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Recipes

10 Thanksgiving Appetizers To Kick Off Your Holiday Feast

by Amber King October 30, 2019

Mmmm, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and we can already smell the turkey. That bird will always be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, but a superb holiday dinner can’t survive on turkey alone. There are the sides to think about, and of course, the desserts. But you’re still missing one very important step in your annual food coma. The appetizer!

The keys to a good Thanksgiving appetizer are making something that’s festive, delicious, and still leaves room for the main meal. Dishes earn bonus points if they’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of extra time spent in your already busy kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a few or the entire family is headed to your house this holiday, these 10 Thanksgiving appetizers will kick off your main meal in all the right ways.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Delish

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving must-have, and these cranberry brie bites are both easy to make and super delicious. They’re made with crescent rolls, and they cook in only 15 minutes.

Get the recipe with Delish.

2. Sweet Potato Skins

Pinch of Yum

Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple you can’t do without. And if you want to mix it up and step away from the traditional sweet potato casserole, why not try this healthy Thanksgiving appetizer? These sweet potatoes skins have chickpeas and shallot along with just the right amount of cheese.

Pinch of Yum has the recipe.

3. Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce

CountryLiving

Not everyone is a fan of asparagus, but to be fair, not everyone has tried these yummy asparagus wrapped in fluffy pastry and then dipped in balsamic sauce. This recipe is healthy, easy to make, and you might even trick your kids into eating a vegetable on Thanksgiving.

We found the recipe from CountryLiving.

4. Mac and Cheese Bites

Chef in Training

If you have your doubts about kids reaching for the vegetable Thanksgiving appetizers, these mac and cheese bites are sure to win them over. They’re the perfect finger food, and you can even make them ahead of time. You’ll need a mini muffin pan and about 30 minutes to make these.

Chef in Training has the recipe.

5. Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Tastes Better From Scratch

Any Thanksgiving appetizer that you can make in the crockpot is a winner, and these meatballs are no exception. They’re sweet and tangy and oh so tasty. Kids and adults both like them, and the recipe couldn’t be any simpler. You can use homemade meatballs if you want, but frozen meatballs are a lot easier when you’re juggling the other dishes in your multi-course meal.

Tastes Better From Scratch has a good recipe to follow.

6. Cranberry Pomegranate Bruschetta

The Cafe Sucre Farine

Bruschetta is a great appetizer no matter the occasion, and this festive take on the classic recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s different enough to be an exciting addition to your meal yet familiar enough for the picky eaters at the table. Better yet, it only takes a few minutes to put together.

Get the recipe from The Cafe Sucre Farine.

7. Pumpkin Hummus

Kim’s Cravings

Hummus is healthy, versatile, and it won’t fill you up before the main course. You can pair it with pita chips, vegetables, and you can even use it for deviled eggs and salads. There are countless different types of hummus, but for a Thanksgiving appetizer, we recommend a smooth and creamy pumpkin recipe. The pumpkin flavor is perfect for fall.

We found a great recipe from Kim’s Cravings.

8. Simple Salmon Dip

Once Upon a Chef

Dips are great for appetizers. People can casually munch without filling up too fast, and you can get creative with providing crackers, vegetables, or crostini. This simple salmon dip won’t add a lot of extra work to your already busy cooking schedule, and you can even make it the day before.

Snag the recipe from Once Upon a Chef

9. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

She Wears Many Hats

Perfect for munching, spicy pumpkin seeds are always a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving feast. They don’t take long to make, they’re healthy, and they definitely won’t ruin anyone’s meal. As the kids are carving their fall-themed pumpkins, you can collect the seeds and turn them into a tasty treat. If you know your kids won’t appreciate a lot of spice, you can adjust the recipe with your favorite seasonings.

She Wears Many Hats has a good recipe you can use for a Thanksgiving appetizer.

10. Sweet Potato Crostini

Taste of Home.

Who doesn’t love crostini? They’re little toasts you can pile up with whatever you want, and this sweet potato version is perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re not hard to make, so you can assign your junior chefs the job of putting together this festive finger food.

We found a good recipe with Taste of Home.

Is there a Thanksgiving appetizer that you make every year? Let us know in the comments!

Recipes Seasonal

11 Delicious Fall Recipes Perfect For The Whole Family

by Amber King September 25, 2019

written by Amber King

Leaves crunching under your boots, no humidity, a PSL or two (or twelve)—fall is finally here! It’s the best time of the year, if you ask me. It means kids are in school and the AC stops running. And as much as I’ll miss munching on a farm-fresh watermelon, there’s something to be said about fall flavors. The fall harvest brings so much to the table (literally). There are apples, pumpkins, squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, grains, and a lot more. We’ve scoured the Internet looking for the best fall recipes that everyone in your family will love. From dinner to dessert and breakfast the next morning, try out these seasonal recipes to really get yourself in the fall mood.

1. Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Apples aren’t only for dessert when it comes to enjoying fall foods. Apple cider glazed chicken is perfect for a chilly night in with the family. The subtle apple taste blends with the natural flavor of the chicken. You can use the apple cider you just bought at the orchard or pick up your favorite brand from the grocery store. Pair this fall recipe with fresh beans and rice to pull it all together.

Check out the recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen

2. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

The Comfort of Cooking

Your family’s pickiest eaters don’t have to miss out on all the best fall flavors. Everyone loves mac and cheese, and this recipe using butternut squash is perfect for kids and adults alike. The addition of the squash adds a healthy kick to this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish. You can use a fresh-picked butternut squash or find frozen cubes at the grocery store. It won’t take long to whip this up.

The Comfort of Cooking has the full recipe.

3. Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Wholesomelicious

You can never have too much pumpkin in your life. This pumpkin chicken chili will definitely warm you up once the temperature starts to drop and leaves start to fall. It has a creamy texture and uses just the right amount of spice. Amy from Wholesomelicious has the recipe, and she even has two options to choose from. There’s the extra creamy version using cream cheese, and there’s also a dairy-free alternative using coconut oil. Why not try them both and see which one you like best?

Snag the full recipe here.

4. Pumpkin Soup

Delish

It can’t be fall without pumpkin soup. It’s good for you, deliciously creamy, and it’ll keep you and the family cozy for both lunch and dinner. Best yet, having this meal on the menu will give you yet another excuse to hit up that pumpkin patch/corn maze. Pick your favorite type of pumpkin or squash and get cooking!

We found this great recipe from Delish.

5. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Delish.

We seriously can’t get enough pumpkin this fall. This fall recipe combines the pumpkin taste you love with a dish that’s already a family favorite. Alfredo pasta is what you make when you have mouths to feed and not a lot of time to prepare. And pumpkin Alfredo pasta is what you make when it’s finally chilly outside and you want to celebrate those fall feelings.

Check out this tasty recipe from Delish.

6. Chicken Stew

Delish

There is no better comfort food than chicken stew. This fall recipe includes fresh carrots, potatoes, celery, and thyme. It’ll cheer you up if the change in season gives you the sniffles, and it’ll fill everyone’s belly for multiple days in a row. I love making chicken stew for days I know the whole family won’t be sitting down at once. You can leave it warming up on the stove, and everyone can grab a bowl when they have the time. It’ll stay delicious, and the leftovers are always the best.

You can get a great chicken stew recipe from Delish.

7. Acorn Squash

Spend With Pennies

Not only does acorn squash scream fall, it’s also packed full of flavor and nutrition. Your first step will be buying your produce. Search through the bins to find an acorn squash that is deep green in color. Put it back if it’s too light or if it has cracks or soft spots. Once you have the perfect specimen, roasting an acorn squash takes less than an hour. And then you can scoop out the middle to serve. Your vegetarian and vegan friends will be especially pleased.

Spend With Pennies has a great recipe.

8. Apple Cranberry Bread

Julie’s Eats and Treats

This fall recipe combines two of the season’s best fruits—apples and cranberries. You don’t even need a mixer to make this quick bread. It’s great for your holiday feast or bring it to dinner with your spouse’s new boss. It’s sweet in all the right ways and has a hint of spice.

Try out this recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.

9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Muffins

The Busy Baker

Sometimes you just need something sweet and tasty to get you through the day. That’s where this fall recipe comes in. Pumpkin cheesecake is already a classic fall favorite. Putting that flavor into muffin form makes it even better. You can grab one of these tasty little muffins on your way to work or bring them as a dessert to a friend’s party. We have to warn you though, these aren’t your healthiest option when it comes to pumpkin-flavored foods. But with bathing suit season behind us, it’s okay to indulge every now and then.

Get the full recipe from The Busy Baker.

10. Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats

Mom Makes Joy

Pumpkin spice can be added to just about anything these days. It’s in your coffee and your cereal, so why not put it in your rice krispie treats? You and your kids already love this simple treat, and a little fall flavor makes them the perfect way to celebrate the changing of the season. As always, there’s no baking involved, and it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up this family-favorite fall recipe.

Visit Mom Makes Joy for the recipe.

11. Spiced Pumpkin Apple Pancakes

Baked Broiled and Basted

Last but not least, we can’t forget about the most important meal of the day. Fall weekends are full of leaf piles, pumpkin carving, and apple picking, and you can kick off the day with these spiced pumpkin apple pancakes. Once you have your apples grated, it doesn’t take long to put together this pancake mix. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can add toppings like nuts or more chopped apples. Your kids will never want to eat cereal again.

Baked Broiled and Basted has the full recipe.

Which one of these fall recipes is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Food Healthy Eating Keto

Keto Food Pyramid: What To Eat On A Keto Diet

by Guest Contributor September 4, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Food pyramids are diagrams showing optimal servings of each food group to eat in a single day. They’re meant to be visual illustrations of how you should eat to stay healthy. The most well-known food pyramid was created by the US Department of Agriculture in the early 1990s. It had grains at the base and fats and oils at the very end. Well, turn this pyramid upside down and you’ll get what is essentially a keto food pyramid.

While there is no official keto food pyramid, most illustrations showing how the keto diet should look like are essentially the same with small variations. So, how does the keto food pyramid look like? Find out below to learn how you should eat on a keto diet.

The foundation: fats and oils

The keto diet is a high-fat diet, so fats, oils, and fatty foods should provide most of your calories on this diet and you’ll find them at the base of the keto food pyramid. Examples of such foods include:

Cold-pressed oils (olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, sesame oil)
Butter and ghee
Heavy cream
Lard
Bacon
Avocados
Coconut
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, trout, herring)
Fatty cuts of meat (minced beef, ribeye, pork belly)

While it may seem like a lot to base your diet around these foods, keep in mind that you will have different portion sizes on a keto diet than you would have on a regular diet. Fat provides 9 calories per gram, whereas carbs and protein provide only 4 calories per gram [1]. That means you’ll need a smaller serving of fat to get the same number of calories you would from the other two nutrients.

Besides that, you will get a combination of fat and protein from other foods you eat on a keto diet and which will contribute to your daily fat intake.

The middle: protein foods

The keto diet is also a moderate-protein diet. Moderate usually means getting 20-25% of your calories from protein or to eat 0.8-1.2g of protein per kg of body weight. Protein foods you’ll find at the middle of the keto food pyramid include:

Red meat (fatty cuts)
Fish and seafood (crab, octopus, shrimp)
Eggs and full-fat dairy

You’ll notice that legumes are not listed as a source of protein on the keto food pyramid. That’s because most legumes contain starch in addition to protein and they can, therefore, lead to overeating on carbohydrates.

The reason protein intake needs to be moderate rather than high on keto is that protein can kick you out of ketosis – the goal of the keto diet. During ketosis, your body is not only converting fat into ketones; it is also converting a portion of the protein you eat into glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis and it helps keep blood sugar levels normal [2]. However, too much protein can raise blood sugar levels that will stop ketosis.

Next Level: Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds

You still need to eat some amount of carbs on a keto diet. Ideally, these carbs should come from low-carb vegetables as well as nuts and seeds. Examples of low-carb vegetable include:

Cruciferous (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula)
Non-starchy vegetables (zucchini, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms)

Of course, the list of vegetables allowed on a keto diet is much longer than this. To know which veggies you can and should enjoy on a keto diet, you can either use diet apps, online nutrition databases or choose vegetables listed on ready-made keto meal plans and keto food lists.

Keto-friendly vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while helping you stay within your daily carb allotment. It’s recommended to have 3-5 servings of vegetables a day to stay healthy [3].

Besides veggies, nuts and seeds also have a special place on the keto food pyramid. Most nuts and seeds are high in fat and low in carbohydrates. There are a few exceptions, however. Chestnuts are mostly composed of starch while cashews are higher in carbs than other nuts, so try to avoid these. Otherwise, a handful of nuts and nut products a day can keep your diet on track.

The Very End: Berries

Government food guidelines typically recommend eating up to five servings or 2 cups of fruit a day [4]. The keto diet is different in this regard, and fruit intake is kept to a bare minimum. The only fruits recommended on a keto diet are berries such as:

Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Goji berries
Blackberries
Cranberries

Berries are lower in carbohydrates than most other fruit and it’s easy to keep your intake of berries low due to their small size. Keto dieters typically use berries to flavor and sweeten smoothies, shakes, desserts, and as decorative food.

While fruit definitely provides a host of health benefits and is rich in valuable nutrients and fiber, it still is nature’s candy for a reason – it’s high in sugar. A medium apple, for example, can provide around 25g of carbohydrates.

What Else?

There are foods and ingredients that may not be in the keto food pyramid because they’re not essential. Still, these foods can contribute to the keto diet in many other ways. Examples of such foods are:

Herbs and spices
Condiments
Non-nutritive sweeteners
MCT oil
Protein supplements
Multivitamins

Another ingredient not listed on the food pyramid but that is, nonetheless, essential is water. Water intake paired with adequate electrolytes intake is just as important as sticking to your keto macros.

Summary

The keto food pyramid is like your standard food pyramid turned upside down. It completely excludes grains, which are the cornerstone of standard food guidelines and places oils and fats in their place. The keto food pyramid can help you visualize how your keto diet should look like, but keep in mind that good keto nutrition is much more complex than that and not everything about the keto diet can be illustrated with a pyramid diagram. Still, you can use it as a rough guideline if you’re a beginner.

About the Author

Sofia Norton

Dietitian Expert, Kiss My Keto

Driven, dedicated and team-oriented professional with more than 6 years of experience providing wellness and nutritional support in various capacities. After Sofia learned about “food deserts” as a kid, she became determined to devote her life to like to making healthy foods accessible to everyone, regardless of income or location. Sofia has traveled around the world, teaching nutrition to communities in extreme poverty. In her spare time, Sofia loves long bike rides and exploring local farmers markets.

References:

Family Recipes Food Healthy Eating Recipes

9 Veggie-Loaded Kid-Friendly Meals

by Guest Contributor August 29, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Let’s talk about veggies, mommas! Are your kids eating enough vegetables? I know, getting kids to eat broccoli can be a challenging task to some parents. I hear you! The nine recipes below are going to help you add more vegetables to your children’s diets, and they are going to actually enjoy them. These recipes have been tested by parents and approved by kids.

Including vegetables in your kid’s diet is very important. Veggies are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which boost your health and immunity. You may think your kids don’t like vegetables, but maybe you just haven’t tried the right recipe. Cauliflower may taste boring steamed, but it takes on a whole new shine when you turn in into fritters.

Let’s give those fritters a try, shall we?

Let me know if you have any questions! Have a great day!

CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS

Simple and very tasty, this kid-friendly Basic Cauliflower Fritters recipe is a must-have for everyone. You will not be able to stop at one!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/basic-cauliflower-fritters/

POTATO CARROT PANCAKES

These delicious Potato Carrot Pancakes are healthy, very easy to make, and kids love them! This recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time.

Recipe here: https://lifeasmama.com/the-potato-carrot-pancake-recipe-thats-fast-healthy-kid-friendly/

CORN FRITTERS

These easy Corn Fritters are sweet, delicate, and filling. They can be prepared with fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Simple recipe – great taste!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/corn-fritters/

BROCCOLI FRITTERS

These light, golden-brown Broccoli Fritters make a delicious vegetarian dinner or lunch — and kids love them, too! Ready in less than 30 minutes.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/broccoli-fritters/

VEGETABLE FRITTERS

These Vegetable Fritters are truly the best! Made with zucchini, carrot, and corn, they make a great lunch or snack, and you will not be able to stop at one!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/vegetable-fritters/

POTATO PANCAKES

So simple, yet unbelievably tasty, these Classic Potato Pancakes are not to be missed! Follow my simple instructions and make this easy treat today!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/classic-potato-pancakes/

SWEET POTATO HASH BROWNS

Made with only 4 ingredients, these Sweet Potato Hash Browns are easy to make and very delicious. Learn how to make perfect hash browns with my step-by-step photo and video instructions.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/sweet-potato-hash-browns/

MASHED POTATO CAKES

These Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes are so addictive! A crunchy, cheesy crust is hiding the soft, velvety mashed potato filling. They make a perfect side dish or a filling vegetarian meal.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/mashed-potato-cakes/

ABOUT TANIA SHEFF

Tania is a creator of food blog called Cooktoria, where she shares quick and healthy recipes with Mediterranean twist. All of her recipes include step-by-step photos as well as instructional videos, which is very helpful. She can’t wait to become friends with you!

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Lifestyle Recipes

Healthy Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

by Grandma Penny July 22, 2019

written by Grandma Penny

Dogs are family, and that’s why we don’t feed them anything we wouldn’t eat ourselves. Our dogs love us unconditionally, and that’s why we don’t compromise in making treats that are both healthy and delicious. We believe dogs deserve the same quality foods that we do.

When I was a kid, we fed our dog the same meal every day at the same time—a bowl of beef scraps. Mom said that’s what dogs liked because they were carnivores.

But now we all know that dogs are omnivores and can process animal and plant proteins. They can eat a variety of vegetables, grains, herbs and spices. The list of foods that dogs cannot eat seems long (dairy, chocolate, etc) but there are plenty of yummy foods that we can share. Some dog-friendly favorites are peanut butter, cinnamon, apples, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and molasses. And dogs need variety in their diets to get all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and vibrant.

You can’t always rely on commercially prepared dog treats and dog food to be made from quality ingredients. Often they contain GMO’s and harmful pesticides. The manufacturers cut corners and add cheap fillers to their products. I can recall several dog food recalls lately including an FDA warning that 16 dog food brands may cause heart disease in pets and recalls for salmonella and possible euthanasia drugs.

Treat Your Pup Like Family

Start out by making treats with these human grade ingredients and enjoy a healthier dog and a clean conscience.

Healthy Pumpkin Dog Treats

I found this recipe for homemade dog treats from Food with Feeling, and it uses only healthy, human-grade ingredients. It’s perfect for all the good dogs in your life.

Food with Feeling

INGREDIENTS

· 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin (canned or fresh)
· 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, softened
· 4 tablespoons of water, plus more if needed
· 2 cups of whole wheat flour
· 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
· 1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS

Pre-heat oven to 350 degree F.
Mix the pumpkin, softened coconut oil, and water together in a large bowl.
Then mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder
Mix it a bit and then stir in the egg.
Continue to stir until it’s ALL combined. This might take a good minutes and feel free to add a touch more water in order to get all of the mixture into one solid, slightly sticky ball.
Once done, roll the dough out on a floured surface to ~1/4 inch thick.
Using a cookie cutter, cut out treats. These can be as small or as large as you want them (depending on the size of your dogs. I realize not everyone has giant dogs like me)
Place prepared dough treats on a lined/ greased baking sheet and bake for ~30 minutes (depending on size) or until dough has hardened.

Let cool and enjoy your pups excitement!

Chicken Jerky

I give my pup these chicken jerky treats as an alternative to the store-bought raw hides. The jerky is tough and chewy, so it keeps my dog occupied for a while, and the chicken has a good amount of protein, which is good for a dog’s muscle structure.

INGREDIENTS

· 2 to 4 chicken breasts

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove any excess fat from the chicken. Turn the chicken breast on its side and use a paring knife to slice the chicken breast into 1/8 inch thick strips.
Set the strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours.
Check the chicken before removing from the oven. It should be dry and hard, not soft or chewy. Allow the chicken to cool completely before serving.
Store the jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip: You can substitute sweet potatoes for the chicken in this recipe. Sweet potatoes make a healthy, vegetarian alternative.

Peanut Butter and Yogurt Treats (No Bake)

Dogs love the taste of peanut butter, and the yogurt in this no-bake recipe adds an extra dose of vitamins and minerals. Just make sure the peanut butter you’re using doesn’t have xylitol listed as an ingredient. This sweetener is toxic for dogs.

INGREDIENTS

· 1 cup of your favorite organic peanut butter
· 32-ounce container of organic, unflavored yogurt (do not use sweetened yogurt)

Yield: Approx 1-2 dozen medium sized treats

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt the peanut butter slowly on the stove top or in the microwave.
Mix the softened peanut butter with the yogurt in a bowl and pour the mixture into cupcake papers. Place these homemade cupcakes in the freezer until hardened and cooled.

I don’t have time to cook for my kids let alone my dog!

Ok, I hear ya. If your busy schedule keeps you out of the kitchen but you still want to give your dog healthy treats, then just order Riley’s Organic dog treats on Amazon or pick them up at Whole Foods.

You can TRUST Riley’s Organic

Riley’s Organic treats have never been recalled. When you feed your dog Riley’s, you’re giving them food that is certifiably good—no mysteries, no hidden ingredients, no problems. In fact, each one of the ingredients is something you can eat yourself (not that you should—your dog might get jealous). Let’s give our dogs treats that are so good, we would eat them ourselves!

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Food Recipes

The Potato Carrot Pancake Recipe That’s Fast, Healthy, & Kid-Friendly

by Guest Contributor July 22, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

These delicious Potato Carrot Pancakes are healthy, very easy to make, and kids love them! This recipe requires only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time.

potato pancakes

Hey, friends! Tania from Cooktoria here, and I have a very tasty recipe to share – Potato Carrot Pancakes. Kids absolutely love these pancakes, and adults, too! They make a great lunch, snack, or even a light dinner. Serve them with yogurt, sour cream, or apple sauce and ENJOY!

Growing up in Ukraine, I ate a lot of potato carrot pancakes. This recipe is a staple in my family and I can’t wait for you to make it! Simple, easy, healthy, and very tasty. Sounds great, right? OK, in that case, you have to give it a try.

INGREDIENTS

3 medium potatoes. I recommend using russet potatoes in this recipe because they work best due to their high starch content. If you don’t have russets, you may use Yukon Gold or Katahdin.
2 medium carrots.
1/2 medium onion. This ingredient is optional. You can add 1/4 of a medium, grated onion for extra flavor and health benefits.
2 eggs.
1/4 cup flour. Use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.
½ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. pepper.
⅓ cup vegetable oil (for frying).

HOW TO MAKE POTATO CARROT PANCAKES

If using a food processor: peel and cube the potatoes and carrots. Place the vegetables in the food processor and process for about 2 minutes, until the vegetables look “grated” and no lumps remain.

If using a grater: peel the potatoes and carrots, and grate.

Place the potato-carrot mixture into a fine strainer and try to squeeze almost all of the liquid into a bowl.
Discard the liquid. You’ll see a white powder on the bottom of the bowl after you pour the liquid out. This is potato starch and it helps to keep the pancakes in shape, so you should leave it there.
Return the potato-carrot mixture to the bowl and add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
Heat up the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a spoonful of potato-carrot mixture, spreading it slightly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the pancakes are crispy and brown.

HELPFUL TIPS

Work fast. Once you grate the potatoes, they are exposed to air, which will cause them to quickly turn dark. So, have the rest of the ingredients nearby and make the batter as soon as possible.

Use a Non-Stick Skillet. Make sure you use non-stick cookware, so your pancakes don’t stick to the pan and fall apart.

Use high-quality oil. Using olive oil is best. It has a high smoke point and it’s definitely healthier than most oils. Some other great options include grapeseed, peanut, and avocado oil.

HOW TO FREEZE POTATO CARROT PANCAKES

Cool the pancakes completely. Transfer them in a single layer onto a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2-3 hours. Transfer the frozen pancakes to freezer storage bags. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 month.

HOW TO SERVE POTATO CARROT PANCAKES

These pancakes taste great with yogurt, sour cream, or apple sauce on the side. You can serve them as a snack or a side dish. I love serving them with this Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad!

OTHER RECIPES TO TRY:

ABOUT TANIA SHEFF

Food Healthy Eating Recipes

8 Quick Seafood Dinners for Busy Moms

by Guest Contributor July 1, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

Hello, mommas! I know your day was busy. Between soccer and band rehearsals, cleaning up the house, and doing the shopping, there isn’t a lot of time or energy left for dinner. That’s why I compiled this list of my go-to easy seafood dinner ideas — the ones perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, but still want to enjoy something filling and tasty for dinner.

These quick dinner recipes are wholesome, easy to make, and affordable, too—no fancy ingredients here. These recipes will require about 30-45 minutes of your time, they are totally kid-friendly, and they still look and taste like a restaurant meal. I hope you’ll have fun cooking them and your family will love them as much as mine does!

This Cajun Salmon recipe is an ultra-easy and flavorful dinner to make during your busy weeknights. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is a true delight. The pan-seared, Cajun-seasoned salmon covered with garlic-butter sauce is simple, elegant, and delicious. Are you in?

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/cajun-salmon/

Ahi Tuna Steak – an easy, yet elegant, dinner worthy of the most special occasion! Made with Maple-Mustard Sauce. This super-easy, foolproof, pan-seared tuna steak recipe is going to make your meal special. While the steaks are marinating in the sauce, you’ll have time to whip up a quick salad, or steam some vegetables.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/ahi-tuna-steak/

This Baked Cod recipe is truly the best you can find! Perfectly-seasoned cod, covered with a layer of roasted pepper sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It makes a great family meal, yet is worthy of a special occasion. If you want to impress your loved ones, this is the recipe for you!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/baked-cod/

This elegant and scrumptious Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet is a restaurant-worthy dish, made in 30 minutes. You need to taste this Creamy Shrimp and Zucchini Skillet. It is outstanding! Simple, colorful, elegant, tasty, and there is almost no clean-up required. Serve it with pasta or over rice. In any case, you won’t be disappointed.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/shrimp-zucchini-skillet/

This Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce makes an absolutely scrumptious meal, worthy of a special occasion. Make this easy one-pan dinner in just 20 minutes! The best part is that this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce doesn’t require any fancy ingredients and won’t take much of your time.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/salmon-in-roasted-pepper-sauce/

This Easy Salmon Patty recipe is definitely a keeper. Made with canned salmon and simple ingredients, you’ll want to make it again and again. This Salmon Patty Recipe is true, tested, and loved. The patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And you know what I love most about this recipe? It is so, so, so easy to make.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/salmon-patty-recipe/

This incredibly delicious and healthy Cod Fish Skillet is going to become your favorite dinner! Create a taste of the Mediterranean with this simple, yet elegant, meal. Besides being healthy, this dish is bursting with flavor. The garlic, tomatoes, olives, lemons, cilantro, and olive oil create an outstanding combination. Try it for yourself. Seriously. Do it.

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/healthy-cod-fish-skillet/

This Easy Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet makes a healthy, quick, and delicious dinner! Packed with wild-caught shrimp, tender zucchini, and sweet bell peppers, it is going to become your favorite seafood dish!

Recipe here: https://cooktoria.com/shrimp-vegetable-skillet/

ABOUT TANIA SHEFF

Healthy Eating Recipes

Banana Beetroot Pancakes That Are As Delicious As They Are Beautiful

by Guest Contributor June 20, 2019

written by Guest Contributor

These healthy, colorful, and delicious Banana Beetroot Pancakes are so easy to make, and toddlers LOVE them! Try this recipe once and you’ll want to make it over and over again.

Hey, friends! Tania from Cooktoria here, sharing one of my son’s all-time favorite breakfast recipes – Banana Beetroot Pancakes. Not only are these colorful cakes tasty, but they are packed with banana and beetroot, so your little one (or not so little) will get in some veggies, too!

This pancake recipe yields gloriously fluffy pancakes, even though they’re made with bananas and beets. These pancakes have more substance than your average pancake, which means they can actually fuel your loved ones until lunchtime. Top them with extra fruits and berries and drizzle with some maple syrup. Now that’s what breakfast should look like!

INGREDIENTS

Bananas. You’ll need to use ripe bananas for optimum sweetness and texture.
Beets. Make sure your beets are cooked before you throw them into the blender. You can cook them beforehand and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Milk. Regular or non-dairy milk can be used. I absolutely love Vanilla Almond milk because it brings extra flavor to the pancakes.
Eggs.
Flour. Use all-purpose or whole wheat flour.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda. These ingredients make your pancakes fluffy.

HOW TO MAKE BANANA BEETROOT PANCAKES

Place the bananas and a beet into a food processor or a blender, and pulse until smooth.
Add the eggs and milk, and pulse for 10 seconds.
Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, and pulse for about 15-20 seconds, until no lumps remain. Don’t over-pulse it!
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Ladle about 1/2 cup of the batter onto the skillet. Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on top (about 2-3 minutes). Flip and brown the other side.
Serve immediately or keep warm in a 200ºF oven. Serve with fresh fruits and maple syrup.

HELPFUL TIPS

Don’t over-pulse the batter! Pulsing for 15-20 seconds is enough to mix in the flour. A few lumps are OK.

If you’re cooking on the stovetop, you may need to dial back the heat a bit over time. Your temperature is too high if the pancakes are dark on the outside but still raw on the inside.

Use a non-stick griddle. I always grease the skillet with a little coconut oil or butter before I add the first pancake. After that, there’s no need to grease it anymore.

Use real maple syrup! It is SO. MUCH. BETTER.

HOW TO FREEZE BANANA BEETROOT PANCAKES

Cool your pancakes completely. Place a sheet of wax paper between each pancake and stack them together. Place those stacks in a resealable bag to freeze. Use the frozen pancakes within 2 months for best quality. Pancakes can be reheated in a microwave, oven, or even a toaster.

GET CREATIVE WITH THIS RECIPE!

Add a scoop of chocolate chips, chia seeds, or blueberries to the batter. Use your favorite fruits, berries, nut butters, and seeds to garnish.

Let me know how this colorful pancake recipe turns out for you and your family – I love these pancakes and I hope you do, too!

ABOUT TANIA SHEFF

Food Lifestyle Recipes

10 Weeknight Dinner Ideas For The Whole Family

by Bee May 29, 2019

written by Bee

Every Monday through Friday, moms everywhere face the same challenge: how in the world are we supposed to feed our families and keep them happy between work, toddler dance class, baseball practice, homework, music lessons, and who knows what else? There’s barely time to tie our shoes let alone cook a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner the entire family will agree on.

It’s an age-old problem that doesn’t seem to go away no matter how old your kids are or how many appointments you cram onto your calendar. When you’re tired of pizza and even the kids can’t stomach any more hot dogs, it’s time to refresh your weeknight dinner repertoire.

These recipes were chosen based on being weeknight-friendly. There’s something here for every set of taste buds.

1. Garlic Butter Pork Chops

weeknight dinner

Before you panic, trust us, these pork chops are tasty, and they take about 20 minutes to make. A lot of pork chop recipes can leave you checking the oven every few minutes worried about overcooking, but this pan-fried recipe is foolproof.

You have the option of either bone-in or boneless meat, but remember, bones provide a whole lot of juicy flavor. Boneless is the leaner option, as most of the fat has been removed, but it will be drier and slightly less flavorful.

Regardless of what you pick, make sure your meat is high quality. You’ll have to pay a little more, but the flavor is worth it.

Click here for the full recipe.

2. Parmesan Baked Chicken Breast

This is a go-to recipe for when you want a hardy meal but don’t have a lot of time (or ingredients) to make it happen.

Everyone loves chicken, and there’s even a chance your pickiest little eaters will scarf down this tasty recipe. The key is in how you bake it. You want your chicken breasts to be perfectly seasoned and baked just the right amount so they’re juicy and not rubbery.

Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds.

Check out the full recipe for Parmesan baked chicken breast here.

3. Garlic Butter Sauteed Asparagus

Finding a main dish is one thing, but don’t forget about those sides. It’s a good idea to stock your kitchen with side dish ingredients that pair well with most of your family’s favorite meals. You don’t want to restrict your already complicated meal planning because your sides don’t go well with your mains.

This garlic butter sauteed asparagus recipe is exactly what we’re talking about. It’s one of those side dishes that can be paired with almost anything. Salmon, chicken, shrimp, even pastas—you have plenty of options.

Your kids might initially turn up their noses at the sight of these green spears, but the garlic butter makes up for any vegetable-ness they might resist.

You’ll find secrets for the perfect saute along with the full recipe here.

4. Garlic Butter Fish

When you feel like you’ve been cycling through the same routine of chicken, beef, pork, and pasta, why not add some variety to your life? Fish recipes are great for weeknight dinners because they’re fast and filling.

You also have the benefit of having an entire sea’s worth of fishy flavors to choose from. If your kids don’t like a certain kind of fish, mix it up and try something different. Halibut is a mild type of fish that’s often great for picky eaters.

Pair your family’s favorite type of fish with this easy-to-make and affordable garlic butter for a meal that tastes like it came right from a seafood restaurant.

Get the recipe here.

Keto Recipes

5 Of The Best Keto Pizza Recipes

by Grandma Penny May 14, 2019

written by Grandma Penny

There’s more than one reason why the keto diet is one of today’s most popular health trends. By choosing this high-fat, low-carb meal plan, you transition your body into using a different, more efficient, type of fuel. A body in ketosis is in a better position to lose weight, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce inflammation. Not only does it help you drop a few unnecessary pounds, but many people on the keto diet report feeling energized and generally more comfortable with their body.

If you’re committed, the keto diet can bring drastic changes to your life. But like any other diet, it isn’t always easy. There are strict guidelines to follow, and the list of foods you can’t eat is somewhat limiting. Basically, if you know it’s high in carbs, you can’t have it. The slightest break in the diet will throw your body out of ketosis, and you’ll need to start all over. So there’s really no such thing as a cheat day, really.

keto pizza

That means that when you’re craving a slice of pizza, you can’t call up your favorite pizza joint and order a pie. Pizza crust is notoriously high in carbs, and that puts it on your list of banned foods. But fear not, pizza lovers! There are ways around the low-carb rule if you’re willing to work for it.

I’ve found these five keto pizza recipes to satisfy your cravings.

1. Keto-Friendly Chicken Pizza

A little like chicken Parmesan, this keto-friendly twist on traditional pizza is cheesy and delicious. It’s easy to make, and it’s filling enough to be an entire meal all on its own.

2. Low-Carb Zucchini Crust Pizza

It’s amazing what you can do with a single zucchini. It’s an all-purpose type of vegetable, and this keto pizza recipe is a great example. Instead of bread crust, this recipe has a low-carb zucchini crust.

3. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Ahhh cauliflower. This magical little vegetable has the keto diet to thank for its growing popularity. Not only is cauliflower one of the better tasting vegetables (even kids who don’t like vegetables can be convinced not to hate it), it’s also the perfect foundation for your keto pizza.

4. Cheesy Keto Pizza Crust

Being on the keto diet means you’re going to miss out on a lot of good foods, but thankfully, cheese isn’t one of them. All types of cheese are low in carbs and high in fat. This keto pizza recipe puts that cheesy goodness to good use.

5. Sausage Crust Pizza

This recipe is like the keto version of a meat lover’s pizza. Instead of putting sausage on top, you use sausage as your crust. You can pick what type of meat you want and then layer even more meat or vegetables over the cheese.

Featured image via Keto in Pearls

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