Do you regularly try new things? I have been lately although not necessarily relating to food.
Last Thursday I spoke to a group of 30 or so about our journey as a plant-based family and demonstrated making one of the most popular recipes on this site, Easy Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole.
Later that evening we hosted the first Healthy Cravings group of the semester at our home. We had a great turn out with 14 people (which is pretty much the limit on my dining room).
Saturday I was able to speak to another group and demonstrate a new recipe for Lentil Quinoa Veggie Salad. This group was a part of a 21 Day Clean Eating Cleanse with Simplicity Fitness.
Remember that recipe contest I was involved in about a month ago (where I shamelessly begged for your votes). Well the top 2 people won a trip and I’ll be heading to Miami in less than two weeks to compete in a cookoff at Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa! Woot Woot!
So life is good; although I did reach for some almond milk ice cream earlier in a weak moment but put it away and had carrots and hummus instead.
Meal Plan
Breakfast
I often cook breakfast’s late morning or in the evening for a quick reheat the next day.
- Cinnamon Apple Raisin Breakfast Rice
- Savory Breakfast Muffins
- Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Fruit & Sunbutter Wraps (on GF tortillas)
- Gluten-Free pancakes with fruit (If you have a favorite GF and nut free pancake recipe please share in the comments!)
Lunch
I like a lunch that is quick or at least a quick prep time. I’ll often throw leftover veggies together for a soup or boil some noodles for my kids.
- Chickpea Noodle Soup
- Baked Potatoes with Steamed Broccoli
- Veggie (& hummus) Sandwiches or Sunbutter and fruit sandwiches (GF bread)
- Lentil Quinoa Veggie Salad (guest posted at Simplicity Fitness)
- SW Barbecue Lentil Wrap (New Recipe Coming Soon)
Snacks
We usually have raw fruit or veggies for snack and something to dip them in. Even when your tempted to reach for the non-dairy ice cream you’ll be happy you opted for the apple.
- Cucumber, carrot sticks and bell peppers with roasted red pepper hummus
- fruit (apples, bananas, peaches, pears, grapes, and plums)
- I have a new snack bar recipe debuting soon!
- popcorn
Dinner
Last week I adapted a family favorite to a crock pot version I hope to do the same this week as well as experiment with a few new recipes.
- Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry
- Lentil and Potato Burritos
- SW Barbecue Lentil Salad (New Recipe Coming Soon)
- Broccoli and Brown Rice Casserole (I’ll be adapting this to a low sodium recipe)
- Pinto Beans and Gluten-Free Corn Bread
Have you tried anything new lately? Was it a good or a bad experience?
My gf pancake recipe is yum! Can omit the pumpkin and spices for a plain pancake to serve with fruit and cashew cream…delicious!
http://fuelyourfamily.co.nz/2013/09/15/pumpkin-buckwheat-pancakes/
Looks Delicious! I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on your win, Holly. That’s so exciting!!! Happy travels! 😉
Thanks Kim! I’m so excited, especially or really trying days. I hear Miami calling my name. 🙂
Wow…look at you go girl! That’s all so exciting! We’re you nervous cooking in front of all those people?
Thanks Brandi! Thankfully I was not nervous! I have a lot of experience public speaking and I chose a super easy recipe to make (Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole) so I basically just put everything in a pot so it would start simmering and told my story. Since it was a large crowd I made a triple batch the day before and had it in the crockpot in case the demo took too long. They had a gas burner for me with a tiny little frame so it took forever. I was so glad I brought the crockpot. 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!! Woohoo! Good luck – I’m rootin’ for you!
Thank you Annie! The “grand prize” is a $250 cookware set but really, I think the trip to Miami is the grand prize. The other blogger going is great, we really hit it off so I’m looking forward to meeting her too.
What a fulfilling life. Congrats on all these blessings, Holly! You are a blessing to us.
I tried some Ratatouille this week. Um. Yeah. Thumbs down from the fam and me. I want to like eggplant. I wanted to really like this dish! Sometimes eating more healthy is really hard for me. I hate being disappointed with flavors that look appetizing but aren’t a hit with us. Especially after all the prep work some dishes need.
Thank you Joye!
I know exactly what you mean! I hate wasteing time, energy and money on a recipe and it not being good. That is one of the reasons we stick to Mexican, I can mix and match things around and know what I’m getting. I’ve tried making Indian food once and it was a disaster, I’ve been afraid to try again. 🙂