Tag: cookbook

  • Cauliflower Au Gratin from The Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce Cookbook

    Cauliflower Au Gratin from The Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce Cookbook

    Cauliflower Au Gratin with Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce

    Getting to know other bloggers is so much fun! It’s even more fun when they write a cookbook and ask you to review it. Krista from Far From Normal did just that. When her recipe for Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce went viral, she saw an opportunity to share many more recipes that use this sauce in an easy access format – The Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce Cookbook.

    The book includes variations of the sauce, pastas, pizzas, snacks, soups and sides. I had a hard time figuring out just where I wanted to start with this one. It all sounded good, and I knew the family would love some pizza, but I decided to head to the sides section.

    I went with the Cauliflower Au Gratin, because it reminded me of how I ate Cauliflower growing up. A nice bit of melty cheese sauce and steamed cauliflower and broccoli. Perfect and filling side! Replacing my cheese sauce with Krista’s alfredo sauce lightens the side, while still keeping a beautiful flavor I can’t resist.

    When I first read over the recipe for the sauce, I was a little skeptical. I don’t do a ton with Greek Yogurt, because none of my kids really like it. I think it’s just too thick and they’re too use to the sweet yogurts. However, the sauce is not overwhelming on the yogurt, and the added parmesan really kicks up the flavor.

    For dinner we served the Cauliflower Au Gratin as a side with Chicken Enchiladas. The combination was amazing! It was 2 thumbs up from Mark, followed up with a “why didn’t you make more?”

    Cauliflower Au Gratin with Greek yogurt Alfredo Sauce. The perfect light side with chicken enchiladas.
    I think we’ll try the Creamy Spinach Soup next! 

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  • Eating Healthy

    Eating Healthy

    Keeping our bodies healthy means eating right, exercising and getting the right amount of play time and rest time.

    That’s hard to balance for kids!  I’ve noticed my oldest Princess V struggling lately to communicate her feelings. We were experiencing meltdowns way too often for anyone’s enjoyment. One day after her dance class, when we left early because it became too much, I decided we need to talk.  At 6 years old, I feel she can understand more on what she can do to take care of her physical body and avoid the it’s’ just too much and I’m just TIRED meltdowns.

    The first place I decided to start was with food. She has always been such a picky eater (despite my best efforts to follow the baby advice at starting with veggies and moving to fruits…it still resulted in a picky eater). I do my best to offer healthy options at all meals, and for snacks, but sometimes – the chocolate milk wins out, the cookies are set out, and it’s just too hard to cut up carrots that will be pushed to the side for lunch.  Excuses excuses – I know. So she and I are both doing better.

    It’s only been a few days since we first talked about making healthier choices with Princess V, but already she complains less about her food, and seems a tad more willing to try it out.  I was shocked when she ate all her peas, chose to finish her potatoes over her pork, and even asked for an apple! 

    The best part – the daily (often more than once a day) tantrums and meltdowns have seriously become almost non-existent. She is more pleasant to be around, and when there is a problem, we’ve been able to talk it out before hysteria sets in.

    I am so proud of my girl and the example she is setting, both for her sisters and for me. Her effort has encouraged me to look at what I eat more, and stick to the healthier foods, with sugary snacks as more of a once in awhile treat.

    I was given Skinny Spices E-Book to review, and the whole introduction really resonated with me.
    You could easily call me a spice addict. I love spices, and adding different flavors to dishes. The best part is, most spices add little to no calories and processed junk to your food. In basic terms – it’s a great way to add flavor while keeping it healthy!

    It’s not just about the food though. Like I said earlier, we have to care for our bodies through food, exercise, and a well balanced scheduled. The author of Skinny Spices knows this too, and she doesn’t sugar coat it (pun not intended…)

    oh I just love the way she put that. Can you picture it? Coating yourself in curry powder? My kids attempted it with flour once…not such a pretty sight…or mess…to clean up.

    I’m excited to try out some of the spice blends from this book, and the recipes that go along with them. In the new enhanced E-book edition makes finding recipes a breeze for what you have on hand!

    BUY THE BOOK
     
    *I received a copy of Skinny Spices to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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    Monday – Fast Fiesta Soup
    Tuesday – Princess R’s birthday dinner: Home made Pizza and M&M cupcakes.
    Wednesday – Pork Chow Mein
    Thursday – Spaghetti with Garlic toast (using the Mild Garlic and Parsley Blend from Skinny Spices)
    Friday – Sandwiches
    Saturday – Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with friends
    Sunday – Steak and Potatoes
     
    menu-plan-monday 
  • Top 5 LDS Songs and a Giveaway!

    Top 5 LDS Songs and a Giveaway!

    Music sets the mood in the Home

    I love listening to music throughout the day. Either from my Pandora account or CD’s I’ve collected throughout the years. Music can turn a rough day into a bearable day, and a good day into a Great Day!  Especially if you’re listening to the right kind of music.
    A lot of the music I listen to is LDS themed. (Learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).  The language is clean, the words uplifting, and the spirit it brings into your home really does make the day better.

    My Top 5 Favorite LDS Music Songs

    1. Window to His Love by Julie De Azevedo
    2. Michelle by Julie De Azevedo
    3. Consider the Lilies
    4. I Feel My Savior’s Love
    5. Anything by The Piano Guys

    New LDS Music Store

    yourldsmusicstore.com is a new online store for all LDS music.  I’ve been browsing around their site, and really love the selection of music they have. I hope they continue to add more, as some of my favorites are yet to be found on there.
    They have many free downloads as well as albums you can purchase and download to your computer. 

    Connect With YourLDSMusicStore

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    Rhoades CookBook Giveaway

    Giveaway Extended through the Weekend!
     
    With the Launch of their new website, YourLDSMusic store is giving away a Rhoades Home Baked Cookbook here on Home Maid Simple
    Home Baked Cookbook - Softcover
     
    All you have to do is comment here with your Favorite Christmas Song, and best email to contact!
    Giveaway is open to US residents. Ends on 12/16 at midnight.
    Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond.