I feel bad because I think it's one of those things I should have told my husband before he married me. But I didn't.
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See that pile on the bed? It's clean. Clean-ish.
That pile was washed a week ago. It's been in a pile for a week on the bottom of my bed/on the floor. Need a shirt? Look in that pile. Need new undies? The pile.
See that laundry basket behind The Pile? That's dirty laundry, SPILLING over the top.
Why does laundry hate me so much?
Do you see the time on the clock? You can't really tell but it says 2:57, in the afternoon. That's right. 3 in the afternoon and I haven't even thrown a dirty load of laundry into the wash. NOT ONE.
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I could blame the children.
I mean, after all I have been taking care of 3 kids under 4 all day...You know what? It's all their fault! But I also hated/had issues with laundry B.C. (before children), so I guess it's technically not their fault. Which only means one thing...
Like when your husband comes home from work with a king size bar of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and you just watch him take each bite wishing he would share, but secretly hope he doesn't.
So twisted.
Or when you are convinced your 3 daughters have Pre menstrual like symptoms and you have a bag of pink shiny peeps just SCREAMING your name to offer you a tiny glimpse of sanity...
Sometimes we need candy. Sometimes we need chocolate. And sometimes we need peanut butter chocolate candy.
Single Serving PB Cup (Quick Dessert!)
Ingredients
1.5 TB chopped dark chocolate, melted
1 TB natural PB
Instructions
Get 3-4 cupcake wrappers and stack them together.
Add half of the melted chocolate to the bottom of the wrapper. Using a spoon, push some of the melted chocolate up all the sides of the wrapper. Not the whole way, just a little bit.
Next spoon on top the peanut butter.
On top of that, add the rest of the melted chocolate, and carefully spread it over the top of the peanut butter.
Place the peanut butter cup in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set, then enjoy!
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If you want to jazz this dessert up even more, chop up the PB cup and fold it into Banana Ice Cream or Greek Yogurt/Greek Yogurt Ice Cream for double the protein!
The other day as I was making a kale salad, my cousin looked at me and said, "Isn't it funny how now you are eating that, but back then it was a decoration on your steak plate!"
Years ago, the thought of eating kale would have been a laughing matter to me. If kale was in fact that veggie on the plate, I gladly scooted it over and face planted right into some creamy mashed potatoes.
(I think I might still do that?)
Luckily for me, my family have taken that spot and forcefully push their veggies to the side along with an exaggerated, "OMG THAT LOOKS LIKE POOP!" Husband, please don't say poop at the dinner table...
That's right, you heard me. My family doesn't love veggies. I know you probably assumed the first thing my kids ask for in the morning is a carrot, but no my friends. Wrong.
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
They ask for Lucky Charms...Every day. And every day I say No. Then they cry, tell me I'm a mean mom and how we aren't best friends. My husband is so dramatic.
ALL before 7 a.m.
So imagine my reaction when I placed this kale salad on their dinner plate the other night and everyone started gobbling it up. Excited? Shocked? Happy?
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
Is there a feeling that describes Booya? I could picture it so clearly...
Kale salads being requested every night. Kids screaming for veggies and hummus as a snack. Fighting for the last scoop of vegetables at dinner...
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
None of that happened and they still asked for marshmallows for breakfast this morning...
But they ate a kale salad for dinner last night, so I guess you could call that a win in my eyes.
Boo-ya.
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
Spring Citrus Salad
Family Friendly
Ingredients
1 head curly kale
1 c. strawberries
1 c. clementines cut in half
2-3 ounces of goat cheese
3 TB. slivered almonds
Dressing:
Zest of 1 large orange (1/4 c.)
Juice of 1 large orange
2 TB. olive oil
1 TB. honey
1 garlic clove smashed or grated
1 TB. greek yogurt
salt and pepper
Instructions
using a cutting board, remove the leaves from the stems of the kale.
Roll the leaves up and slice them. Place them in a bowl.
Make the dressing by whisking everything together in a small bowl. Pour it over the kale salad and toss to coat.
Next add strawberries, oranges, and almonds. Toss to coat.
Top with Goat cheese.
Allow to sit for a few minutes for the dressing to marinade.
I think the reason why this Kale salad was so family friendly were for the following reasons:
I used fruit in the salad, which is one of their favorite foods. The bright strawberries and clementines automatically drew them in.
The salad was frilly like a tutu. This really drew my husband in ;). Before I served it, I told my girls that the salad was frilly like a tutu and it got them excited. I know it sounds crazy, but when you have a 2 and 4 year old daughter, you will understand.
Spring Citrus Kale Salad from The Diva Dish
I'm hoping I can pull another fast one on them again for dinner this week, but we shall see. I think my husband is on to something.
From the age of 16 through 20 I worked at smoothie businesses.
One might think this is where my love of 'healthy living' developed...But when a pizza place next door starts exchanging you breadsticks for smoothie, well...
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
Also, did you know the majority of smoothie chains make their smoothies with sugary juice and frozen yogurt ice cream? It makes them taste oh so delicious! But it also kind of cancels out the fact that drinking a smoothie is a healthier option.
Does that mean pizza bread sticks could have been a healthier choice?!
I'd like to think so.
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
Hands down one of my ALL TIME favorite smoothies are Acai bowls, which are becoming quite popular.
(Let it be known that I totally like Acai Bowls before they were cool.)
But unlike so many others, I won't toss my beloved smoothie bowls to the curb when it gets popular. I won't think of it any different even though it has become quite the media whore.
No. I will love them forever. Why? Because when Acai Bowls are tomorrows news and another health craze becomes the star...I'll still be there. Just like I was for Kale.
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
One smoothie place I worked for used apple juice and strawberry juice with acai ice cream.
Another used almond milk, vanilla ice cream, and acai smoothie packs.
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
With the knowledge I have and for the love of all things healthy, I came up with is what I think the BEST Acai Bowl ever.
But seriously, what makes them so popular? Besides the looks, it's a great way to make a meal out of a smoothie. You can add fruit, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of funny and eat it all up with a spoon!
It's mad I tell you, MAD. But once you do it, you won't be able to stop thinking about it. Then before you know it, you will dream about it, and then well...
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
Then you will make an acai bowl i guess.
Or you will drive to the nearest juice bar and have them make it for you because most likely they will know you by name and exactly what you want. So in order to avoid that embarrassment you will have to make it at home sometimes.
You're welcome.
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl
Ingredients
1 acai smoothie packs, I found mine at Costco
Handful of frozen strawberries and blueberries
1 frozen banana
a little bit of non dairy milk-I used cashew or almond
(opt. a little bit of apple juice)
1 TB. agave
handful of ice
Toppings:
chopped fresh strawberries, frozen blueberries, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey
Instructions
Add all smoothie ingredients into a blender and add a splash or two of liquid (milk and apple juice.) The less milk, the creamier.
Blend until creamy.
Add toppings to smoothie and dig in with a spoon!
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The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
The BEST Acai Bowl from The Diva Dish
Would I trade this acai bowl for a box full of breadsticks now a days? I mean...No, but I love bread sticks so...halfsies?
It's amazing how you don't think that life could get any better, or that you could share your heart any more, but as soon as we welcomed our 3rd sweet baby girl everything changed. I feel so incredibly blessed!
Life with 3 girls...where do I begin?
I read this quote some time ago and I think it states perfectly how I feel...
"The Happiest State of Human Existence Is to Love Someone More Than You Love Yourself."
3
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Trust me friends...That is truly where Happiness lies.
Thank you all So much for your kind words, comments, tweets, emails, instagram hellos, etc.! I feel the LOVE so much! I've been busy snuggling my little angel and I appreciate the patience. I've also been working on The Diva Dish E-book Breakfast Cookbook! I just need to tackle a few more recipes.
I do need a creative Hashtag to go with the book, so if anyone can think of one I am willing to send someone a 'prize' :).
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Love your family & Love your friends! Happy Tuesday!
*My kids request donuts often, and I love baked donuts that I can make from home as a healthier alternative! These are made with pancake mix, so half the work is already done for you! Enjoy these Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts with your kids anytime without the sugar overload!* **************************************************************************
We live somewhat close to a donut shop, and every so often on a Saturday we will walk over with the kids and get them their favorite chocolate donuts! There is also a green juice place next door, so usually I'll grab my breakfast there and then stare them down with jealousy as they eat.
It's a wonderful family tradition.
I've made quite a few baked donuts at home, but I always seem to have a problem with the texture. Especially if I have used bananas in the batter, then I just feel like I'm eating a circle sized banana bread. But lately I've been baking with pancake batter, and for some reason the texture has been just perfect!
Light, airy, but still cake like. All that's missing is a rich chocolate frosting with 1/4 cup of chocolate sprinkles on each donut.
Even better, these things bake up in a little over 10 minutes, and you don't have to wait in a long line only to find out the parent in front of you took the last chocolate donut that would have belonged to your 4 year old. Thank goodness for a game of rock, paper, scissors with your husband to see who has to relay the message to her...#firstworldtoddlerproblems
Speaking of my husband, he ONLY eats glazed donuts. I just. I can't. It's all about the cake donut my friends. Am I right?
Healthy Baked Chocolate Chip Donuts from The Diva Dish
Also, I've talked about my love for Kodiak Cakes before, and I swear they aren't paying me to say this, but they have been my favorite pancake mix to use! I just LOVE the ingredients, so if you haven't ever tried it, definitely do so!
And while you are at it, drizzle some good quality melted chocolate over the top of your donuts. When the chocolate hardens on the soft donut it's OH SO GOOD!
I think there is a 6th sense roaming about our household. Each one of us in our own way knows that the 5th member of our family will soon be here, and well....
Each one of us is handling the situation differently.
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My girls personalities have completely switched, but I've still managed to have one 'out to get me' child, and 'one that really must love me' child.
My husband has been teaching my girls how to punch, fight, kick, and play sports non stop. I think he is starting to feel how little power he really is going to have living in a house with 7 women.
7 because I count as 3 women total. That's right. I've fully embraced the last stage of my pregnancy with more than enough hormones to the point where I cry over missing shoes and hugs from my littles.
And I cried at like every super bowl commercial.
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
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We also just finished up the last of our 'major' kitchen projects before the baby comes! The minor things will come later, but my husband told me we have to pay our mortgage so...
After two weeks of being unable to use my kitchen, it felt nice to have a peaceful Sunday just enjoying my little family of 4 before we add one more!
We made lemonade, chicken +pasta, rolls, and chocolate. The recipes/links to recipes will be at the end of this post!
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
Sunday Dinner; The Diva Dish
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I feel like it's a calm before the storm, because guess what, we are naming our baby Storm.
Totally kidding.
...But more like, we will be lucky if we change out of our pajamas and do productive things after she arrives. Sorry hubs. And sorry kids. And sorry kitchen floors. And sorry hair...You won't be washed often.
Parmesan Italian Herb Rolls= Frozen Dough Rolls topped with melted coconut oil, grated Italian herbs, and freshly grated parmesan. Baked at 400 for 16 minutes in a greased cast iron skillet.
Salad= Not pictured, but it was just lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, apples, goat cheese, almonds, and dressing.
*Need a quick snack for your hungry littles, or even yourself? This Walnut Berry Smoothie is the perfect treat to keep those bellies full!*
I've discovered over the past month that there is not only ONE but TWO places near my house that make Acai bowls. You know those smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey?
I've been back and forth to both locations because I don't want to embarrass myself with how many acai bowls I'm really eating. Gosh dang...They are just so good.
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Unfortunately a regular bowl is just shy under TEN DOLLARS, and after 4 visits in a week your husband will start to question your insanity. I've tried to make my own acai bowl at home, especially since I used to make them in high school when I worked at a smoothie place...I'm like a pro.
But by the time I go to the grocery store to buy the acai, my kids all of the sudden act like a pack of wild kangaroos raised them, I forgot my list at home, and the store feels like it's 115 inside and I begin to sweat profusely. And then I'm pregnant, so that basically means my mind is a bowl of spaghetti.
NOW do you see husband?!?
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
SO, I've been trying to make my own versions at home using what I have on hand LIKE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT...and I recently found a combination that I LOVE.
Smoothies are such a staple in my household, we are basically addicted to them. They are just so quick and you can add whatever you want depending on how you are feeling.
In this case, my girls asked for a pink smoothie, so I did my best and aimed to please.
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Sadly it was purple and they were pissed.
Thank goodness for Princess Sofia the First and her purple obsession!
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
1 c. almond milk, unsweetened
1/3 c. yogurt of choice, I used plain greek yogurt for more protein
1/4 c. frozen strawberries
1/4 c. frozen blueberries
1/4 c. frozen raspberries
1/4 c. frozen dark sweet cherries
1 heaping TB. walnuts
1 heaping TB. chia seeds
1 TB. honey
1/2 c. ice
Instructions
Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy.
Serve immediately.
Optional: Top with your favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey!
Serves 2 littles and one mama (For a snack)
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Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
Walnut Berry Protein Smoothie from The Diva Dish
This is great as an afternoon snack, bedtime snack, or 'I just need a snack'. You can definitely make this to be like an acai bowl and top with your favorite granola, fruit, and honey! But if your like me, you forgot the granola along with the acai...
We are re-doing our downstairs in our home!! :) (Yes, we are having a baby in two weeks lol!) I know this isn't a DIY blog, but who doesn't love before and afters right?!
We don't have the after just yet, but I do have really crappy before pictures!
I'm always trying to get creative with food for my girls, but with the least effort possible. That's ok right?
Morning rolls around and frankly, I'm just not in the mood to be creative. I stayed up way too late the night before watching The Bachelor and Google-ing things like, "How come I'm so hormonal at 36 weeks pregnant?"
Then the sun rises and I hear the little pitter patter of feet come to the side of my bed and little tiny voices saying, "Mom...Mom...Can we watch Princess Videos on your phone?"
Yes babies. Until 10:30, then wake Mommy up my sweethearts.
I love morning time with my girls, but as they get older I'm seeing how our morning routines are getting shorter and ending quicker. What used to be roll out of bed and watch Mickey has turned into...Run down stairs and eat, grab your clothes and let's head to school. (And not be late again for the 56th time.)
As hard as some days are, I can't help but get emotional (no seriously, I can't help it) knowing that the first thing they want in the morning is to come and see me. Or my phone.
But let's just go with me.
So we've been trying new things for breakfast, and not turning it into such a ho-hum, let's go rush to school kind of morning. Making it just a little more special than a smoothie or a quick bowl of cereal, but still the same amount of time!
And this breakfast can be made at 6 a.m. when the sunrises, or at 10:30 when your kids have watched 3 movies and let you sleep in...
It taste delicious no matter what time it is!
Breakfast Ice Cream
Ingredients
1 c. plain greek yogurt
Honey to taste
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Toppings of choice
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together yogurt and honey to taste. (It all depends on how sweet you like it.)
Using an ice cube tray, add yogurt to individual cubes.
Freeze yogurt cubes for at least two hours or until frozen. (Overnight is perfect, so that way it's ready in the morning.)
When ready, add yogurt to a food processor or blender, plus vanilla.
Turn on the machine and let the yogurt come to ice cream consistency. If needed add a few splashes of milk. (Careful, too much milk will make it not so thick.)
Eat immediately, or store in an air tight container in the freezer until ready to eat. (If you store the ice cream in the freezer, allow it to thaw a few minutes before eating.)
Top with your favorite breakfast toppings and enjoy!!
What I love about this breakfast is that it's full of protein, naturally sweetened, and it makes for a sweet and unexpected treat in the morning. You can dress it up any way you like, even with colorful sprinkles!
To make this quick in the morning, freeze the cubes the night before so all you have to do is pop it in a food processor or blender in the morning and you are ready to go!
I swear, Greek yogurt is one of my favorite foods right now! It's just so versatile, and you can create so many fun recipes with it! Not to mention it's full of amazing benefits, including protein, which is sometimes hard to get kids to eat enough of!
When my oldest started going to preschool, one of the things I was most excited about was packing her lunch.
And maybe the break too.
Toddler School Lunch Ideas, The Diva Dish
I loved the idea of packing her food that she would be excited about and all the other kids would be...I don't want to say jealous, but I kind of want to say jealous.
Her first year of preschool when she initially started I remember going ALL out. Like cutting things in shapes, making themed lunches, and putting a lot of effort into her lunch.
But then my youngest at the time was becoming more needy, life became more busy, and I just became too tired.
Toddler School Lunch Ideas, The Diva Dish
(Sidenote: Isn't she the most beautiful think ever? We are in trouble.)
After that I had to have a realization with myself that her lunches didn't have to be fancy/time consuming (or PIN worthy), but they could still be quick, simple, healthy, and toddler approved.
Fast forward to now I'm a busy mom of two with one on the way, which technically makes me a lot slower. I have a hard working husband and bags under my eyes.
Most likely I haven't prepared anything the night before, and we are running late because a certain someone refuses to change out of the Elsa pajamas.
So lunch prep has to be quick.
Toddler School Lunch Ideas, The Diva Dish
Here is my lunch DISCLAIMER :) :
My oldest is SUPER picky, so I try to appeal to her taste/preferences when she has lunch at school because I'm not there to monitor how much/what she eats.
I try to add one new thing a week, just letting her slowly try different foods.
Her lunches don't always have vegetables. It all depends on what I have on hand, and if I don't pack a veggie she likes, then I will make sure to incorporate veggies later on that day. (Snack/dinner time.)
I pack sweets. Some are homemade, and some aren't. She LOVES chocolate/which chocolate chips, so that's usually her 'treat'.
Here are 12 lunches that I prepared at the start of this school year. Again, nothing fancy. Just simple/quick/healthy/toddler approved.
5- Dehydrated Snap Peas, Shredded Chicken, Salad w/ tomatoes and croutons, Blueberries, White Chocolate Chips. (My daughter LOVES salad!)
Toddler School Lunch Ideas, The Diva Dish
6-Apples, Blueberries, Sun Chips, Bagel w/ PB +Honey+ Cream Cheese + Cinnamon, Tomato slices, White Chocolate Chips
Toddler School Lunch Ideas, The Diva Dish
7- (Halloween Theme), Peanut Butter Spider Crackers, Tortilla chips, Bat cheese, Blueberries, Candy Corn, White Chocolate Chips, Carrots + Dip. (I wanted to use guacamole but my avocados were bad when I opened them!)
What do you pack your kids for lunch? This coming fall I'll be making two lunches, I'll definitely have to post more of those experiences because my girls have WAY different food preferences :)!
I don't know about you guys, but this is kind of how I feel after the holidays...
Tired, chocolate all over my face, hair in a bun because I've been doing lots of "relaxing"...
It's not pretty.
I know in years past I've written out a few things I learned the previous year, and goals that I wished to accomplish the following year. But I won't do that today.
Because I'm really bad at deadlines and goals.
And because I said I was working on a breakfast e-book last May, and I hoped to have it done by the start of the school year 2014.
And It's not done. Not even close.
I actually didn't make a 'list' of goals for this year because If there is anything the year 2014 taught me it's that things happen, and plans go out the window, and most likely we won't be prepared for things to come.
How's that for motivation?
Let's cut the Debby Downer crap and say even though this was a 'harder' year for me (and maybe some of you too), I was tremendously blessed and I think I may have turned into a grown up.
Almost.
Bachelor starts Monday, so there's that.
SO whatever this year may bring, I say Bring It On! If there is ONE thing I've learned this year it's that no matter what, things will be ok and work out for the best.
Unless of coarse there really is a chocolate shortage like everyone is talking about, then by all means START FREAKING OUT!
And don't forget to drink a lot of milkshakes. Healthy ones and some not so healthy ones ;)!
Healthy Banilla Peanut Butter Milkshake
Vegan, Diary Free, GF, Healthy
Ingredients
1 large banana cut into slices and frozen
1 spoonful of natural peanut butter
2 tsp. good quality vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste
dash of salt
a few splashes of non dairy milk
Instructions
Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until nice and creamy!
Sip through a straw or eat with a spoon! Enjoy!
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I promise I'm going to start working hard on that e-book! I already have TEN recipes, but I really want to have at least 25. So if there are any special breakfast request, let me know! The goal for this book is quick, healthy, easy, kid friendly, and of coarse delish! :)
P.S.
I also swear I'm going to work on painting my nails more often. #nomorechippednailpolish
P.P.S
Im having a baby in like a month or so?! AHHHH! I can't wait to kiss that little baby's face!
Excuse me if this post doesn't make any sense. That Frozen movie is on in the background, and well, I'm repeating line for line in my head along with trying to type this up.
Do you wanna build an artichoke dip?
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
Where was I?
If you are new here to The Diva Dish I'll fill you in a quick bit on my family. I have two little daughters, who some how have become WAY smarter and sassier than I ever could be. I love them so much it hurts! I also have another daughter on the way this February!! I'm married to the hardest working babe I know, and he could eat every single day of his life LOVES McDonalds.
And...This is a healthy lifestyle blog.
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
I get a lot of emails and comments from parents who feel like they don't know what to do because their little one "just won't eat healthy", or "only loves macaroni and cheese!" They wonder how on earth I do it, and why I am so lucky to have kids who love vegetables and are disgusted from fried food and cheesy noodles.
All I have to say is...
Dang! I must be a good liar! ;)
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
I'm here to break the news to you my friends....My kids are NOT good eaters.
Their picky-ness and my desire to raise my family living a healthy lifestyle is why I started this blog in the first place. I knew that there were others out there struggling with the same issues I was, and I wanted to share my successes and well..my fails.
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
So here's the deal, Let it go. OMG, sorry...Frozen.
But seriously, I've learned to ease up a little. If I stress and cry and force feed, it never ends pretty. If I spend 75 minutes making this healthy incredibly stressful dinner, I most likely will have each child take two or three bites and then they are done. SO I keep it simple.
I've made a wide range of food for them, but I've paid close attention to which types of 'foods' and healthier foods they prefer/enjoy.
For example, my oldest doesn't like things too salty, too sweet, mushed together, or funny looking. My youngest is the opposite. She likes flavors and will try almost anything. But she eats like a bird, so when I feed her I try and make sure it's filling and full of fats/proteins/etc.
Doing that has allowed me to play with their food preferences and make some of the food they love and prefer a little healthier.
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
So WHY artichoke dip?
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
A while back we were eating at a restaurant with family when someone ordered spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer. When it came I joked with my 4 year old (the flavor/mushed together food hater) if she wanted to try some. She shockingly did, and ate bite after bite.
Now here's the deal.
Spinach artichoke dip at restaurants are most likely not healthy. There is probably a lot of butter, cream, unhealthier fats, and lots of cheese stuffed in there. So do I stop her from eating it?
NO.
She's not on a diet. She's a growing girl, and a picky eater. Are some fats and a lot of butter going to just RUIN her? Of coarse not.
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
I think we tend to get too 'healthy crazy', almost to the point where we forget that our kids are growing and NEED substance. I've had a hard time in the beginning because I was trying to watch what I ate, and keep things light not super heavy. But kids can't survive off salads, smoothies, lettuce wraps, chicken and veggies. (Honestly, I can't either. I need chocolate!)
So here is my 'healthier' version of spinach artichoke dip. It has healthy fats, veggies, protein, etc. Everything our growing kiddos need! And, adults with chipped red nail polish too, of coarse!
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
Spinach Artichoke Dip (Healthier)
By The Diva Dish
Ingredients
3 TB. coconut oil
3-4 TB. minced fresh garlic
One 10 ounce packaged frozen spinach, drained and thawed (Can use fresh spinach)
1 can artichokes, drained and roughly chopped
3 TB. coconut oil
3 TB. flour
1 can light coconut milk (13-14 ounces)
1 c. plain greek yogurt
1 c. grated parmesan cheese (can experiment with 1/2 c.)
salt & pepper
Parmesan cheese grated for the top (optional)
Instructions
In a sauce pan add your 3 TB. coconut oil and melt.
Then add in your garlic and cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes.
Next add in your spinach and toss into the garlic/oil mixture.
Cook over medium/high heat for about 3-5 minutes.
Add the cooked spinach to a strainer and strain the juices back into the pan. (Press the spinach to get it all out.)
In the same pan, add your artichokes.
On medium/high heat, cook the artichokes for a few minutes until they have some color on them.
Remove the artichokes from the pan and place on a plate and set aside.
In the same pan, add the other 3 TB. of coconut oil and flour. (Reduce heat to medium.)
Whisk together until a paste forms.
Then slowly whisk in the coconut milk.
Continue to whisk on medium heat, or a little higher, until the mixture becomes thick.
Next whisk in greek yogurt and combine until creamy, followed by the parmesan cheese.
Stir until everything is melted and combined.
Sprinkle a little bit of salt and pepper in.
Next, fold in the spinach and artichokes.
Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, 9x9 or which ever size you prefer.
Eat immediately, OR top the dip with a little extra shredded parmesan and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.
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Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
I served this at my parents house and everyone ate them with baked pita chips, but my 4 year old loves them with salty tortilla chips! Who knew?! You could easily dip carrots or cucumbers in this too, which I think would be a great alternative to the bread.
But...Bread is so good.
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
Protein Packed, Veggie Full, Kid Approved Spinach Artichoke Dip (Made Healthier!) From The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
I probably should go fix my nail polish while my girls are napping huh? That's right. The girls are asleep and Frozen is still on. I don't even know who I am any more...
It's not December is it? Because my girls are still wearing their Halloween Costumes, and I think my husband just threw away out our pumpkins last week.
Although, I feel like it is December because we've had treat after treat being dropped off at our house and I've been consuming more than enough peppermint, eggnog, and gingerbread sugary treats.
I've learned that being pregnant in December is just cruel, because you already have food aversions to healthy foods, and carbs and sweets are the ONLY thing that sounds good. Throw in the cold weather, which equals sweat pants and oversized sweaters and well...
HOLY CRAP. I now have a baby bump in the front....
And in the trunk.
Fast forward to cinnamon rolls.
My daughter and I have this cooking bond, which is my most favorite thing in the whole wide world. She will watch cooking shows, look at food pictures, and be right beside me in the kitchen.
Lately her and I have been recording every episode of The Pioneer Woman. Boo loves her show the most, and I think because a lot of her food looks.so.good!
That and she has horses, dogs, a farm, and usually dessert ready to eat when desired. Every 4 year olds dream right?!
And mine.
During one episode she made these delicious orange rolls that seemed SO easy to make. I loved how she made everything in a pot, and I could let the dough sit in the fridge for two days and pull it out when we needed.
Of coarse her rolls are amazingly delicious as is, but I decided I wanted to play around with the ingredients to see if I could make them using coconut oil and sugar.
I've made cinnamon rolls before using those ingredients, so I was excited to try this version with a citrus twist! I think cinnamon rolls are the perfect Christmas morning breakfast, and Orange rolls seem even better!
My little helper. She snacked on blueberries while spreading the marmalade. And by snacked I mean ate the entire thing.
She's currently at a pack a day. I'm worried.
One thing I've always done with cinnamon rolls is cut them using dental floss. It's something my high school boyfriends mom taught me. (HI!!) She was a great cook, and I would often try and help her in the kitchen.
Then we would all joke how I was a horrible cook.
And now I have a food blog.
The great thing about these rolls is that the dough can sit in the fridge for at least a day or two, so if you want fresh warm rolls in the morning, you don't have to start the rising process at 3 a.m. All it requires is about an hour of rising, so now you can start at 5 am. (Because who sleeps in on Christmas morning?!)
Oh yea, my husband.
Ba Humbug.
I'm so glad that Christmas morning is only two weeks away, because I don't think I can wait any longer to have something sweet!
Oh wait...Is that the doorbell?
Orange Rolls
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman's Orange Rolls
Ingredients
2 c. full fat coconut milk, regular milk, or milk of choice
1/2 c. coconut oil
1/2 c. coconut sugar or maple sugar
1 pkg. active dry yeast
4 cups, plus 1/2 c. extra reserved, flour. (You can do half whole wheat half all purpose)
1/2 tsp. heaping baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 TB. salt
Melted coconut oil for the inside
coconut sugar for the inside
orange marmalade (a natural brand)
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves for the inside
sprinkle of salt for the inside
Instructions
To make the dough:
In a pot over the stove, heat milk, oil, and sugar.
Whisk together and heat just until the mixture begins to boil. Then remove from heat and let cool until the mixture reaches 110 degrees. I use a candy thermometer.
When it's cooled down so it's warm but not hot, sprinkle the yeast over the top.
Let it sit for a few minutes.
Then add in the four cups of flour, and stir together with a wooden spoon. Be careful not to over mix too much.
Let the lid sit on top of the pot in a warm place and let it rise for at least an hour. You want it to almost double.
Once that happens, then add in the remaining 1/2 flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir together.
You can make the rolls immediately, or cover and put in the fridge for the next morning, or a day or two later.
When you are ready to make the rolls, get the dough out of the fridge and roll it into a large rectangular shape.
Spread a layer of orange marmalade over top the dough, followed by some melted coconut oil to coat the entire surface. Then sprinkle on some coconut sugar, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. (I didn't measure, I just kind of sprinkled over the top until it was coated. (Not heavily with spices, but just enough.)
Begin to roll the dough, starting with one side and working your way to the other.
Cut the rolls and place on a baking sheet.
Let the rolls rise for at least an hour. (If the dough isn't cold from the fridge it might not take that long.)
Bake the rolls at 375 for 15-18 minutes, or until desired. (We like ours a little under cooked.)
Top with the glaze or frosting of choice immediately.
For the glaze I used the pioneer woman's recipe, only because my husband insisted, but you can use a healthier recipe by using cream cheese, some honey, orange juice, vanilla, and orange zest!
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For the original recipe go HERE on the Pioneer Womans site.
For a healthy frosting recipe, check this out HERE on Naturally Sweet Recipes.
My husband insisted if I was making the rolls 'healthier, (as if I was putting kale in them), he wanted the original frosting. He was in charge of pouring it on and well...they were swimming in it.
I removed the rolls onto a separate tray so they didn't become soft little pillows of sugar. Although, that sounds good.
I promise I'll post a non-sweet recipe next time. Something with kale. :)
Who doesn't love pancakes in the morning?! What if we turned them into Mini Pancake Muffins perfect for those little hands! (And not to mention, perfect to eat when time is short!) Keep reading for the recipe!
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I've never understood people that don't eat breakfast, or aren't very hungry in the morning. I feel like they can't be trusted...
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I go to bed thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast, I wake up in the middle of the night wanting that breakfast, and I get up in the morning rushing to go eat that breakfast. Almost before I do anything, like put my glasses on. Or get my children out of their bed.
Luckily for me, my girls are just as excited about breakfast, and usually remind me at 6 in the morning it's time to get up RIGHT THIS SECOND and make it for them because they might pass out of starvation.
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My four year is the most particular about the foods she eats, so I usually get asked every morning if she can have Cheerios, water, and five pounds of blueberries. As easy as it is to sometimes let her get her way, I'm trying my best to offer her different suggestions. (And let's be honest, blueberries aren't cheap when you buy them by the pounds...)
I usually can do pancakes with her, but not waffles. Unless I lie and tell her it's a pancake, then I'm in the clear. But don't add blueberries to the batter because she will react as if you cut off all her hair in the middle of the night while she was sleeping. Dramatic? No, total reality. She definitely doesn't get it from me...
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So I took a big leap of faith and decided to make muffins out of pancake batter. I thought it would be fun to make them bite because for some reason kids LOVE mini foods! I added a few chocolate chips on top, which was a risk, but it definitely went over well. I also thought about making these banana muffins, which you could do, but I bought 47 cans at the beginning of pumpkin season so I'm trying my best to use those up!
Oh boy...these were good!
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My girls dipped theirs in pure maple syrup, but you could definitely drizzle it on top as well! Even adding a little melted butter or coconut oil on top would be heavenly!
These, my friends are 4 year old dramatic princess approved!
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Mini Pancake Muffins (Pumpkin)
Ingredients
2 c. pancake mix, I used kodiak cakes protein pancakes because they have the best ingredients
1 c. milk of choice
1 chia egg=1 TB. chia seeds mixed w/ 3 TB. cold water. (let sit for 5 minutes.) OR one egg
1/2 c. coconut sugar
1/4 c. melted coconut oil
1 c. pumpkin puree-Can sub mashed banana
1 TB. pumpkin pie spice
1 TB. pure vanilla extract
Chocolate chips to top muffins with
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until combined. (Leave out the chocolate chips.)
Spray a mini muffin pan with oil, or use mini muffin liners. Add batter to the pan, filling about 3/4 full. Top with a few chocolate chips.
Bake in the oven at 350 for 18-20 minutes, or until they are done.
*If using an egg, these may cook faster than if using a chia egg, so watch muffins carefully!)
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Just looking at these muffins makes me hungry for 2nd breakfast!
Wait, what? You don't have 2nd breakfasts? Oh...It must be a 29 weeks pregnant thing than right?
With the holidays approaching, that means a lot of family will be staying together and spending lots of time with each other! So I love the idea of having an Overnight Baked French Toast ready in the morning for everyone to enjoy together!
Unless being around a lot of family is overwhelming and you are perfectly fine waking up at 445 to eat a bowl of cereal quietly to yourself with no one disturbing you...I've never done that.
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Speaking of family, my parents came for the weekend! (You aren't overwhelming mom, I promise!) They cleaned my house, fixed things here and there, hung pictures, washed and folded my laundry, gave us food, and babysat my kids. I just sat all weekend, it was lovely.
My parents always leave my house so exhausted, I don't understand..
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I wanted to do something nice for them, since I basically turned everything over to them, and the one (only?) way I know how to say thank you is through food. I wanted to have homemade cake, muffins, dinner ready, and fresh bread on the counter for when they got here. But I forgot how much energy it takes for me to find the flour in my pantry and I had to go with plan B.
Breakfast.
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I didn't want to be slaving over a hot stove making pancakes for everyone, because no one gets to eat together, especially the one 'slaving' :). So I love the idea of baked french toast, because it's ready all at once and we can all enjoy it together!
Speaking of love, have you tried this vanilla paste? I swear it has changed the way my baked goods taste! Can I drink it? No, because it's like $15 a bottle and I wouldn't want to waste it...
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You can also change up the flavors and make it however you and your family would like, especially the syrup! Homemade syrups are the best!
And while everyone is happily enjoying your homemade breakfast, you can sneak away and go back to bed and no one will know. Unless your 4 year old finds you...
Busted!
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Hint of Coconut Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
1 loaf whole wheat french bread, cinnamon french bread, etc. (Stale is good!)
1 can coconut milk
3/4 c. buttermilk (non dairy if needed, add 1 tsp. vinegar to non dairy milk)
3/4 c. milk (non dairy if needed)
6 eggs
3 egg whites
1 TB. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 TB. vanilla extract
1.4 c. coconut sugar or honey
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut
Instructions
Tear apart bread and place into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until combined. Pour liquid over the bread cubes, and toss just a little bit to make sure all of the bread is coated.
Cover and place in the fridge overnight to make in the morning. (I left mine in for two days, and it still turned out fine!)
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 and bake un-covered for about 30-35 minutes.
Serve warm with a drizzle of melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and more coconut!
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Do you have a favorite holiday breakfast? Share with me in the comments below, I would love to hear your family traditions!
I have to tell ya...Hitting the "NewPost" button on my blog felt SO weird and comforting at the same time. I've really missed opening my computer and sharing my love of health, with a little glimpse of my crazy beautiful life, and my overly dramatic personality...
It's been too long my friends. Way too long.
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Someone close to me recently told me that I portray myself having this perfect life in my posts/FB statuses/Instagram, but in reality my life isn't so. Like I've been fake...It was a little bit of an "ouch...really?" I feel like I've tried to be as real as Ican on social media and my blog post. I think I have done my best to share the good most definitely, but I also feel that I've been open with sharing some of the bad and the ugly. (We are entitled to some privacy right?) :)
I know that social media can be a place where we don't always show the reality of life, but I've always looked at this blog and my social media outlets as a place of positivity. A place of comfort, strength, passion, common ground for others, and definitely a place of reality.
So that had me thinking, and since then I've been eager to share a little bit of reality of my well...Imperfectly Perfect life.
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It's been about a month since I've been present here on The Diva Dish, and before that I was touch and go. Truth is my friends, we all have touch days/months/years. Times where it's like, "Ok, can I really take much more?!" Times where we think everything is falling apart and there is NO way we can pick ourselves.
This has been one of those years.
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There has been a lot of loved ones lost this year, a lot of financial difficulties, relationships have been tried and tested between family members, friends, and my marriage. I've felt alone, lost, and even like a terrible mother and wife. I've seen loved ones struggle more than ever before, and I've been hurt by people who I respected and loved.
BUT...
There is always a but!
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I've also been blessed so much. I was able to get pregnant and continue to stay at home and raise my two baby girls. I've had many opportunities to see prayers answered by my loving Heavenly Father when I most needed them. I've learned the true value of friendship, and have seen many serve and sacrifice to help myself and my family out in many ways. I've learned that there is nothing better than a phone call of comfort from my mom or dad. And I have never felt closer to God than I do now...
I've become a lot stronger and so much more confident in myself than ever before, something which I've struggled with for a while. I know that I can do hard things, and I am doing the best I can to be a great mother, wife, friend, and woman.
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Why am I sharing this?
Not just to say that my life isn't perfect, because I know that I've expressed that before.
What I really wanted to share was that life can be extremely difficult. We all go through things unimaginable, and no trial compares. It's easy to get wrapped up in other peoples lives, thinking that their grass is greener (or their house is cleaner!)
But even in times of darkness, there is light. I've learned this so much this year. Even if it's just a smile and an "I wove you!" from my two year old, or an "I'm so happy mom!" from my 4 year old. There IS light. Some days there will be more than others...But I know that we are strong, we are loved, and that no one is living a fairy tale.
More of like a broadway show, ya know :)!
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There will be multiple days of messy houses, laundry piles for DAYS, tantrums, toys on the floor, (and even some food!) And there will be nights where we order a pizza and eat three slices with ranch dressing and not feel bad about it..(And then have a bowl of rice krispies later that night!)
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And then there will be times where our world is turned upside down. Times where we fall and we don't really want to get up, and we need help.
It's so important to love others because we really don't know what burdens others are carrying. Look for opportunities to serve and love others...
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And look for times where there is a little (or a lot) of light...
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I love you my friends and I'm grateful you have stuck with me this far during this year. I love this blog and I love all those who have supported me! Please know that despite the challenges this year has brought, we are doing GOOD! We are so blessed in more ways than we can count!
I'm so happy it's the Holiday season! I can't wait to eat more pumpkin and have hot chocolate by a sparkly christmas tree! With a large pile of laundry next to me of coarse :)!
*This is probably one of my families favorite meals to eat, and my favorite meal to make. Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes. It's the easiest thing to throw together on a busy weeknight, and it's great dish when you have to bring meals to others!*
When Boo was first born, I will never forget all of the emotions I was experiencing. Scared, excited, overjoyed, blessed, freaking out, worried, emotional, irrational, tired, delirious, thirsty, and hungry.
And probably 456 other emotions that I can't remember...
Oh yea, memory loss.
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes, via The Diva Dish. Easy dish for a weeknight, and perfect to bring to others when making dinner for them!
When Boo was about two weeks old, and all of the family had headed back home, I remember feeling like "Oh my gosh...what do I do? How do I take care of her? What if she coughs? How come I can't hold my pee when I laugh? Also, I am I seeing things or am I just tired?"
My husband was deep in the middle of finals for grad school and I was scared out of my mind every time he left that morning for school. I knew it would be at least 10 hours before I saw him, and probably 6 hours before I talked to him. I was eating random things here and there, and drinking straight from a bottle of cranberry juice...
It was kind of...a beautiful mess. (So to speak.)
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes, via The Diva Dish. Easy dish for a weeknight, and perfect to bring to others when making dinner for them!
I was fully in love with my little new born, but hadn't quite figured out how to live life as a new mom. I felt alone a lot, but at the same time so comforted knowing that she was always with me.
Then one night when my husband was studying late at school, there was a knock on my apartment door. I opened the door to find a lady and her young daughter smiling so big with handfuls of food. I knew this lady just a little bit from church, and had maybe talked to her once. She had just moved to our area after going through a horrible experience in her life and had ended up living in our apartment complex.
She stood there with this hot pasta dish, bread, a huge salad, and a delicious homemade strawberry pie.
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes, via The Diva Dish. Easy dish for a weeknight, and perfect to bring to others when making dinner for them!
I'm pretty sure I balled my eyes out (and tried not to pee my pants) as she told me she had brought our family dinner because she knew the joys and stresses of being a new mom. As they held sweet Boo in their arms, all I could think about was how in that moment I wasn't alone, and there was someone watching out for me. And even despite what this beautiful woman was going through, she had found the time to serve someone else, and help someone in need.
I'll never forget that experience, and to this day I can still taste that strawberry pie.
At the beginning of this month, my girls and I made a goal to bring someone food every week. Not always a full meal, maybe some homemade bread or fresh cookies. For me, food is such a comfort, and I love sharing that with others.
This pasta dish has been one of my tried and true recipes from time to time as I've brought dinners to others. It's SO easy, which is kind of a necessity if you are making dinner for not only YOUR family but someone else's.
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes, via The Diva Dish. Easy dish for a weeknight, and perfect to bring to others when making dinner for them!
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes
This dish is SUPER simple and can come together quickly when you need a quick weeknight dinner! Also, it's the perfect dish to deliver to other families!
Ingredients
1 pound, or a little more, pasta of choice. (The recipe works best with a tortellini pasta filled with cheese.)
1-1 1/2 c. pesto, jarred or fresh (or 1 jar.)
1-2 cups sundried tomatoes, we prefer more :)
1-1 1/2 c. chopped canned artichokes
1-2 cups shredded chicken
8 oz mozzarella pears
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Strain pasta and place in a large bowl. Add the pesto, tomatoes, artichokes, and chicken and mix until combined.
Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella pears.
Serve and enjoy!
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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes & Artichokes, via The Diva Dish. Easy dish for a weeknight, and perfect to bring to others when making dinner for them!
I'm so grateful for moments like that. Times where I felt comfort even when I was scared.
Also, I'm grateful I don't pee my pants any more. Unless I cough, sneeze, jump on a trampoline, and run...
So so grateful.
Would you guys like to be apart of something amazing?! Join my girls and I bring others a food of comfort one time each week for at least a month! Let's make others feel loved! xoxoxo
Ever since the start of "Fall", I've been craving a nice warm pumpkin soup served in a cute lil' pumpkin!
But I wanted to spice it up a little different since my husband dreads anything pumpkin. ( I know...)
So I added some curry season, creamy coconut milk, and a little sweetness from a sweet potato. He actually really like it! Until he added one too many dashes of Franks Hot sauce and RUINED it.
He seems to think that Franks Hot sauce goes on EVERYTHING. I mean, it's not like they market the product saying it goes on EV.RY.THANG.
Or do they?
Don't answer.
He also doesn't like dessert, Real Housewives, or the color turquoise. (Which, I want to paint my whole house and every piece of furniture.) WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIM?! Not that much really...He's adorable. But really? Who hates turquoise?
Now...About that Thai Spiced Pumpkin Soup...
Thai Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients
2 1/2 c. pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
1 c. sweet potato puree
1 can full fat coconut milk
4 c. vegetable broth
4 TB. madras curry powder, or another curry powder seasoning
grated nutmeg, or a sprinkle of ground nutmeg
Salt & Pepper to taste
Topping:
Roasted pumpkin seeds
Drizzle of coconut milk
Instructions
Add the puree, milk, broth, and curry powder in a pot over the stop. Turn the heat on to medium.
Whisk all ingredients together until creamy. Let the soup come to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Add in your nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot in bowls, or hollowed pumpkins, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of coconut milk.
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My dream is to one day hold a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner at my house where I serve this soup in mini pumpkins and everyone says "Ooooh" and "Aaahhh"...
Then drizzle it with a yummy coconut milk and some crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds! It's the perfect crouton for this soup!
I promise my next recipe won't be pumpkin based...I think? Otherwise my husband might, well...Put Franks Hot Sauce on Pumpkin Pie.
We are basically in the fall/holiday season and I'm fully ready to embrace boots and sweaters. I'd also like to sip hot chocolate at the same time, while eating pumpkin & apple pie, with a pumpkin spice candle burning in my kitchen while listening to Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer.
Also..I'd like it snow.
Unfortunately my kids are still pant-less and wearing T-shirts around the house, and my air condition is on full speed. And the larger I get, the more I desperately want to wear oversized comfy clothes, but I sweat like a sinner in church...
Would this be considered complaining?
(Side note: I just love that little face!)
But of coarse I have so much to be grateful for, and this afternoon when my little peanut woke up from her nap I decided we would do our best to bring the Fall season to us. And since it's the season of..giving? (Isn't is always?) We decided that sharing a piece of Fall with someone else would be best!
This pumpkin bread is the perfect recipe for when you feel like giving. It makes enough to make one loaf for you and one loaf for someone else.
Or 4 smaller loaves for you and 3 special friends.
Or even muffins for lots of friends if your popular.
You can use canned pumpkin, or if you are feeling creative you can make your own FRESH pumpkin puree! (There is also a really embarrassing video tutorial too! Win win!) I usually try and make a large batch every season and then bathe in it.
HA! I mean, not bathe...BAKE!! Oh my gosh...so awkward.
And of coarse, save the mixer spoon and a few chocolate chips for those little mouths. Leave the bowl for yourself...
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
3 c. white whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c. coconut sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. melted coconut oil, cooled
2/3 c. water
4 eggs
2 c. pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
1 tsp. vanilla
1 bag chocolate chips
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Set the bowl aside.
In a mixing bowl, add the oil, water, eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. Mix until combined, and then with the mixer on low add in the dry ingredients until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Grease two large bread pans, and divide the batter between the two.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45-50 minutes. Let the bread COMPLETELY cool in the pans before removing.
Make sure you wrap up the loaf nicely with a sweet note and a burlap ribbon! Then grab your flip flops, sunglasses and 50 SPF as you head out the door to make your delivery...
Also, run the air conditioning in the car so the chocolate chips in the bread don't melt...
Beach Bums, The Diva Dish, http://thediva-dish.com
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Ever since moving away from California, we haven't really played in the sand. (Unless you consider the Desert Sand mixed with rocks, then yes. Every day.) We miss it so much, and we will be calling this our home for the next week! This couldn't have come at a better time with our busy and crazy lifestyle. Sometimes we just need to take time and relax...And drink milkshakes.
Have you ever been to New Port Beach, California? What are your favorite activities? More importantly, where are the best places to EAT? :) We did the Crab Cooker, which was an old family favorite, but I would love to hear more of your ideas!
