Summer Family Adventures

Summer Family Adventures

june1.jpg

 

July 2017

Looking for a way to organize your summer goals, check out our July Summer Adventures.  Each day, during the the week, we have an academic goal, life skill or sports activity.  Weekends are reserved for a fun family adventure and chosen from our families Summer Bucket List.

These are our June Goals:

  • Gone Fishing 
  • Hero Day
  • Dreaming of Vacation 
  • 4th of July Celebration 

Each month we will have a different themed adventure map. Weekly projects will be outlined on the map and detailed on the blog  This month, I created a beach scene that will later be used for a fun game board and reading chart.

Daily Challenge
daily challenge .png

 

Daily we ask the kids to:

 

 

Our Weekly Menu's Start to Summer!

fruit-2367029_1280.jpg

Our Weekly Menu's Start to Summer

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms. It’s our last week of school and all three kids wanted each a choose dinner this week as the school year concludes.  This week we have an epic Rodan+Fields party at the house! We can't wait to host, celebrate and entertain friends!

Menu

Monday: Speedy Salmon and Broccoli (FP) We found this delicious recipe last summer.  Fresh, easy and delicious this recipe is the perfect end to a warm and toasty day. 

Tuesday: Pizza Chili,  Deli Meat, VegetableTray and Fruit Tray (S/E) This Tuesday night I have a Rodan+Fields BINGO. Time for a little THM Cooking! * See Below for our recipe 

Wednesday: BBQ Pork Chops (S) Our kids love the flavor of fatty meat.  This simple recipe will be an easy end to a day full of adventure! 

Thursday: Whole Roasted Chicken (FP) This is one of our favorite InstaPot recipes and it's been a while since we added it to our recipe.  What do we do with our extra bones? Chicken Stock of course! 

Friday: Low Carb Cauliflower Carb Pizza

Saturday: Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole (E) We will sub low carb tortillas to fit this delicious recipe into our energizing (healthy carb) meal.

Sunday: Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes (S) Full of flavor this recipe will be a fun end to our week of summer break! 

For My Sweet Tooth

Strawberry Frozen Kefir  

Chocolate Cream Pie 

 

Insta-Pot Pizza Chili
  • 2 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 2 cans RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 2 cans of the following beans (Black, any kind of White & Kidney)
  • 1 – 2 Tablespoons chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your chili)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin 
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken stock low sodium
  • 3 ounce can of tomato paste.
  • 2 cans of sugar-free pizza sauce

Press Sauté button and add butter and onion and ground turkey. Once the onion and turkey has been cooked, turn off Sauté mood and add the rest of the ingredients. Close lid and pressure cook on chili at High Pressure for 30 minutes, followed by Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.

Our Weekly Menu for the Last Week of School!

raspberry-2023404_1280.jpg

Our Weekly Menu

Last Week of School!

 

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms. It's our last week of school and all three kids wanted each a choose dinner this week as the school year concludes.  It's also our oldest's birthday this Friday and she choose a chocolate pie for her treat with cake for her friends this Saturday.  

Menu

Monday: Low Carb Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents (S) We found this delicious recipe last summer.  Easy, quick and delicious consider adding this to your menu plan. 

Tuesday: Spaghetti (E) Made with Dreamfield Pasta or Spaghetti Squash for noodles and ground turkey with low sugar sauce.

Wednesday: Hot Dogs with a Side Salad (S) 

Thursday: Eggroll in a Bowl (S) It’s been a while since we this meal made it to the dinner table.  Easy, delicious and quick, this is a crowd pleasing meal for the whole family. Found on page 63 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook with our own added additions such as water chestnuts and sprouts.

Friday: Low Carb Cauliflower Carb Pizza

Saturday: Bacon Crusted Chicken Bacon and Chicken!  Yumm!  This is going to be a crowd pleasing meal.

Sunday: Italian Meatball Casserole from one of my favorite bloggers, Briana Thomas, this satisfying recipe looks like pizza in a dish. 

For My Sweet Tooth

Strawberry Frozen Kefir  

Chocolate Cream Pie for the Birthday Girl

End of the Year Teacher Gifts

IMG_0816.JPG

Teacher Gifts

Silhouette Art

Summer is so close, with only two weeks of school left, it's time to start crafting.  This year's end of year craft is silhouette designs on clipboards.  Useful, pratical and fun, this teacher gift is designed and crafted by our little ones.  

 

IMG_0837.jpg
IMG_0834.jpg
IMG_0841.jpg

Supplies:

  • Clipboards
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Stickers, Silhouette or Cricket images 
  • Modge Podge (I used a glitter base)

 

Steps

1.  Have the kids paint the clipboard, coving the entire surface. Allow to dry while working on the next steps. 

2.  Have them choose their stickers or silhouette or solid image. Make sure the clipboard are dry and apply the sicker to the surface.  

3.  Paint Modge Podge on as a top coat to seal. 

4. Don't forget to sign the back! 

 

 

Our Weekly Menu with Blackberry Syrup

fruit-2388851_1280.jpg

Our Weekly Menu

with Blackberry Syrup

We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms. Interested to know more about the difference between Trim Healthy Mama and Keto?  THM's Facebook page did a breakdown to help educate.  

Our Weekly Menu 

Monday: Jalapeno Onion Burgers (S) page 178 of the Trim Healthy Mama CookbookTrim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Tuesday: Creamless Creamy Chicken (FP) page 78 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Wednesday: Low Carb Crustless Taco Pie (S) from Simply So Healthy

Thursday: Spaghetti with low carb noodles or zucchini zoodles (E or FP)

Friday: with THM Crescent Rolls (S) Low Carb Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescentsfrom My Fling with Food  (S) as the pizza crust.  The quest for the perfect Trim Healthy Mama  pizza crust continues.

Saturday:Hot Dogs with Zucchini Fries (S)

Sunday: Blackberry Pancakes, Breakfast for Dinner (E) * See recipe below. 

For my Sweet Tooth: 

Skinny Peppermint Patties  page 380 in the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Sticky Buns(S) These look Amazing! I can’t wait to make them tomorrow!

Coconut Macaroons (S) Three Ingredients but so yummy, I’m excited to try this recipe.

Blackberry Pancakes (E)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup baking blend
  • 4 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups egg whites
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup blended blackberries
  • almond milk or water, if needed, to thin the pancake batter

Instructions

Pour oats into the blender and mix until powered form.  Add the rest of the ingredients into the blender and blend well until a smooth texture.   Lightly coat a non stick griddle with coconut oil spray and set heat to low/low-medium heat.  Pour pancake size amounts onto the griddle and cook until brown. Flip and repeat.

Blackberry Syrup (FP):

Ingredients

  • 1 cup blackberries smashed
  • 1 cup blended blackberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 Tablespoons Xylitol
  • splash of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. of xanthan gum or glucomannan
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a small saucepan except xanthan gum  Bring to a boil, then simmer.  While whisking, add xanthan gum.  Continue to simmer until sauce thickens.

 

Our Weekly Menu with Strawberry Stuffed French Toast

watermelon .png

We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.  This upcoming week brings us to Memorial Weekend.  What special plans do you have for the holiday?  We had a quick trip to the beach a couple hours away for a relaxing get-away.  In addition, I have a few extra dessert items posted.  My babies will be in the kitchen helping me bake some extra treats to have on hand. For our full menu, Click Here. Click here for more information on and about Trim Healthy Mama.

Monday: Nachos with Blue Chips (E). Made with yummy beans and low carb cheese this is a crowd favorite for our little family.

Tuesday: Bacon Wrapped Chicken (S) Page 50 of Necessary Food by Briana Thomas

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (S) -Sub baking Blend for flour

Thursday: Breaded Fish E (Page 178) of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Friday: THM Pizza Casserole (S)

Saturday: Breakfast for Dinner-Stuffed French Toast – See below

Sunday: Armadillo Eggs (S) from Home Sick Texan One of our family favorites with a little different recipe. We didn’t get a chance to make this yummy meal on Saturday so I put it back on the menu for the start of the week.

Our Yummy Snacks and Treats this Week

Sticky Buns(S) These look Amazing! I can’t wait to make them tomorrow!

Coconut Macaroons (S) Three Ingredients but so yummy, I’m excited to try this recipe.

Cookie Dough Dip

Coconut Squares (Made with Coconut Condensed Milk)

 

THM Strawberry Stuffed French Toast (E)

 

Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons berry Triple Zero Yogurt 
    • 1/3 cup egg whites
    • 1/4 cup almond milk
    • 4 tablespoons low carb tortilla crumbs or almond flour
    • 1 tablespoon xilitol 
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
    • 8 strawberries hulled and sliced
    • 8 slices sprouted grain bread or low carb tortillas

 

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish whisk the egg whites and almond milk together.

  2. In another shallow bowl, combine 2 tablespoons low carb tortillas or almond flour crumbs, 1/2 tablespoon xilitol and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

  3. spray non-stick frying pan with coconut oil. To assemble the French Toast, spread a slice of bread with 1 tablespoon Triple Zero Yogurt. Top with two sliced strawberries and cover with a second slice of bread. Dip first in the egg white mixture and then with  crumbs. Fry over medium-high heat until golden brown.

  4. Continue the same way with the other slices of bread.

  5. Serve warm with additional strawberries.

Our Weekly Menu Created by Our 4 Year Old!

colorful-doodle-3042581_1280.jpg

Our Weely Menu

Created by our 4 Year Old

 

And now for our 4 year old, oh boy! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.  You've heard from our almost 9 year old and our 7 year old now it's time for the youngest member.  Trying to get ideas out of our little boy was more challenging then expected.  For the most part he just wanted cheese sticks, sunbutter, noodles and hotdogs.  We had to show him pictures to jog some ideas. 

Menu

Monday: Bangin' Ranch Drums (S) page 162 in the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook with Cauli rice page 225

Tuesday: Quiche Bites (S) with a Kale Salad

WednesdayHot Dogs with Lettuce Wraps (S) Our little ones want Hot Dog buns to but stay with THM, my husband and I use Romain Lettuce as buns. 

Thursday: Chicken Buggers with Sweet Potatoes

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: BBQ Cheddar Bacon Meatloaf with brussle spouts!

Sunday: Trim Mac Salad page (S) page 181 in the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Sweet Treats

Tummy Spa Ice Cream page 361 in the Book Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook

Gorilla Bread:  This recipe was as huge hit! I even had couple with my breakfast the next morning.

Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts * See Below!!

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (S)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c baking blend
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ c natural sweetener
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ c greek yogurt
  • ¼ c nut milk (coconut or almond)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 T oil

Cinnamon “Sugar” Mixture

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix dry ingredients, sugar and cinnamon
  2. Mix in yogurt, milk, egg and oil
  3. Stir well
  4. Fill greased muffin pans ⅔ full
  5. Bake @375 for 15 minutes
  6. Remove immediately from pan and roll in melted butter
  7. Combine cinnamon & natural sugar (Sweet Blend)
  8. Roll donuts in cinnamon mixture

Or look check out the Basic Donut on page 268 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook for a different recipe on THM donuts.

Our Weekly Menu Designed by our 7 Year old

noodles .jpg

Our Weekly menu

by our 7 Year Old

 

 

Last week our menu took on a little twist. We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.  Not to be outdone by her sister, here is last week’s menu from our 7 year old. The week before, our oldest had request to create the menu so this last week, our middle girl wanted to give it a try.  Read to see what she requested: 

Menu

Monday: Spaghetti (FP) with ground turkey, Dreamfield Pasta for the kids and Spaghetti Squash for the adults.

Tuesday: Tacos (E) with low carb tortillas, beans, and low fast cheese

WednesdayQuiche (S) with eggs, cheese, bacon and peppers. I also created a fun crust from riced cauliflower, cream cheese and baking blend. I'll post the recipe soon once it's perfected. 

Thursday: Chicken Thighs- Baked (FP) with 

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Grass Fed Steak with Grilled sweet potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts! (E)

Sunday: Chili (E) – with spouted grain rolls 

Sweet Treats

Gorilla Bread:  This recipe was as huge hit! I even had couple with my breakfast the next morning.

Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts * See Below!!

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (S)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c baking blend
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ c natural sweetener
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ c greek yogurt
  • ¼ c nut milk (coconut or almond)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 T oil

Cinnamon “Sugar” Mixture

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix dry ingredients, sugar and cinnamon
  2. Mix in yogurt, milk, egg and oil
  3. Stir well
  4. Fill greased muffin pans ⅔ full
  5. Bake @375 for 15 minutes
  6. Remove immediately from pan and roll in melted butter
  7. Combine cinnamon & natural sugar (Sweet Blend)
  8. Roll donuts in cinnamon mixture

Or look check out the Basic Donut on page 268 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook for a different recipe on THM donuts.

Chalk Walk

IMG_2782.JPG

Chalk Walk

& The Art of Learning through Play

 

Spring is here and between spring rain storms, we are enjoying the warm spring weather and lovely breeze.  Who wants to be stuck indoors learning when they could be out playing scooter, digging in the dirts and exploring nature! With that in mind, our little ones have ventured out doors to play and learn.  

After a quick trip to the dollar store were we stocked up on a few containers of sidewalk chalk, we decided to have a good time building learning games on the driveway.  The first round, I created bursts of word families.  Using a hop-along pony our little one formed words and sounded out words as we raced to each finish line. 

 

After the rain washed this particular game away, created a winding shoots and ladders style learning game.  With two pennies, the kids moved forward one space for each head and two for tails. Boxes along the journey had learning activities and exercise ideas for the children to preform.  On this track, they used their scooters to navigate the twists and turns. 

 

Since the rain has now washed this game-board, the three are already planning their next chalk walk. This time they want to create a CandyLand style game with creative magical stops along their journey. This is what they've come up with so far: 

  • Mud Swamp
  • Magical Room of Potions
  • Candy Flower Garden
  •  Troll Bog 

Activities along their path::

  • Rhyming Words
  • Beginning Sounds 
  • Rubber band words (stretching word sounds)
  • Simple Math Problems
  • Hopping on one leg
  • Pushups
  • Squats
  • Other Work Outs

Let us know what other creative ideas you'd like us to consider!  Or, do you have a picture of your own chalk walk? We'd love to see! 

Our Weekly Menu with a Dose of Magic

IMG_4165.JPG

Weekly Menu with a Dose of Magic!

Written by an 8 year old

 

This week our menu is going to take on a little twist. We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.  However all of the recipes picked for this weeks menu are non THM.  Consequently we will make some adjustments to alleviate sugars, white starchy flours and to keep our fats from carbs. I'll mention a few in the comments.  Our oldest wanted to plan the menu for this week and I figured, well, why not!!  So here is this week's menu from an 8, almost 9 year old girl! 

Menu

Monday: Irish Stew page 147 from  The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. ~ No Side and Substitute radishes for potatoes 

Tuesday: Shepherds Pie and glazed carrots pages 136 and 129 from  The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. Substitute Cauliflower rice for potatoes. 

Wednesday: Haggis with buttered peas pages 155 and 129 The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. ~ Substitue hot dogs or sausages for Haggis

Thursday: Classic Roast Chicken with french fries pages 155 and 128 of The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. ~ Cook in the Instapot

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Beef Stew with Herb Dumplings page 65 The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. ~No Side and Sub baking blend for flour

Sunday: Chicken Enchiladas (S) – I’m excited about this delicious meal choice!

Sweet Treats

Gorilla Bread:  This recipe was as huge hit! I even had couple with my breakfast the next morning.

Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts * See Below!!

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (S)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c baking blend
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ c natural sweetener
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ c greek yogurt
  • ¼ c nut milk (coconut or almond)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 T oil

Cinnamon “Sugar” Mixture

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix dry ingredients, sugar and cinnamon
  2. Mix in yogurt, milk, egg and oil
  3. Stir well
  4. Fill greased muffin pans ⅔ full
  5. Bake @375 for 15 minutes
  6. Remove immediately from pan and roll in melted butter
  7. Combine cinnamon & natural sugar (Sweet Blend)
  8. Roll donuts in cinnamon mixture

Or look check out the Basic Donut on page 268 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook for a different recipe on THM donuts.

Our Weekly menu with Yummy Recipes

Our Weekly Menu

 

our weekly menu blueberries .png

 

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.

Menu

Monday: Spaghetti with low carb pasta (E/FP) Our sweet middle child is turning 7 and requested spaghetti with noodles for her birthday.  For the adults we'll use spaghetti squash for our noodles. 

Tuesday: Little Sweet little spicy drumsticks (S), page 221 of the book, Trim Healthy Table. For a fun little treat tonight, flavorful chicken legs with our favorite Brown “Sugar” Air-Fried Brussel Sprouts!*

WednesdayBBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf, (S) rich with flavor, this quick and easy menu choice will be perfect for the first week of school.

Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie (S) with leftover chicken made with Mozzarella Bread

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole (s), Quick & easy, this recipe will be a welcome treat!

Sunday: Chicken Enchiladas (S) – I’m excited about this delicious meal choice!

Sweet Treats

Gorilla Bread:  This recipe was as huge hit! I even had couple with my breakfast the next morning.

Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts * See Below!!

 

*Recipes*
Air Fried Brussel Sprouts
  • 1 Bag of Frozen Brussel Sprouts
  • 1 tsp xylitol
  • 1 tsp black strap molasses
  • salt and cayenne paper to taste
  • coconut spray

Line the Air-Fryer with foil.  Spray the Brussel Sprouts with coconut spray. Sprinkle salt and cayenne paper xylitol and molasses onto sprouts.  Mix and add to the air fryer. Cook for 15-18 mins until toasty.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (S)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c baking blend
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ c natural sweetener
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ c greek yogurt
  • ¼ c nut milk (coconut or almond)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 T oil

Cinnamon “Sugar” Mixture

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix dry ingredients, sugar and cinnamon
  2. Mix in yogurt, milk, egg and oil
  3. Stir well
  4. Fill greased muffin pans ⅔ full
  5. Bake @375 for 15 minutes
  6. Remove immediately from pan and roll in melted butter
  7. Combine cinnamon & natural sugar (Sweet Blend)
  8. Roll donuts in cinnamon mixture

Or look check out the Basic Donut on page 268 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook for a different recipe on THM donuts.

Our Weekly Menu with Sugar Free Donuts

donuts.jpg

Our Weekly Menu 

with Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.

Menu

Monday: Blackened Salmon with Air Fried Okra (E) The blogger, Oh Sweet Mercy,  is one to follow with amazing Trim Healthy Mama options and delicious, easy to make recipes. 

Tuesday: It's Taco Tuesday so Slow Fajitas on page 53 in the book Trim Healthy Mama, is on the menu 

Wednesday: Pizza Chili * See Below

Thursday: Light and Fluffy Quiche * See Below 

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Insta Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken  In order to blend into our Trim Healthy Lifestyle, I will substitute glucosamine for the thickener and use Braggs Liquid Amino Acids for the soy sauce

Sunday: General Tso’s InstaPot Shredded Chicken In order to blend into our Trim Healthy Lifestyle, I will substitute glucosamine for the thickener and use Braggs Liquid Amino Acids for the soy sauce.  I’ll also replace the sugar with xylitol.

Sweet Treats

No Bake Cheesecake, just check out this amazing recipe again from Oh Sweet Mercy!

Sugar Free Cinnamon Donuts * See Below!! 

 

Light and Fluffy Quiche

Ingredients:

  • Optional Pie Crust
  • 1 cup Shredded Mexican Blended Cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • Green Onion
  • Handful of Kale
  • Cooked Sausage Bites
  • 4- slices Cooked and Bacon Crumbles
  • 8 Eggs
  • 1 cup Whipping Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Spice Blend
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Layer the Pie Crust or Baking Dish with Cheese, Kale, Sausage, Cooked Bacon and onion.  
  2. In medium bowl, combine eggs, milk or cream, and then add salt, pepper and Italian Spice blend . Beat until smooth and pour over cheese and meat.
  3. Place prepared pie in preheat oven (375 degrees F)  If using a crust you may choose to cover with foil to protect it. 
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. Remove the foil, if used and continue to bake for 15 mins if the quiche is not set. 
Insta-Pot Pizza Chili
  • 2 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 2 cans RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 2 cans of the following beans (Black, any kind of White & Kidney)
  • 1 – 2 Tablespoons chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your chili)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin 
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken stock low sodium
  • 3 ounce can of tomato paste.
  • 2 cans of sugar-free pizza sauce

Press Sauté button and add butter and onion and ground turkey. Once the onion and turkey has been cooked, turn off Sauté mood and add the rest of the ingredients. Close lid and pressure cook on chili at High Pressure for 30 minutes, followed by Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.

Another Sweet Treat for this week

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts (S)

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c baking blend
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ c natural sweetener
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ c greek yogurt
  • ¼ c nut milk (coconut or almond)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 T oil

Cinnamon “Sugar” Mixture

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Mix dry ingredients, sugar and cinnamon
  2. Mix in yogurt, milk, egg and oil
  3. Stir well
  4. Fill greased muffin pans ⅔ full
  5. Bake @375 for 15 minutes
  6. Remove immediately from pan and roll in melted butter
  7. Combine cinnamon & natural sugar (Sweet Blend)
  8. Roll donuts in cinnamon mixture

Or look check out the Basic Donut on page 268 of the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbookfor a different recipe on THM donuts.

A Rainbow of Fun!

A Rainbow of Fun!

 

IMG_1839.JPG

A Rainbow of Fun!

The Science of Color

A little touch of Easter a flavor of spring. My little preschooler was fascinated by rainbows on this particular day and kept keeping these magical arrays in everything we did. So for a fun extra projects we found this easy science lesson to blend colors to create a rainbow effect. Give it a try for yourself and see what you think! 

Rainbow Walking Water Science Experiment 

For our experiment, we set up the cups, added the water, color and then paper towels.  The walking color didn't magically appear right away so we decided to head to art class. Upon our return the it really did look wonderful!! 

While at art class, Jackie, Cayden's teacher at Aberdeen Bead and Brushes had a variety of projects with rainbow's as well!  Check out this fun science lesson with jelly beans and skittles!! Tuesday Mornings at 10:00am in Aberdeen, there is toddler art for $5.00. Cayden always has a fun time creating and meeting out with friends! So, if you are in the Sandhills area of Southern Pines/Pinehurst, come and join us!

So how do you recreate this rainbow of colors?  Grab a white disposable plate, a bag of skittle or jellybeans and a small cup of water. Line the ring of the plate with your candy, poor a little water and watch the magic happen.  Additionally, Cayden create a chalk egg project that same day!  So much to do so little time! 

Click here for small videos and more pictures! 

 

Yay Our Weekly Menu is Here with Brown “Sugar” Brussel Sprouts!

nutrition-36457_1280.png

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.


Menu

Monday: Spaghetti with low carb pasta  (E). My three sure love their spaghetti.  For them we pair it with low carb pasta. For the adults we use spaghetti squash for our noodles. Looking for an easy and quick way to cook your squash?  Check out this blog for directions for a InstaPot Version.

Tuesday: Tacos (S) Low carb tortillas with ground meat, avocados, cheese and whole fat yogurt in place of sour cream and we have an easy but quick meal.

Wednesday: Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup (S) I don’t know why this cold weather insists on hanging around North Carolina but, at least a warm bowl of soup on a chilly night helps!.

Thursday: Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli (E) page 82 of the book Trim Healthy Table. This recipe has an S (satisfying fats) or E (energizing healthy carbs)  option.

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 310of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Little Sweet little spicy drumsticks (S), page 221 of the book, Trim Healthy Table. For a fun little treat tonight, flavorful chicken legs with Brown “Sugar” Air-Fried Brussel Sprouts!*

Sunday: Brinner night (S), page 279 & 336 of the book Trim Healthy Table. Waffles, bacon and eggs for dinner?!  Yum!


Sweets for the Week


Air Fried Brussel Sprouts

  • 1 Bag of Frozen Brussel Sprouts
  • 1 tsp xylitol
  • 1 tsp black strap molasses
  • salt and cayenne paper to taste
  • coconut spray

Line the Air-Fryer with foil.  Spray the Brussel Sprouts with coconut spray. Sprinkle salt and cayenne paper xylitol and molasses onto sprouts.  Mix and add to the air fryer. Cook for 15-18 mins until toasty.

Our Weekly Menu plus Light and Fluffy Quiche

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their website, books and various social media platforms.

This weeks menu is ready! We follow the guidelines of Trim Healthy Mama developed by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison and we encourage you to check out their websitebooks and various social media platforms.


Menu

Monday: Lentil Soup for the Soul (E). I fell in love with the name of this soup and with a rainy day in the forecast, is there a better day for a bowl of soup?

Tuesday: Light and Fluffy Quiche (S) * See my recipe below!

Wednesday: Pizza Chili (E) * See my recipe below!

Thursday: Chicken Nuggets (S)- One of our favorite family recipes, our chicken is baked not fried but just as popular.

Friday: Low Carb Pizza, (c/o) crust made with Cheese bread sticks on page 252 of the book Trim Healthy Table. 

Saturday: Blackened Fish Tacos (E), page 60 of the book, Trim Healthy Table. Crispy fish packed with a yummy beans and low carb tortilla

Sunday: Instant Pot Crack Chicken  (S) Adventures of a Nurse

Sweets for the Week
Soft Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (S) page 400 in the book Trim Healthy Table


Light and Fluffy Quiche

Ingredients:

  • Optional Pie Crust
  • 1 cup Shredded Mexican Blended Cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • Green Onion
  • Handful of Kale
  • Cooked Sausage Bites
  • 4- slices Cooked and Bacon Crumbles
  • 8 Eggs
  • 1 cup Whipping Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Spice Blend
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Layer the Pie Crust or Baking Dish with Cheese, Kale, Sausage, Cooked Bacon and onion.  
  2. In medium bowl, combine eggs, milk or cream, and then add salt, pepper and Italian Spice blend . Beat until smooth and pour over cheese and meat.
  3. Place prepared pie in preheat oven (375 degrees F)  If using a crust you may choose to cover with foil to protect it. 
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. Remove the foil, if used and continue to bake for 15 mins if the quiche is not set.

Insta-Pot Pizza Chili

  • 2 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 2 cans RoTel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
  • 2 cans of the following beans (Black, any kind of White & Kidney)
  • 1 – 2 Tablespoons chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your chili)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin 
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken stock low sodium
  • 3 ounce can of tomato paste.
  • 2 cans of sugar-free pizza sauce

Press Sauté button and add butter and onion and ground turkey. Once the onion and turkey has been cooked, turn off Sauté mood and add the rest of the ingredients. Close lid and pressure cook on chili at High Pressure for 30 minutes, followed by Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.