For a long time, Jesse and I have enjoyed getting Chinese takeout for a quick and easy dinner.  But eating out, even for just the two of us, adds up quickly.  Add in the kids and you're talking a lot of money for what is truly a simple dish.  Last week, I decided to see if I could recreate one of our restaurant favorites at home.  With a little prep ahead of time, this dinner came together quickly and easily! Ingredients: 1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded ahead of time 4 cups cooked … [Read more...]

I originally got the idea for bean burgers from the recipe book Peas and Thank You.  There also used to be a blog by the same name, but I think it's no longer online. (Update: As of July 2016, it's back! Here's that original black bean burger recipe.)  However, I've adapted this recipe so much that it really isn't anything like that one any more, except in the fact that it's a recipe for black bean burgers.  So here's my version... The day before you want to make your burgers, cook up 2-1/2 … [Read more...]

This is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with many flavors.  With a simple list of ingredients, it comes together quickly to fill out the meal! Ingredients: 2/3 cup dry brown rice 3 cups chicken broth 2-3 cups water 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tsp. salt (optional) Directions: Combine rice, broth, 2 cups water, and garlic cloves in large pot.  If using homemade chicken broth, add 1 tsp. salt.  Cook as directed on rice package, … [Read more...]

As many of you know, Hannah has a food sensitivity to gluten.  Sadly for her, that meant for awhile that she didn't get to enjoy baked goods.  As I've grown more comfortable experimenting in the kitchen, I've been able to find recipes or adapt them so that they are gluten free.  I'm so happy, because a life without muffins is just not quite complete.  I love baked goods. Tell me I'm not alone there! Before Hannah's gluten issues, this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffin recipe was one of … [Read more...]

A couple weeks ago, we had Matthew's Soup for dinner.  Jonah wanted a turn to pick as well, so this week we had Jonah's Soup.  He looks happy eating it, but this one actually didn't go over as well with the kids, although they all enjoyed the cheese on top.  Part of that may have been the texture of the shredded chicken, which they've sometimes had issues with.  I thought it was pretty tasty though! Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 green pepper, chopped 1 onion, … [Read more...]