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Easy Weeknight Meal Prep

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Who knew that becoming an adult meant that you have to figure out what to eat for dinner every single night for the rest of your life? Add in a spouse and kids, and meal prep takes on a life of its own!

To make things less stressful, and to share a few of our family’s go-to options that don’t include pizza, I have compiled a list of awesome meals, snacks and more for you. Let me know what you decide to check out in the comments!

Nurture Life

We have found our new favorite meal service… and it’s for kids! Nurture Life offers a wide variety of healthy Baby, Toddler and Kids Meals that can assist with the busy back-to-school routine. If parents don’t have time (or the energy!) to create well-balanced lunches or busy weeknight dinners, Nurture Life’s nutritious ready-to-eat meals for kids is a convenient option. Grab the meals right out of the fridge to get the nutrition and quality of a homemade meal in just 1 minute. Heat it up to serve for dinner or pack it in a thermos and your kids are ready to go! Kids will enjoy the delicious meal and parents will enjoy the no-prep, no-stress mealtime win. My kiddos absolutely loved the Chicken Dumplings with Edamame!

Nurture Life also has school-safe, cookie-inspired snacks with little to no added sugar that are made with plant-based protein and other nutritious ingredients. A quick breakfast, an easy snack or a satisfying dessert. Mighty Bites are yummy and delish. Yes – I might have eaten quite a few myself, lol!

Fry’s Chk’n Nuggets

Have plant-forward kids at home? These plant-based nuggets from Fry’s are the perfect easy weeknight dinner option or plant-based protein after-school snacks! Each delicious Chicken-Style Nugget is carefully shaped into a bite-sized chunk and evenly coated with crumbs before pre-cooking. Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a simple, healthy meal.

True Made Foods

The Fry’s nuggets also pack well in a lunchbox, so you can add them into your child’s lunch for the day at school. Pack a few favorite dipping sauces, such as True Made Foods Mustard, Veggie Ketchup or BBQ Sauce, and you’ve even added some hidden veggies in for the winning combo!

Keen One Foods

Quick cooking quinoa cups from Keen One Foods are healthy, simple and satisfying… making lunch & dinner a breeze! Ready in just 7 minutes, each cup provides plant-based protein and a nourishing, hearty meal. These are great preparing the night before and adding into a lunchbox, too, when everyone is bored of sandwiches. Choose from 6 unique flavors, such as Garden Medley, Pesto Pasta (a kid favorite!), Jamaican Jerk, Chipotle, Harissa Red Pepper, & Thai Coconut Curry. An ideal pantry staple, Keen One Foods quinoa cups are Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Certified Organic and Vegan.  

B’Free’s Family Faves Bundle

All of BFree’s products are gluten-free, wheat-free, non-GMO and vegan-friendly! The Family Faves Bundle includes all family favorites that make back-to-school lunch and meal prep a breeze. The bundle includes Pizza Crust, Bake-at-Home Demi Baguette, Burger Buns, Panini, Pita and Sweet Potato Wrap. It’s easy to get the kids involved when making pizzas, wraps or sandwiches, too. You can check out their recipes section for tons of inspiration!

Maple Hill 100% Grass-Fed Organic Milk

Perfect for breakfast, tucking in lunchboxes or serving with an after-school snack or dinner, Maple Hill’s shelf-stable milk boxes make mealtimes so easy! Available in Whole Milk, 2% Reduced Fat Milk and Chocolate, the single-serve milk boxes don’t have to be refrigerated. We love that the no spill screw cap can be placed back on if kids don’t finish it all, so no worries about spills in the lunchbox or wasting food. The container is also 100% recyclable.

FILLO’S

If you love Latin American food but haven’t found the time to find the perfect recipe for pinto beans or black beans, we have found a delicious solution! FILLO’S is a line of vegan non-GMO beans and grains flavored with real sofrito that offers a shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meal option that is traditional, nutritious, and convenient. Inspired by family recipes to bring the traditional foods of the Americas to your table, the dishes are delicious on their own, paired with an avocado, served as a supper side, or with rice, which is how we enjoyed the Cuban Black Beans. The seasoning and spices are pure perfection! There are a large variety of flavors to try, including Cuban Black Beans, Peruvian Lentil, Puerto Rican Pink Bean, Tex Mex Pinto, Mexican Mayocoba Bean, Panamanian Chickpeas, Peruvian Quinoa & Lentils, Cuban Congri, Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules, and Carolina Peas & Rice. The best part is that we can grab these easily at our local Publix when meal prepping for the week!

*Companies generously provided samples for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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In Mom’s Kitchen: VeganSmart’s Gingerbread Granola

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Nosh on healthier holiday-inspired snacks through the holidays! Nutritious and festive, this Gingerbread Granola will have the entire family clamoring for more!

Gingerbread Granola

Ingredients

4 Cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 Cups of raw pecans
1 Teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1/2 Scoop of VeganSmart Vanilla
1/2 Teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon of ground ginger
1/2 Cup of melted coconut oil
1/2 Cup Molasses
3/4 Teaspoon of vanilla (“Mom” prefers Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
1/3 Cup of chopped, dried cranberries
1/3 Cup of chopped candied ginger

vegansmart vanilla

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper.

Combine the oats, pecans, salt, VeganSmart Vanilla, cinnamon, and ground ginger into a mixing bowl. Stir mixture thoroughly.

Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, and vanilla to the mixture. Continue to mix together until fully combined.

Turn the granola mixture out onto your prepared pan and spread into an even layer.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the granola from the oven and stir to make sure the granola cooks evenly. Place the pan back in the oven for 10 more minutes.

While the granola cooks, chop the dried cranberries and candied ginger.

After 10 minutes is up, remove the pan from the oven, add the chopped cranberries and candied ginger to the granola and mix to combine.

Let the granola cool for about 10 minutes before eating. As the granola cools off, it will continue to cook and may be wet at first, this is normal.

Enjoy gingerbread granola on-the-go or around the house as you celebrate the holidays this season!

*Recipe and image courtesy of VeganSmart.*

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neat Meatless Burger

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Move over veggie kabobs, frozen black bean burger patties, tofu and salads! Derived from pecans, garbanzo beans and spices – all you need is the Neat Original Mix for a great-tasting meatless burger. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, trying to eat less meat or just want to be a good host – it’s not always easy coming up with great-tasting, meatless options for cookouts. neat has you covered, delivering an all-natural, high-quality protein with ingredients people know and can pronounce.

neat Meatless Burger

Ingredients

1 Pack of neat Original Mix
1 egg or neat egg substitute
¼ cup water
½ cup diced vegetables

Preparation

Combine all ingredients & mix well. Form mixture into four patties. Brown for 3 ½ minutes on each side in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place on a toasted bun; top with desired condiments. “Mom” loves fresh slices of tomato and avocado on top, or guacamole & swiss cheese! Enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of neat.*

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Radiance Juice

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March is National Nutrition Month, and what better way to kick off the first weekend of the month with this energizing Radiance Juice from EAT WITH INTENTION by Cassandra Bodzak, a gorgeous healthy living cookbook that combines daily meditation with plant based recipes!

Roald Dahl famously said: “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” I couldn’t agree more. Beauty starts from within and permeates outward. Thinking thoughts that nourish your soul and eating foods that nourish your body are more effective than the most luxurious makeup money can buy. You can’t fake true radiance. This juice is packed with nutrients that will get you glowing from the inside out! Pineapple juice promotes healthy skin and helps prevent acne; watercress is also great for your overall health with its high levels of vitamin C; and cucumber has cooling and moisturizing properties.

Radiance Juice

Ingredients

½ cup (17 g) watercress
2 cucumbers, peeled
2 limes, peeled 1 cup (166 g)
Pineapple chunks

Preparation

1. Starting with the watercress, juice all the ingredients into a large glass.
2. Lightly stir and serve immediately.

Yield: 1 serving

*Recipe and image courtesy of Eat with Intention by Cassandra Bodzak.*

Cassandra Bodzak is a holistic lifestyle guide and host of the online cooking show, Eat with Intention. Discover more with:

http://cassandrabodzak.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cassandrabodzak/

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Heart-Shaped Crispy Treat Sandwiches

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What’s sweeter than a cruelty free, heart shaped treat made with Dandies Marshmallows for V-day? A fresh strawberry buttercream frosting in the middle sends these treats over the edge, into heaven, and back down into your stomach. Make them for your special valentine.

Dandies treats

Dandies Classic Crispy Treats

Ingredients

1 10oz bag of Dandies Mini Marshmallows or Dandies Marshmallows
5 cups crisp rice cereal (“Mom” uses Nature’s Path Crispy Rice Cereal)
2 tablespoons Earth Balance Buttery Spread
2 tablespoons coconut oil

Frosting Ingredients

3 fresh strawberries, finely chopped (“Mom” prefers organic)
1/2 cup Earth Balance Buttery Spread
4 cups powdered sugar (“Mom” prefers organic)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (“Mom” prefers Nielsen-Massey Organic Fairtrade Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)

Preparation

For the Dandies Classic Crispy Treats
In a microwave safe bowl, combine Dandies, margarine, and coconut oil. In 30 second intervals, with a quick stir between each, microwave until marshmallows are fully melted. Mix in cereal and stir until evenly coated with marshmallow cream.

On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, evenly spread the rice crispy mixture using a spatula or hands. You want your treats to be about 1/2 inch thick. Let cool. Using a heart shaped cookie cutter, begin cutting out your treats.

For the Frosting
Using hand mixer or stand mixer, combine all ingredients and beat until you have fluffy frosting.

For the Assembly
Frost one crispy treat and make a sandwich by pressing another crispy treat on top. For garnish, you can roll the sides with colored sugar crystals or vegan sprinkles. It’s up to you on how adorable you want them to be. We used crushed pink and red jolly ranchers, because they look like rubies and gems. Have fun and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Dandies 1

About Dandies

With a traditional texture and flavor that melts and tastes just like the marshmallows we grew up with, Dandies are the first Non-GMO Project Verified marshmallows on the market. Made with all-natural ingredients and completely free of gelatin, artificial ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup, the products are produced in the company’s dedicated facility, which is free of dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree-nuts. Dandies’ light and fluffy marshmallows are also free of wheat, gluten and corn, 100% vegan, and certified kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Dandies.*

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Healthy Candy Apples

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Healthy Candy ApplesFall is officially here, and with it comes all the delicious fruits and vegetables of the season! Here is a healthy version of candy apples from the “uncookbook” LOVE ON A PLATE by Cara Brotman and Markus Rothkranz, without any sugar, corn syrup, or artificial ingredients. “Mom” loves finding ways to make seasonal treats nutritious and still taste just as delectable. This recipe is a fun one to get the kids involved in, as well! Simply let them pick their favorite toppings to roll the apples in before freezing.

Healthy Candy Apples

Ingredients

4 organic apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Jona Gold work best)
4 candy apple sticks (or popsicle sticks)
1 cup cashew butter
1/2 – 3/4 cup maple syrup
Splash of vanilla (“Mom” prefers Nielsen-Massey Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)
Pinch of salt
Suggested toppings: cacao nibs, orange segments, candied almonds, dehydrated raspberries, dried mulberries (dehydrated and finely minced)

Preparation

Wash apples, but do not peel them. Dry them very well as the caramel doesn’t stick to moisture. Add cashew butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to food processor. Turn on for 1 minute. If caramel is too thick, drizzle a little more maple syrup in. (The more syrup you add, the runnier the caramel will be, and the easier the caramel will run down and fall off the apple.) Stick candy apple sticks in top center of your apple and dunk in caramel, turning quickly to coat.

Place on a piece of wax paper containing candy apple toppings and roll apple until well coated. Put in freezer for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Makes 4 candy apples.

Reprinted with permission of Rothkranz Publishing from LOVE ON A PLATE: The Gourmet UnCookbook by Cara Brotman and Markus Rothkranz; $29.97; www.loveonaplatebook.com.

Images courtesy of (c) Markus Rothkranz from LOVE ON A PLATE by Cara Brotman and Markus Rothkranz.

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Blueberry Pineapple Salsa

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Blueberry Pineapple Salsa 1Summer is almost officially upon us, and that means it is time for creating fresh recipes for summer entertaining! This delightful salsa from the Blueberry Council showcases both blueberries and pineapple beautifully, and will be a huge hit at any summer gathering!

Blueberry Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

2 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and membrane removed, minced
2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice, divided
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
Kosher salt, as needed

Preparation

Combine blueberries, pineapple, jalapeño, 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, lime zest, cilantro and red onion.
Season with salt and additional lime juice as needed.
Serve with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to fish or chicken.

Serves 7.

*Recipe and image courtesy of the Blueberry Council.*

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Chef Tana’s Pumpkin Bars

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Fall a great time of year for so many reasons; sweaters, changing leaves, and above all, pumpkin is back in season! Sadly, many pumpkin favorites are packed with calories and unwanted fats. Recipe Rehab has a solution once again! Chef Tana’s Pumpkin Bar Recipe is a delicious and healthier pumpkin dessert; an instant favorite for anyone who can’t go without their daily dose of pumpkin, but wants to stay healthy.

Chef Tana’s Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

2 cup(s) pumpkin puree
4 large egg(s), free-range
1/2 cup(s) raw honey
2 tablespoon sugar substitute, such as xylitol or stevia in the raw
1/2 cup(s) grapeseed oil
1/4 cup(s) light coconut milk
3/4 cup(s) rice flour
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose, gluten-free flour
1/2 cup(s) almond meal
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon ginger, ground
1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground
1 cooking spray
8 ounce(s) cheese, neufchâtel, or vegan cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup(s) honey, raw

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350-degrees F.

2. To make the batter: Using a handheld electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the pumpkin, eggs, honey, Xylitol, oil, and coconut milk until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Slowly add flour mixture to liquid mixture and mix with electric mixer at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth.

3. Spray a jellyroll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the batter into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting and cutting into bars.

4. To make the frosting: Using a handheld electric mixer at medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and honey. Mix until smooth and creamy.

*Recipe and image courtesy of EverydayHealth.com/RecipeRehab.*

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Tiny Green Mom’s Vegetable Quiche Made with Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese Shreds

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“Mom” remade her famous quiche using Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese Shreds! If you omit the eggs and use an egg substitute suitable for vegetarians or vegans, you will have a wonderful brunch dish for those who avoid dairy and animal products or by-products!

Tiny Green Mom’s Vegetable Quiche Made with Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese Shreds

Ingredients

2 Wholly Wholesome pie crusts
1 yellow bell pepper
1 zucchini
1 zucchini squash
2 tsp. freshly chopped dill
10 cage-free, organic eggs
1 cup Vegan Gourmet Shreds – Cheddar Cheese
1 cup plain Soymilk Creamer
Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Unwrap pie shells, place on baking sheet, and poke tiny holes with a fork in crusts. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crusts begin to brown.

While crusts are baking, dice and chop the chosen vegetables, set aside. In separate bowl, break the eggs, and add the cheese and soymilk creamer. Stir and set aside.

Once crusts are ready, take them out of the oven. Place half of the vegetable mixture in the bottom of each crust, and pour 1/2 of the egg, cheese and soymilk creamer mixture over the top of each quiche. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch more fresh sill on the top of each one, if desired.

Turn oven to 350 degrees F, and place the quiches in the oven once more. Bake for 40-45 more minutes. Remove from oven, place on cooling racks, and let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Roasted Butternut Squash and Pears Recipe

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roasted_butternut_squash_pearsThis easy, flavorful side dish starts by roasting rosemary-coated butternut squash until golden brown. While the squash roasts, sauté pears and onions, then toss everything together at the end so the fruit and vegetables all have just the right texture.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pears Recipe

Ingredients

2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion
2 medium ripe but firm Bosc pears (about 1 pound)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 475°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place a baking sheet in the oven as it heats.
Mix the salt, rosemary, and pepper in a small bowl; set aside
Prepare the squash: Peel off the skin with a vegetable peeler. Trim the top and bottom. Cut the neck from the bulb of the squash. Halve each piece lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Cut the squash into 3/4-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and add it to the squash. Add half of the reserved salt mixture and toss to combine. Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the squash into an even layer on it. Roast until the squash is golden brown on the bottom, about 25 minutes. Using a flat spatula, stir and continue roasting until knife tender, about 10 minutes more. Meanwhile, prepare the onion and pears.

Cut the onion into medium dice; set aside. Peel, core, and cut the pears into large dice; set aside. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the pears and remaining half of the salt mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears are knife tender, about 5 to 6 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat.

When the squash is ready, add it to the pan with the onions and pears, toss to combine, and serve.

*Recipe and image courtesy of CHOW.*

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