Guest post by Jen Hansard, co-founder of Simple Green Smoothies. We have a super simple and healthy recipe we’ve been itchin’ to share with you!!! As a crazy-busy passionate mom, I’ve been known to fuel my body with processed junk. Like those days when we found ourselves at Starbucks twice in one day…or driving through Taco …
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
I must be living under a rock because I just recently learned about jalapeno poppers that are wrapped in bacon instead of battered and deep-fried. Some Texan friends (of friends) brought these little treats to a New Year’s Eve party, and I had to force myself to stop eating them so there would be enough …
The Popcorn Trick for the Best Microwave Popcorn
When I first heard about microwaving popcorn in a brown paper lunch bag I could not imagine that something so simple would really work. A blog reader actually shared this suggestion with me, and it took me a while to work up enough courage to try it out. I am so glad I finally did …
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Ranch Flavored Dip
I was browsing through the $5 Dinner Mom’s website when I came across her ingenious idea to mix up a big batch of seasonings at one time for an easy homemade Ranch dressing. Once your spice mixture has been made it’s a very simple process to add your perishable ingredient whenever you’re in the mood …
Homemade Larabars (4 ways including nut-free!)
Well, I stand corrected. All this time readers have been telling me I should make my own Larabars at home, and I proudly stood my ground saying I already make too many things from scratch so I would continue to buy them from the store. But that was until I figured out homemade Larabars taste SO much better than the packaged ones!
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Whole Grain Pumpkin Muffins
I finally did it. I’ve been wanting to bake with some alternative flours for some time and this weekend I finally made Pumpkin Muffins using whole spelt flour! And they are deeeelicious. We’ve definitely been missing out. The texture is much more cake-like and the flavor is milder than regular whole-wheat flour. And it was super easy to …
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe
I've got a new recipe for you today that's technically part of my baking series. But no one will mind if you don't actually have to bake them in the oven, will they? I'm personally a big fan of skipping steps (i.e., saving time) in the kitchen, so I'm excited to share these new No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars with you today that my…
The Best Oven Baked Chicken Wings!
So, I was working on a recipe for chicken wings when not long after I started, my husband basically took over. Just for the record my husband CAN cook, and I love it when he does - it just doesn't happen all that often anymore!
Homemade Nut Free Larabars
Nut free Larabars are the perfect “on-the-go” snack, and my girls were so excited when they saw me putting together the pictured platter…it was like torture for them waiting for me to finish taking pictures!
Guest Recipe: Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups
I've found a way to make fruit roll-ups at home that are sweet, shiny, and totally rollable. I love to throw together whatever fruits I have on hand--even frozen berries work well, and I'll often mix multiple fruits or throw in a bit of spice. All that's required is a fruity puree and either a dehydrator or a low oven to transform it into…
Pesto Cream Cheese Bake and Other Appetizers
This is the “pot luck event” time of year so let’s talk appetizers. Below you’ll find a recipe for a super easy and insanely popular “Pesto Cream Cheese Bake” as well as some general appetizer ideas that would be the perfect real food addition to any party (holiday or not!). If you have any suggestions …
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Tomatillo Salsa
We often serve this tomatillo salsa with pork carnitas tacos. Yum!
Whole-Wheat Blueberry Scones
If you're even remotely a fan of muffins and biscuits, then you're gonna love these Whole-Wheat Blueberry Scones. And they're not just for breakfast - we've been eating these for snacks, and I've been putting them in my kids' lunches - the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead Smoothies (2 Ways)
Sure throwing a few ingredients in a blender to make a smoothie doesn't take long, but on a busy weekday morning we all know...every minute counts! And after trying out this make ahead method of bagging (or bottling) up smoothie ingredients myself, I can attest that it really does make a difference. Even in the afternoons when the girls get home from school, I…
Melt-in-your-Mouth Cream Biscuits (+ My new obsession!)
I knew this recipe for Cream Biscuits was a hit when my daughter kept saying to me, "Why are these so good?" You gotta love a win like that in the kitchen! And not only are they good, but they are SO incredibly easy to make.
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Power Balls (Two Versions)
These power balls make a great little snack or treat. There are two versions…
Creamy Queso Dip (with Veggies!)
I told my husband I wanted to make queso dip, and he said, "how are you going to make a cheese dip 'healthy?'" Well, here's the answer!
Basil Pesto
This basil pesto is a must for my caprese salad recipe and also makes a great pizza topping.
Recipes Using Medjool Dates
Maybe I used to be living under a rock, but before our switch to “real food” I had never before purchased or cooked with dates.
Guest Post: Indian Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (from A Spicy Perspective)
It can be tricky to find healthy foods that kids want to snack on day after day, but these crunchy little guys have proven to be a winner in our house. In fact, the moment my kids smell them in the oven they start circling the kitchen in anticipation.
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Salad with a Twist (including Glazed Nuts)
As it turns out, I am not one of the lucky ones who can happily sit down to a huge bowl of salad greens and chow down. If I find a salad I truly like it must have accessories.
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Peachy Pineapple Green Smoothie Recipe
As I mentioned, both my older daughter and I were inspired by our recent 30-day Green Smoothie Challenge to try some new combinations and more importantly some new-to-us (in smoothies) ingredients. So today, I'm excited to introduce a Peachy Pineapple Green Smoothie recipe made with some of our new favorites, including coconut water, peaches, and pineapple. Yum!
No-Cook Veggie Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
I've got a fun summer kitchen project for you that might just get your kids to try some new veggies! Not only are these Veggie Spring Rolls fun to make, but you'll end up eating the entire rainbow in one meal.
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30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge
I'm excited to share a little more about the Green Smoothie Challenge we've been trying out for the past few weeks. This is a free challenge put together by my friends Jadah and Jen.
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
I thought it would be fun to come up with some new variations of overnight oats since my older daughter LOVES them to eat them. Apple pie was her favorite!
How to Make the Fluffiest Whole-Wheat Biscuits
By using a new technique, I've discovered how to make the fluffiest and flakiest whole-wheat biscuits. My kids can't get enough!
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Warm Cheesy Broccoli Dip (to share!)
I've got a great potluck dish that will be a hit at your next holiday party. The recipe for this melted cheesy (and healthy - hello broccoli!) goodness couldn't be any easier, so get ready to enjoy.
Easy Breakfast Burritos (for the freezer!)
Make a double batch of these easy breakfast burritos. They are delicious no matter what time of day, and freezer-friendly to boot. WooHoo!
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Kiran’s Favorite Real Food Snacks
While we all know there are many snacks that contain processed ingredients and don't provide any real value, there are plenty of decent options out there. Here's a list of some of our favorite real food snacks:
Raspberry Delight Breakfast Smoothie
Before you think your picky eater will turn their nose up to spinach in a smoothie please listen to my story first!
Shortcut Fried Green Tomatoes
Many Fried Green Tomato recipes involve lots of steps, including a milk bath and adding seasonings and regular flour to your corn meal. I'm sure they all taste fabulous, but my goal in the kitchen is almost always quick and easy (and tasting great, of course!).
How To: Holiday Appetizer Platter
Follow my tips and everyone at your holiday gathering will gobble up the goodies on your holiday appetizer platter. Also makes a great potluck dish!
Crab and Corn Cakes (+ more Dinner Club Recipes)
Last weekend we hosted our very first Dinner Club in our new home! It was so nice to be settled enough to entertain friends (although, believe me, we still had plenty of unfinished projects going on in the background - welcome to moving!).
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4 Refreshing Mocktails for Mamas & Kids by Mama Natural
Sometimes mama needs something other than water. Can I get an Amen?! These recipes will keep you hydrated, support digestion, ward off morning sickness, ...
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How to Stay Healthy When Traveling: Green Smoothies on the Go
We know that healthy eating can be a challenge on the road, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it's that you don’t have to completely abandon your healthy habits when you travel. For us, that means finding ways to include green smoothies in our travel plans.
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Simple Green Smoothies Book Review (+ a recipe)!
I am so excited to tell you all about my friends Jadah and Jen's brand new Simple Green Smoothies book! First of all, my whole family loves smoothies - they are our green drink of choice.
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