Somehow we raised three (out of four) little boys who ate their vegetables willingly. I mean, they ate their vegetables gladly. Like: no battles. Sure, they avoided a few specific varieties: mushrooms and beets I believe, but from asparagus, to steamed broccoli, to spinach and kale salads, they were all in. In fact, raw onions were a favorite to those first three. Of course those first three were born during my husband's medical school and residency years, when Dave was especially aware of
Snacks and Smoothies
4 Ingredient, 5 Minute (no bake) Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Our boys are currently going through a stage called eating everything all of the time. I'm not sure what's going on, but it's testing both my creative cooking abilities and our budget. So it may not surprise you that I'm a sight to behold at Costco. You can't miss me: I'm the one with groceries piled high and spilling over the edges of my wagon. (I know most of America calls them "shopping carts" but here in Hawaii they are "wagons.") I've never been gifted with organizational skills, so that
Tropical Mango Salsa.
Isn't this such a great time of year? The sun has been popping out all over the place, (I mean, besides just in Hawaii) and everyone seems to be a little extra happy. Plus, Mother's Day is just around the corner, and despite the fact that my five-year old accused me of making up the holiday ("Mother's Day isn't a real holiday MOM!") indeed it is a real holiday and it's an important one, and I'm not gonna let any smarty-pants five year old take that away from me. (amen?) Well, spring and
The Best Gluten Free Muffins: Banana, Berry, or Your Choice Add-ins
So, it seems that I'm surrounded by Gluten free folks these days. My poor bread-loving father was diagnosed with Celiac disease five years ago. My dear friend Jules, who I spend a lot of time with, is also gluten-free. And we've recently brought into our crazy family life a part-time helper ("family assistant" though her title is still up in the air) named Morgan who is also hashtag-gluten-free. (and yes, you'll hear more about Morgan here in the days to come, and yes, you'll adore her.)
Tropical Smoothie Bowls: Make your own Acai, and Super Green Bowls
So, let's start this one with YUM!.... If you're not hooked on tropical smoothies and smoothie bowls yet, then let's just get this party started, shall we? Smoothies and smoothie bowls have been popular in Hawaii for years, and if they haven't hit your neighborhood yet, then just give it some time and...they likely will. But no need to wait, you can start making your own smoothie bowls right at home! A smoothie bowl is basically all of the goodness of a fruit smoothie, with a little more
(Uncle) Dr. Ted’s Nut Bars
I have a treat for you this week. Something delicious to add to your healthy cooking list in this New Year... This year we had Dave's parents, and his sister's family in town for the holidays. We had a great time catching up, eating holiday meals, hanging at the beach, eating fudge, playing games, eating pie, and...well...You know how it goes with family and holidays: Lots of fun. And lots of eating. A special part of their visit was that Uncle Ted...Dave's sister Cami's husband, brought
Five Festive Holiday Drinks (Family-Friendly)
Hey Friends! As I publish this I should be en route to crisp and cool Seattle for the first leg of our holiday journey. I don't know how the airplane will even contain the excitement built up in my four boys, but we'll see how we do... So I recently came across this holiday beverage post which was somewhat hidden in my archives from two years ago, and thought I would repost it today. I love finding new festive drinks so I thought a few of you might too. And interestingly, as I pack up for
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal {The Perfect Fall Breakfast}
Anyone need some fresh breakfast inspiration? Maybe with a hint of fall in there? Well I have something just for you... With four growing boys, I'm constantly trying to start their day with something other than cold cereal (which they would gladly have every day if I let them.) The problem is, my mornings are busy too, so I only have time to make a hot breakfast a couple times a week. Other than that, everyone is usually on their own. That is one of the reasons I love oatmeal. I can cook a
