ATTN: It’s Giveaway Time!

Find yourself staring blankly into the fridge every few days, wondering what to make for dinner? Sounds like you are in need of a mealtime makeover and I can totally relate!

My biggest dilemma in the kitchen is getting stuck in a rut. We generally rely on a few great recipes that I know are healthy, that I’ve perfected over time and can cook with my eyes closed. The problem is that we all get bored after a while! Even weekly meal plans get tiresome after a while.

The challenge for our family is finding great new recipes in a pinch that are easy and nutritious. I am happiest eating spinach, nut sauces, noodles or brown rice, sprouts and sauteed veggies. My husband is happiest eating meat and potatoes although he does (thankfully) appreciate a delicious “granola” dinner here and there!

My other dilemma is finding new ways to keep mealtimes interesting for my ever growing picky toddler. Even so called healthy toddler cookbooks are laden with recipes containing foods and sauces that I don’t agree with for little growing bodies, plus I would rather she just eat what I eat and save the time making separate meals. Who has time for that?

I don’t believe nutrition has to be sacrificed for flare and fun so I naturally jumped at the chance to review Feeding the Whole Family: Recipes for Babies, Young Children and Their Parents by Cynthia Lair.

My first impression: Finally, a cookbook that speaks my language! I don’t have to substitute any ingredients, my daughter can enjoy these meals, the recipes are simple, creative and best of all, totally nutritious-using the most wholesome foods available!

Whether you are a seasoned whole foods chef or a family looking to add some wholesome recipes into your routine, this book has you covered. Health enthusiasts will appreciate that Cynthia did not compromise at all using the best options while creating delicious, creative and simple recipes. It is also an informative and encouraging starter cookbook for those learning about healthier food choices.

Parents will appreciate Cynthia’s extensive experience on on raising healthy eaters, setting boundaries and overcoming obstacles like “my child won’t eat vegetables.” The book also includes an introduction into wholesome family eating, suggestions for including baby into mealtimes, starting solids, food allergies & intolerance and expanding the diets of older children  – all written from a wholesome perspective.

Did I mention delicious recipes? These recipes instantly caught my eye: Squash and Raisin Stuffed Chicken Breasts, French Lentil and Potato Stew, Orange-Glazed Salmon Kebabs with Yogurt Garlic Dip, Grilled Vegetable Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and Lemon Cranberry Scones.

Each recipe has a great suggestion for feeding babies 6 months+ and 10 months+ so that mealtime is something the entire family can enjoy together without the extra fuss of creating a separate meal.

Recipe sections include: Basic Bean and Grain Cookery, Bustling Breakfasts, Lively Lunch Boxes, Soothing Soups, Substantial Suppers, Got Color? (vegetables), Fresh Baked Breads and Muffins, Refreshing Relishes & Convenient Condiments, Simple Sweet Desserts, Daily Drinks and Brews.

I highly recommend Feeding The Whole Family. It will speak your language if you are looking for great recipes with the very best foods that nature has to offer, all served up with fun and flavor for the whole family!

Win yourself a copy of Feeding the Whole Family!

You don’t think I would go on about this delicious book without giving one away, do you?

There are 3 ways to enter. Leave a separate comment for each option you choose to be credited with additional entry credits.

1. Sign up for free updates: RSS or by email
2. Leave a comment how eating healthy benefits you & your family the most
3. Twitter to your pals about this giveaway!
   

Contest rules can be found here. Contest open until midnight, Wednesday November 12. Winner will be selected randomly using Random.org and contacted by email so please leave a valid email address. You can also check back here for the winner name.

Good luck! I hope you win.

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A Wholesome Family Cookbook

If you watch cooking shows these may not be anything new to you. If you don’t you just might have an a-HA moment in the kitchen like I did when I learned these simple little tips for making life easier in the kitchen.

1.  Cook with garlic? Simply crush the clove gently with the flat side of your knife and the peel will easily fall away. No more picking and peeling! This was my husbands cooking a-HA moment years ago!

2.  Cook with ginger? Isn’t that ginger skin a pain to peel? Use the edge of a spoon easily scrape away the skin without wasting any of the the flesh of ginger. Watch this funny video to see it in action:

I also highly recommend the microplane that is used in the video! I’ve always used a basic hand held grater but I purchased the microplane after seeing the video and I’ll never go back. Love it. It grates the ginger perfectly for getting all the wonderful juices out and leaving it a nice texture for eating. They are also perfect for making citrus zest. Break out the Holiday baking!

3. Kitchen floor a mess? We always seem to leave a trail of bits and pieces between the garbage and the counter and bits on the floor drive me batty! Now I keep an empty bowl beside the cutting board to toss my chopping scraps into. When you’re finished prepping, the contents can be dumped into your compost or garbage. Kudos to Rachel Ray for this simple tip.

Simple tips? Yes they are, but they are guaranteed to save time and frustration in the kitchen.

Do you have a kitchen tip to keep things simple and sane? Please share love in the comments below!

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

3 Simple Cooking Tips Every Mom & Dad Should Know

We already know that herbs and spices contribute to our most memorable dishes and when used in combination, they form the basic characteristics of our favorite ethnic dishes.

Did you know that spices have been used for centuries in ancient healing traditions such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a way to balance the body and restore vitality?

Herbs refer to the leaves, stems and flowers of plants. Spices refer to dried roots, barks, pods, seeds and berries. The most effective way to use both herbs and spices is to add them to your cooking in the last 10-20 minutes of cooking.

I’ve picked some of my favorite herbs and spices, although there are so many to choose from. These are herbs and spices that are easy to incorporate into most North American dishes.

1. CARDAMOM is actually a member of the ginger family so it already resides in excellent company. Stimulates digestion, circulation, helps headaches, ulcers and psychoneurosis. Used in baking, stir fry’s, to flavor a delicious cup of Chai or try it in your coffee. Also effective as a breath freshener.
2. CAYENNE may have been used by your grandmother sprinkled in socks to keep feet warm! A thermogenic herb – it is beneficial for circulation, colon disorders and the heart. Also may be beneficial to help with arthritic pain in a cream.
3. TURMERIC is a root from the ginger family. It is my favorite spice for liver cleansing because it aids liver function and detoxification. Also used for inflammation and parasites. Try it in stir fry’s, curries and scrambled eggs!
4. DILL is the secret ingredient to a delicious bowl of tsaziki dip in our house. Reported to help quiet the nerves, lower blood pressure, help with poor appetite, prevent gas, bad breath, and headaches. May also help with mothers milk supply – has any one tried this?
5. ROSEMARY is the zip that comes with any “Provence” herb mixture and belongs in the mint family. It is a powerful antioxidant and digestive aid. Use sparingly. Also helps ward of headaches and is used as a memory aid.
6. THYME is also present in French style dishes. Beneficial for respiratory disorders, whooping cough, antifungal, antibacterial, and beneficial for excessive emotional stress. May also provide protection from free radicals (molecules that undermine the cells of the body).
7. CINNAMON is a delicious addition most baking, and my favorite: a nourishing bowl of rolled oats. Beneficial for menopause, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, circulation.

Herbs and spices are best stored on a closed jar, away from direct sunlight. Did you know that they are generally irradiated? I certainly didn’t, so I’m passing the info along. Most health food stores are already on this, but wherever possible – buy your herbs and spices from a store that stocks a NON-irradiated supply. In addition to cooking with herbs and spices, you can also use them in the form of essential oils. Hopefully this little teaser will inspire you to know that mealtimes not only provide us with fuel, but can aid in the recovery of so many common ailments. Check out this excellent book to learn more about cooking and healing with herbs.

**Pregnant, breastfeeding women and babies have special requirements and should be extra cautious about using some oils and herbs. Please consult with a qualified practitioner before using.

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

7 Natural Healing Herbs & Spices For Every Meal