Tag Archives: family

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,

Facing the Reality of Caregiving the Final Journey

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            As I write this, a precious friend is in a hospital room, miles from here, loving on her mother and holding her hand until time for her to go Home.

            I remember that time with Momma. We knew she was slipping away; she was frail and tired and ready to leave this old world for a better place.

            “Mommy, are you just tired? Are you ready to be with Jesus?” I smiled at her, gave her little tender kisses, wiped her wrinkled brow and assured her it was okay if she wanted to go.

           This was too hard; emotions struggled with truth as the child in me wanted to hang on and keep her here. She was my momma, my security through all these years; my lap to curl on, shoulder to cry on, a hug to depend upon.

            Her journey had been rough the last few years. Her ninety plus years had worn on her frail body; she looked tired—she was tired. It would be wrong to pull her back if I could, but it was difficult to let her go. I knew life would never be the same for me.

            I wonder, how is it with you? Are your family members ready to face that time that we each must face? Are you? There is much to think about and do when caring for someone; many things you need in place for yourself. I have found an exciting tool to keep all the necessary information for our entire family in one place, easy accessible to those who need it. This is not simply for end of life issues, but for every day needs as well. Click here to learn more.

            If you are a hired caregiver, do you know what to do for your client when that time comes; what your job demands, what is expected of you? Can you help the family in some way to be prepared for the inevitable?

            As you read this column today, please know that as I stopped to pray for my friend and her family, I also took time to pray for each of you who will be reading this. I prayed for God’s wisdom and peace in your life and those around you. I thanked Him for you as you give so willingly of yourself, your time, your resources to care for others. I thanked Him for the countless lives who have touched mine throughout the years, encouraging, teaching, leaving a mark.

            Have a great week. Let me hear from you,

Hugs,

          

P.S.  “I know the plans I have for you, saith the Lord, plans for good to give you a hope … ” from Jeremiah 29:11-13.