Tag Archives: caring

Quick Healthy Recipes Dressing Up Canned Veggies

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Eating healthy may mean learning to like new vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It may mean serving  meats that are not deep fried or laden with sauces and gravies. Caring for others includes doing all we can to give them good nutrition and that can be a challenge.

What’s a gal to do when hubby wants only the vegetables he knew from childhood: green beans, peas and potatoes?  The  green beans were cooked in bacon grease and laden with bacon pieces. Peas and potatoes may have been swimming in a rich, creamy white sauce and butter. Take away the sauces and such and you are left with a plain dish that can get old quickly.

I enjoy the frozen or fresh vegetables best; however, time constraints and budget often pull me to the cabinet to grab a can of something. Today we will look at a couple of ways to dress up canned vegetables without adding a lot of calories and fats.

GREEN BEANS ITALIAN STYLE

drain and rinse two cans of green beans

stir in one can of chopped Italian tomatoes

heat and serve

Now that was easy, wasn’t it? Try other combinations and you’ll be surprised at how good a plain ole can of green beans will taste.

For a more festive meal; try replacing the traditional calorie-laden green bean casserole with FESTIVE VEGGIE CUPS.

Drain two cans of green beans, rinse, and heat in skillet with small amount of olive oil. Season to taste–experiment with basil, dill or other herbs.

Trim crusts from eight slices of whole grain bread, lightly butter. Carefully push center of bread slices down into a muffin tin. This will form a pocket with four corners sticking out. Toast slightly in oven.  Scoop a couple of spoons of warmed green beans and top with one or more of the following:  pimento and  slivered almonds, chopped onion, a sprinkle of grated cheese or Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream.

I found some quick and healthy recipes and  ideas in this cookbook  by Brenda Ponichtera for using familiar ingredients as well as adding some new items to our menu. The recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and especially valuable to those who say they don’t have time to cook healthy meals.  

Bottom line: be brave, experiment. Do all you can to make mealtime a special time with your family as you enjoy the bounty God has provided. Let me hear from you with your ideas. Enjoy!

Hugs,

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter and tell your friends.

Encouragement from Sun Snow and a Bowl of Soup

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             The sun seemed to shine brighter than ever as we made our way to town Tuesday. Dry brown fields had given way to vibrant green grasses and wildflowers. Tiny birds and squirrels were announcing spring to cattle caring for their babies on the hillsides.

            Wednesday, a few gals popped in to help me weed our flowerbeds and mow grass. I’m thankful for friends who give of their time to come to our aid. Work, weather, and just plain weariness has taken it’s toll this year on us “older” folk.

            It is now Thursday as I write this letter. It has been cold all day, windy and rainy. We brought some plants inside and covered some as the temperatures plunged throughout the day. It’s barely above freezing now and the forecast is for snow later tonight into the morning. SNOW! Mercy! A daughter-in-law from Joplin called to say it was raining steadily there right now and looks to be turning into sleet.

            Let us review: Tuesday near 80, Wednesday work in yard, Thursday find snow shovel! Missouri – gotta love it!

            I put on a big pot of stew early this morning and prepared to stay in until warm weather. The only way I know to share a bowl with you is to send the recipe. It’s quick, easy, and yummy on the tummy!

Quick and Easy Stew

1 large boneless round steak (1” squares)
2 cups potatoes (cut in 1”squares)
2 cups carrots (sliced thick)
1 cup onions (sliced)
2 cups green beans (I use fresh frozen)
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream mushroom soup
1 can celery soup
3 cans water

              Brown meat, mix all ingredients in large pan and cook on low about three hours. You can substitute chicken breast for steak or lean ground beef and add your favorite vegetables. Variations are endless.

             Changing weather simply reminds us spring and summer are upon us. Farmer’s markets are already filled with fresh fruits and vegetables with more to come.  Be prepared to  enjoy new healthier foods for yourself and those in your care.  Click here for more information. You will learn how to create your shopping list, prepare foods for storage, and dozens of helpful hints as well as great, easy to prepare recipes that will save you time and dollars.

           Trusting you and those you care for will enjoy God’s creation in all it’s beauty. Have a great week.

Hugs,

How Modern Technology Can Help Us Care for Others

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Many of you simply care for your spouse and children and for others who may be living in your homes. Some of you are caring for elderly parents either in your home or theirs. Many are trying to manage the needs of a large family while working a full-time job.

How do you stay in touch with all of this? Do you have all the medical papers needed for each individual should a crisis arise? Do you have easy access to medicine lists, doctors’ numbers, and other vital information? Could someone else find the information if you were unavailable?

If you have a child with specific allergies or needs, do others in your family know what their needs are?

My brother faithfully called me from out of state every single week to ask about Mother’s condition and her needs.  I did well to tell him how she was that very day. Later I would recall information he needed but I had failed to tell him.

I’ve been exploring some ideas that may be helpful for you.  In doing so, I look for inexpensive to free and programs or items that are easy to use and understand (in other words, something even I could manage easily!)

In my next letter I will be sharing one of the best products I have seen for managing information for the entire family in one place. Be thinking now of those who may need this information and be on the lookout for Caring from the Heart next week.

Hugs,

Encourage a friend to sign up for the newsletter. Help is on its way! Also,  a copy of MY MOTHER MY CHILD would make a great Mother’s Day gift for any age.