found out they do not serve that salad anymore. Bummer. So I did some searching a found this recipe. It could not be easier! And thank goodness, now I can have the salad whenever I want! And now you can have it whenever you want!
-Tammy
Health tips: anti-inflammatory, kidney-friendly, diabetes-friendly, vegetarian
Family Apron 