Almost four years ago I was texting close friends recipes I’d discovered …then thought, “There are probably other people who would enjoy these easy healthy recipes, too.” Thus this newsletter was born.
On occasion, my dear friend Rachael (foodie and busy mom of 4) texts me a recipe of gold she’s mined. When she does, I buy ingredients and make it pronto. She is to be trusted.
Well, she’s sent 2 recipes recently. I’m disappointed to report that I have not had the margin to try something new.
Before these blessed recipes slip too far down my messages, I need to post them here. If nothing else, this newsletter serves as a holding spot for all the good food I want to eat. Truly, when meal planning, I often come to this space to remind me of what I like to eat. (Did you know there’s a search function if you go to the website? I use it all the time.)
Both recipes are for InstantPot, but also instructions for stovetop or CrockPot.
Low Carb French Garlic Chicken
The recipe developer said (emphasis mine):
At the risk of sounding conceited, had I been served this Low Carb French Garlic Chicken in a restaurant in Paris, I would not have complained. And of course, since it’s my recipe it’s stupid simple. An easy low carb recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot or stovetop.
Uses boneless skinless chicken thighs but plenty of reviewers used breasts and was great. Lots of options for adaptation for different diets. The marinade seems to be bomb. Rachael said, “I was out of herbs de Provence, so I used Italian Seasoning + Thyme. Really good over rice.”
I would blindly double the recipe and freeze half.
Keto InstantPot Crack Chicken
This recipe has all the right words to make me want to try it! Keto InstantPot Crack Chicken could absolutely be cooked in a CrockPot. Simply cook bacon separately and add shredded cheese after the chicken has cooked (4 hours high, 8 hours low). Recipe calls for 2 pounds chicken; you could halve or double. Definitely freezable.
Rachael said: I would be a bad friend if I didn’t send you this. It’s so tasty and so easy. Definitely kid-approved. I use turkey bacon (pork allergy) and it’s STILL good. 😉 I serve over rice, but buns or cauliflower rice would be good too. Super flexible.
I will try with ground beef instead of chicken - because my freezer overfloweth with beef AND I just love beef so much better than chicken.
What We’re Eating on Repeat: Pantry Staples and Crowd Pleasers
Thankfully chili season is here! I made a big pot and we ate it 3xs last week. We actually have leftovers now that John Isaac is in college.
Last night we had shakshouka, which is a fancy name for eggs poached in marinara. Don’t knock it till you try it. Recipe deets here.
Meat, Bean & Cheese Burritos - I found a ham hock in the freezer that I moved from Little Rock and made a delicious pot of beans! Cooked up ground beef with onions then smashed beans in the pan. You can definitely use canned beans instead. We like the texture of pinto best. Added cheese and wrapped in a burrito. Sometimes I’ve added rice but didn’t want the extra work and none was leftover in fridge.
I like these for lunch (my 4th grader took one the next day to school) and I froze some for later, wrapped in foil. Reheating: my fav way is to unwrap foil, slather with butter then bake at 350 till wrap is crispy like a deep fried chimichanga. Serve with sour cream and salsa on top. Will make you wanna slap yo’self. My husband, who is gluten-free, ate it as a dip with corn chips.
Storing Up for Winter (or Thanksgiving Break)
My freshman in college will be home for the whole week of Thanksgiving! I’m trying to double meals now and freeze so that when he is here I won’t be a slave in my kitchen. My plan is to make lasagna sometime soon and freeze a few.
On Feeding Kids
Lots of thoughts have converged lately about feeding children. Obesity is at an all time high, as well as type 2 diabetes. A mom at our school and I have had conversations about the plethora of sugary options for children to buy, unrestricted. My kids even voice concern for the kids who “buy 2 ice creams, a soda and throw away their entire lunch.”
At church my husband and I are leading a parenting group which has brought to mind the parents’ part of nutrition. One of the forms of communication we discussed recently was entreaty. There are times we need to entreat our children to eat better, try different foods, avoid others.
On a recent car ride (40 minutes each way!) to pick up our raw milk, I asked my kids about why it’s important that we eat the way we do. I tried hard to ask more questions and talk less. But also I reminded them of things I’ve said before. It hit me: just because I say it once doesn’t mean they get it or remember.
I started writing my own essay on feeding kids because I’m convinced much of feeding children goes back to parents not using their authority (and wisdom!) to require children to eat certain foods (as well as limit the sugar). Or maybe some parents don’t feel like it’s a battle to be fought when there are so many other more pressing battles.
If you have kids under 10yo, dig in now with food battles. It’s easier. After 12yo, it’s not impossible to change their palate, it’s just that we have less influence. Once they reach teen years my husband and I seek to entreat and encourage more; control and demand less. Parenting teens is letting go of control - like a planned emancipation.
It’s a complex topic, for sure. Maybe one day I will finish my essay. But for now, please read Tara’s thoughts from Slowdown Farmstead. She is eloquent and SPOT ON. If you need bolstering in your resolve to feed nutrient dense foods to your people, read here:
Most of all, please hear me cheering you on for better choices! You can do it! Remember, it’s not only the nutrient dense meals created, it’s also about not bringing home junk.
Just say no at the grocery store and “forget” to buy the processed snacks.
It’s being creative to find ways to have a treat without using sugar as the reward.
Choose water instead of soda or juice.
Potato chips are a huge weakness for me. Years ago I made a conscious decision to only buy them on occasion.
Food is about connection, too. Sitting at the table is sacred time. In our busy culture, those few minutes face to face at dinner might be our only time together as a family all day. So whether it’s Dominos or Keto InstantPot Crack Chicken enjoy your people.
Life is hard, food doesn’t have to be.
Julie