Mommy's Recess!

Gestational Diabetes/Gluten Free Approved Recipe - Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

2015-11-16T21:37:00.000-06:00

Chinese food is something I have been craving since I changed my gestational diabetes diet to low carbs several months ago. After doing some research, I found this original recipe at http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Paleo-Pad-Thai-Recipe-32022190 for Pad Thai over spaghetti squash. Surprisingly it tasted like the real thing and I think it was better with the squash than the rice noodles. And I must add it was low in carbs, high in protein, and gluten free so that I could enjoy many bites! Finally, I will also point out that I learned to cook with baby bok choy for the first time!

Original Recipe

1 medium spaghetti squash, seeds removed and cut into quarters (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 head broccoli, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 heads baby bok choy, sliced crosswise into 1-inch strips (about 1 1/2 cups)
6 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cashews, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup tangy peanut dressing, recipe below

For tangy peanut dressing:
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ume plum vinegar
1/8 cup roasted almond butter
1/4 cup coconut milk

Place a metal steamer basket in a large pot and add three inches of water. Steam the spaghetti squash in the basket for 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the spaghetti squash from the basket and allow to slightly cool so you can handle.

While the squash is cooking and cooling, create the tangy peanut sauce. Puree the lime juice, ginger, garlic, and vinegar until very smooth. Blend in the almond butter and coconut milk until thoroughly combined. Divide 1/4 cup for your pad Thai and store the rest in a glass jar for up to three days.

Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop the spaghetti squash out of the skin and set aside.

Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion for eight to 10 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the broccoli and saute for about 10 minutes, under tender. Stir in the bok choy and saute for three to four minutes, until wilted. Add the squash to the skillet, stir briefly to incorporate, then add the scallions and cilantro.

Top with toasted cashews and tangy peanut sauce. Serve hot!

Adapted Recipe

1 medium spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 head broccoli, chopped
2 heads baby bok choy
6 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup cashews, already halved

1/4 cup tangy peanut dressing, recipe below

For tangy peanut dressing:
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/8 cup roasted almond butter
1/4 cup coconut milk

Cut the spaghetti squash in half length wise. Remove seeds. Take first half and lay face down in approximately an inch of water in a microwavable dish. Put in microwave for 15 minutes. Then remove and scrape out squash from the skin with a fork. Repeat for second half or store in fridge for another time.

Prep all your food ahead of time including the baby bok choy.

To wash baby bok choy, first remove stalks and rinse the dirt off in water or wash like you would a herb. Periodically cut of the base of the cabbage to separate all the stalks. To chop the vegetable, start chopping down the middle length wise. Then cut the white bottom from the leafy top. Slice each but separate the white part of the plant from the green leaf into a separate bowl. You will saute the white portions longer as they are harder. Put in the leafy greens toward the end.

To create the tangy peanut sauce, puree the lime juice, ginger, garlic, and vinegar until very smooth. Blend in the almond butter and coconut milk until thoroughly combined.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion and broccoli in some garlic until the onion is translucent and the broccoli is tender. Stir in the bok choy and pepper flakes and saute for three to four minutes, until wilted. Add leftover shredded chicken or a can of chicken. Top with the toasted cashews and tangy peanut sauce. Serve hot over the spaghetti squash.

I will finally add that if you are counting carbs, be sure to watch how much squash you are eating. If you need a few more carbs, then fix an egg roll on the side!

Make Monday: Make a Difference, Take a Stand Against Gambling

2014-12-22T17:52:00.000-06:00

I know, it is Christmas week and you're expecting a post about crafts, how to wrap gifts etc. Trust me, this is much, much more important.

This week you will be with family and friends. Tell them that you are against the expansion of gambling. As a parent, if internet gambling is allowed, that will turn any smartphone/kindle into a slot machine. Gambling, of any kind, is not good for children.

Conservative or liberal, you know the implications that gambling has on families. You'll be with your families this week. We have one question for you to ask your family members.

How has gambling effected you?

This week my father in law retired. At the party, my Uncle (in law) said, "They should make everyone pass a test of probability before they enter. The house always wins."

He also shared a story. "It (Prairie Meadows) was just going to be a small horse race track. It turned in to so much more. I know someone who lost everything and he was making good money. He declared bankruptcy. He lost his job. Just make good choices."

I feel for anyone who lost their parent/grandparent/Christmas this year because of gambling (suicide). I feel for families who are brought in by the empty promises of wealth and lose it all.

Enough is enough. Iowa Conservatives Against Gambling Expansion says, "No MORE!" https://www.facebook.com/pages/ICAGE-Iowa-Conservatives-Against-Gambling-Expansion/639300049486581

Not here, not Iowa.

Food Friday: Cold Days, Hot Soup...Irish Queso Soup!

2014-11-21T13:05:00.001-06:00

It's cold. Maybe not as snowy as Buffalo, NY, but cold.

Who doesn't love a good soup...especially when you can just dump it in the crock pot and go about your day?!!

I found a recipe for Pepper Jack Cheese Soup...but our boys didn't like the name. Our 5 year old said, "It's like queso, but with potatoes and ham."

Our 8 year old chimed in, "Ham and potatoes, that's Irish, right? So it is Irish Queso Soup."

And with that, this meal had its new name.

It is SO easy. Spray the crock pot and add...

2 Cans Diced Potatoes
2 Cans Chopped Green Chilis
2 Cans Cream of Potato Soup
2 Cans Cream of Celery Soup
2 Cans Evaporated Milk
1 Package Diced Ham
2 Blocks of Pepper Jack Cheese (I just hand tore the blocks into smaller chunks)
2 Cups Water

Start it on low, cook for 8 hours. Use leftover ham (chopped) or buy prepackaged ham. I'm sure the sodium content is off the charts, but it is SO good.

Add pepper and cilantro for a little more of a kick, if you like.

Easy and yummy dinner.

Tooth Thursday: The Dentist with Our 4 Year Old...And I Feel The Worst.

2014-11-20T15:32:00.003-06:00

Brendan (4), aka B, had three cavities filled today. He played with another little boy (his mom called him T and he was 6) with Legos in the waiting room.

B climbed into the chair, and when the dental assistant said, "I have to put this bib on you," B replied, "I know."

I said, "It's not Cavity Carl's first rodeo." He's had three cavities before.

The dentist thinks it's due to a lack of enamel. Dr. Kerby asked if I had taken antibiotics during pregnancy, and I had. And yes, I feel bad.

The 6 year old was in the chair next door. He was SCREAMING. B said, "What's his problem?" The assistant said, "He has to have one cavity filled. They are just putting the bib on him."

B replied, "I have free (3) cavities! And have da bib. And he's older dan me!"
I reminded him, "It's not a competition, dear."

B had "the gas" to help with the pain.

I asked B what he wanted, if he was good. Last night, his oldest brother got a slinky after a good parent/teacher conference. So, of course, all he wanted was a "swinky" of his own.

He sat so very still, he had tears in his eyes, the assistant wiped them away with the bib when they would run down his face. But he never once complained. One of his cavities was between his front teeth, and they had to get special small equipment to help fill it. B was a trooper.

And he got his "swinky" at Target after the fillings. I feel like a horrible mom, for him having low enamel on his teeth because of my antibiotics when I was pregnant with him, but God blessed us with such a tolerant and strong little dude.

Way to go, B. And yes, Mommy is sorry.

Make Monday: Make Memories and Help Veterans

2014-11-10T12:41:00.000-06:00

Looking for something fun to do with the kids that helps injured heroes?

Why not build a gingerbread house?

The Puppy Jake Foundation is hosting a fundraiser, where all of the ingredients for your family's gingerbread home are provided.

The Puppy Jake Foundation raises and trains service dogs for our injured American heroes. It's a great way to make memories for your children and help those who served for our freedom.

You can print your entry form here.

Food Friday: I (h)Ate School Lunch..And Had To Show ID

2014-11-07T13:56:00.000-06:00

Today, I joined my 5 year old at school for lunch. I was appalled that they were serving a pretzel with cheese as an entree. Now that the election is over, I have time to meet with him for lunch.

When I got to his school, I had to show my ID. They scanned it. It printed my driver's license picture, my name, what time/date I checked in and even, "cafeteria", where I was going.

I just LOVE having to wear my drivers' license picture on a name tag....said no one ever. But showing an ID to vote is racist. <- note the sarcasm.

I DID find Sean's ISU hoodie that we've been missing, in the lost and found, while I was waiting for his class to come down the hall. He saw me. He grinned from ear to ear.

He was excited.

We waited in line, I had to pay for my lunch, of course, and Sean was excited that he could tell me how it all worked. I had been to lunch with his older brother before, but I let him tell me. The cashier did say, "I was hoping to meet you! I saw the shirts that your oldest wore last week and said, 'Your parents must work in politics!' Liam told me that his mommy does. And Republican! Good work!"

We gathered our utensils and trays. We could add "salad" and a banana. There was a sign that read, "You must take 1/2 fruit and 1/2 veggie in order for the school to be reimbursed for a full meal." Most of the kids passed it over, because, they're in kindergarten.

And here was my meal.

A pretzel, the size of a milk carton (no salt), milk, green beans (no pepper), cheese in a cup, and Caesar salad...ish, again, no pepper.

Sean and I prayed before our meal, and that reminded the kid who sat across from him to pray. He wanted me to take his picture, in case his parents are friends of mine.

This is the "other" option for lunch, called a "kydz-able". And yes, that is how they spell it. Cheese, carrots, Goldfish crackers and grapes with yogurt. And milk.

How can children learn on snack foods for lunch? How is this accepted?

The pretzel is going to breakdown to sugar and can cause a major tired crash this afternoon. There isn't enough protein to sustain either of these lunches. Most 'kid-friendly' yogurts are filled with sugar and dye, baby carrots are most likely cleaned with a chlorine sanitizer, the goldfish is loaded with salt, and chocolate milk is loaded with sugar. Nothing in either of these lunches will help fuel the minds and bodies through the afternoon of school.

I wonder how many members of the School Board have eaten this lunch, and gone about their day, with nothing else to eat?

I've asked my boys if they want to take cold lunch. They always refuse. At their school, kids who eat cold lunch, have to sit at a different table than those who eat "hot lunch" or a "kydz-able". How is that not segregation?

How is any of this acceptable? This is not lunch food, this is snack food. My challenge to you, tweet, Facebook, share this post. Our kids deserve more than snacks for lunch.

Food Friday: Leftover Chicken Tacos Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

2014-11-05T18:01:00.002-06:00

How about two quick meals for your family for the price of one with a complete different taste?

Yes, please! The other night we had chicken tacos and tonight we are using the leftovers for Chicken Tortilla Soup. All easy recipes and family approved!

Chicken Tacos

1 pound of chicken breast, thawed
1 jar of your favorite salsa
1-15 ounce can of black beans

Pour contents into crock pot. Cook on low until chicken is cooked through. Shred chicken. Serve with tortillas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Good with bean dip. Use corn tortillas for gluten free meal.

6 Can Chicken Tortilla Soup

1-15 ounce whole kernel corn, drained
2-14.5 ounce can chicken broth
1-10 ounce can of chunk chicken (or use your leftover chicken tacos)
1-15 ounce can black beans
1-10 ounce can dried tomatoes (with green chili peppers optional)

Pour everything into a large stock pot and simmer until chicken is warm. Serve with cornbread. Gluten free without cornbread.

Make Monday: Make Memories

2014-10-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, I won a contest from our local TV station. KCCI, to be exact.

I know, I'm like a unicorn. Something you hear of, but you've never met. But I won.

We couldn't use the whole package, because the best time to use it was early June, when my husband was working, I was in the midst of a special congressional delegate election, establishing a new non-profit group, and the boys had scheduled for Cub Scout/Star Wars/Library camps.

But our family really needed to reconnect. And we did.

My husband was off of work early on Friday. Even though the house was a disaster, when he got home, we packed up.

We surprised the boys, all 4, after school, at Grandma's house.

I drove the 2.45 hours to the hotel room. The kids were tired, they were hungry. They wanted to know where we were going. And then we got to the hotel.

We checked in, put our bags in the room, just steps from a restaurant. A 28 inch pizza for $29.99? Cheaper than what we would pay for a meal for all 6 of us.

Yep. A good photo op. The room service information said "it feeds 10 adults". It should have read, "It feeds a Catholic family with 4 young boys."

We did have left overs...but not many.

After dinner, we went to the room and crashed. Daddy in one bed with the middles, me nursing Harry and, the oldest, Liam, with his kicking legs. It's no wonder he doesn't sleep at night!

We woke up, ate breakfast, and went back to the arcade. After about 10 minutes, David and I decided it was time to get the boys outside. Because being an arcade family is not what we want to raise the boys in.

So we visited the sites. Snake Alley....the boys ran both up and down it...

Harry chases his brothers down Snake Alley, "Wait, wait you guys! I have wittle wegs!"

And we even visited the Mississippi River.

I was "Super Mom" when I used a stick to flip a dead fish so the boys could inspect (no touch) it.

And then I thought we should visit a park....and there was a slide that made me nervous.

But they loved it.

I thought they would love playing in leaves for a great fall photo...

And I thought wrong...

Really, Harry? Really?!?!

Thankfully, we had a great lunch at Big Muddy's...Brendan chose the kid's unlimited salad bar, and he loved it...and this money saving mom loved it! Only $1.99!

After lunch, we decided to see what else Burlington had to offer. It was the largest spine in the world, in honor of Dr. Aunt Sandy Bowman, the family Chiropractor! It is anatomically correct and carved out of a tree! Only in Iowa!

After that, we found the Our Lady of Grace Grotto. The boys loved seeing all of the Geodes and learning about the Stations of the Cross.

When I have a garden, I want this.

We went back to the hotel, played at the pool and crashed....ish.As much as you can crash with one adult and two kids in a Queen sized bed.

Sunday morning, after checking out, we went to an awesome mom and pop restaurant called the Hungry Bear.

The pancake was the size of the plate....and the syrup was in a clear squirt bottle...why I have never thought of that?!?!

And the omelet....we all ate for less than 25, including a $5 tip.

Our boys had so much fun...we made so many memories...

Throwback Tuesday post....that continues our trip....will be posted tomorrow...

Food Friday : Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup--Using Leftovers!

2014-10-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

I wouldn't make that claim if it wasn't true. I have the talent of "back-engineering" recipes, like my mom, and making it better. The trouble is, I don't measure, I just dump the ingredients, taste test, repeat.

We had a lot of left over chicken this week, so I saved it, and decided to make my Chicken Gnocchi soup. After posting pictures, I've been asked for the recipe. It's different every time I make it, but it's still better than Olive Garden.

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter
1 bag of shredded carrots
1/2 chopped white onion
3 stalks of celery-diced
Leftover chicken (or two cans of diced chicken breasts)
1 package of Gnocchi
2 cans of chicken broth
2 cups of water and 2 chicken bullion cubes
1 package of frozen spinach
1/2 pint of heavy cream
Pepper to taste

In a large stock pot (I use my dutch oven pot), put the onion, celery, carrots, frozen spinach and butter. Let the veggies cook on medium heat, until the butter is melted and it is all cooked down (about 10 minutes). Toss in everything but the cream, bring it to a boil, boil for about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down, add the cream. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding pepper to taste.

Yum! I made this batch to freeze for our elderly neighbors, but, of course, the boys wanted to taste test it. And they LOVED it.

They're eating veggies and they love it. I'm using up leftovers. WIN! WIN!

"Wave of Light" Wednesday

2014-10-15T14:15:00.004-05:00

Please, light a candle at 7PM and keep it lit for at least an hour, to participate in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Make Monday: Make Your Own Way

2014-10-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

*This post is about being a strong woman. A strong woman and mother. Mommy's Recess receives no money from the Ernst campaign or those who fund her.*

In April 2003, I had agreed to work for Senator Grassley as his only person on his campaign staff for 2004.

I had just graduated from Iowa State University in December in 2002, and had worked for Chuck Gipp as the House Majority Leader in the 2003 session.

I had to have health insurance, as a woman. I paid for it, by myself, as a 23-24 year old. But that's just being personally responsible. After all, I had graduated from College, I didn't feel the need for my parents to be burdened by my insurance, be it health, car etc.

Since then, I've met my husband, I've worked, we had a child, we married, I continued to work, he went to Iraq and served his country. I continued to work when he had trouble finding a job.

Thankfully, he found a job, a job he's been at for 6 years. He climbed the ranks. After our third son was born, we could not afford daycare. So I stayed at home. It wasn't easy. It was tough. It still is tough.

I work at home. I am thankful that our boys can go to Grandma's Pre-School, free of cost, while I focus on my work. But I have no insurance, except for my husband.

And now? His insurance, his pay, will be deducted even more because of Obamacare.

Stop the socialism of America. Stop encouraging Obamacare. Vote for Joni Ernst. Vote for any Republicans in your district.

I made my own way. My parents made their own way.

As the 8th great grand-niece of Abigail Adams, make your own way. Make yourself who God made you to be.

All of my ancestors came here legally, new Americans should not have their first act as a citizen, should not be an illegal one.

Friday: Our Son's School Thinks He is Fractured....

2014-10-10T15:09:00.001-05:00

I received an email today, an email no to parent wants to read.

"Hi Sarah! I just wanted you to know that I have been keeping an eye on Sean's small motor skills and working closely with him on handwriting skills. If it's ok with you, I would like the Occupational Therapist to pop in for a visit next week just to observe and offer any other activities for me to use with Sean. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much!!"

I wanted to write, "He is in kindergarten. He is brilliant, sweet, charming and smart. Maybe he doesn't write his name correctly, but there's no need to have an "Occupational Therapist" visit him. We can work with him. He writes right to left, and it would be better for him to have his parents talk to him, than a complete stranger.

Kids are cruel. If they notice that Sean is being followed by someone that is not from the classroom, he will be teased. He is emotional and strong. He has been since birth. I can imagine if someone teases him, he might react in a manner that may be physical. And his father and I don't want that.

Please, before you bring in an Occupational Therapist, let us work with him."

However,

I responded to the email with, "Please, tell me more. What have you noticed?"

I am waiting on a response. Sean is NOT fractured. He is in kindergarten. He is learning. If you put this stigma on him that he is "different", he will feel that way.

He IS special. He is awesome. He thinks differently.

Maybe it is the educational system that is fractured or broken.

Maybe he won't conform to Common Core.

Maybe he is like his mom.

He goes his own way. He is smart, strong and determined. I am not turning away help, but let his parents help him before you bring in a "specialist."

Edit: I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with Sean's teacher. She is fine with us working with Sean until conferences mid-November.

Flashback Friday---Food Friday! Our Most Popular Food Post!

2014-09-26T12:30:00.001-05:00

We're in the process of getting back to posting daily, but to hold you off, and tide you over, here is our top visited post, which is also a food post! Crock-pot Potato Soup!

http://www.mommysrecess.com/2011/03/food-friday-crock-pot-potato-soup.html Over 4,400 views!!

BUT, I've managed to improve the recipe. And even though it doesn't have as many page views, it is SO much better. http://www.mommysrecess.com/2011/09/food-friday-best-crock-pot-cheesy-baked.html

Enjoy!

We're BACK!!!

2014-09-17T12:56:00.004-05:00

But we hope to help with everything moms need to stay sane! :D

Shuffle Saturday: Cheeseburger Soup in Homemade Bread Bowls

2014-02-08T18:42:00.002-06:00

Just call me Sarah semi-homemade--minus the matching curtains with the outfit. Who has time for that?

This recipe is SO good....as always, I don't measure (just dump, dash, pinch) when cooking....

It's really an easy recipe...I use the Wisconsin Cheese Soup in the bag at Fareway (local grocery store) from Taste Traditions (frozen soup out of Omaha). While the soup is boiling in the bag, I brown 1.5 lbs of ground beef with diced red onion. Drain the meat, cut up some pre-cooked bacon, add to drained beef/onion.

Dump the boiling pot (plugging the sink to get humidity in the house in the winter), cut open the bag of soup and pour into the already hot pot. Add water and chicken bouillon. Dump the meat/bacon/onion mix in the pot with some pepper. Add shredded cheddar cheese and some frozen hashbrowns.

For the bread bowls: I use Rhodes loaf bread (3 loaves make 7 bread bowls), let them rise, tear them apart and roll them into balls with a little corn meal on them. Bake at 350 for an hour, take them out of the oven, cut a circle with a knife in the top, spoon out the insides (for dipping) once they're cool enough to handle.

Ladle the soup into the bread bowls and enjoy!

Nom, nom, nom.

Toy Thursday: Christmas?

2013-10-17T16:22:00.001-05:00

Christmas?

Yes. It is only October.

But as a saver, it's never too early to check your gift stockpile and research gifts. If you're a saver (like me), you know that EBates is a GREAT site to get paid to shop. But sometimes Ebates doesn't offer all of the sites you want to shop from. That's where MyPoints comes in. Click either of these links and get paid to shop.

Buy smart, save money. :)

Make Monday: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie! Make Your Home Smell Like Fall!

2013-09-16T18:15:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Pinterest.

My name is Sarah, and I am a Pinterest addict. Whew. I'm glad I posted that. But being a Pinterest addict, I also tweak things.

I made my home smell and taste like fall. And that is AWESOME.

I took this link and made it my own. Preheat oven to 400.

It says to buy plain Pillsbury dough and make your own rolls Ain't nobody got time for dat!

I bought the Cinnabon Pillsbury rolls at Hy-Vee (and earned .02/gallon for the fuel saver) and used it. I popped the canister (the adult version of the jack in the box) smashed the rolls flat in a greased pie pan and let them sit. I set the cream cheese frosting aside.

I took my Granny Smith Apples (also from Hy-Vee), peeled, cored and sliced them (placing the peels and cores into a pot with water, sprinkled with cinnamon -- free potpourri) and tossed them in cinnamon, granulated sugar, apple pie spice and a dash of lemon peel.

Mix one cup of flour, one cup of brown sugar and one stick of unsalted (room temp) of butter (ya'll) with your hands.

Put the apples on top of the smashed rolls.
Dump the flour/brown sugar/butter mix on top.

Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes.

Take it out of the oven, just before the top gets brown, and let it sit on a cooling rack.

Remember the cream cheese frosting? Knife it out of the container and spread it on the pie. It doesn't matter if it is pretty, it tastes delicious and it won't last long!

And your house...(remember the cores/peels/cinnamon potpourri?) will smell awesome. I have 4 boys, one in pullups and one in diapers. If I could bottle this smell, I would make millions.

Food Friday: Gestational Diabetes Approved Recipe...Cauliflower Crust Pizza

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you have gestational diabetes, by the 9th month you are craving pizza. Pizza can be so full of carbs and salt. Here is your way to satisfy your craving, enjoy one of your favorite foods with friends, and still be healthy with a gluten free, low carb, and low salt meal.

For the crust:

2 cups grated cauliflower (about 1/2 head)
1/2 cup yogurt
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the toppings:

3/4 cup of your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce or marinara sauce (we use 1 can of Hunt's Crushed Tomatoes as it has less salt mixed with Italian seasoning)

1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese (we like to add cheddar too but remember to watch the salt intake)

Choice of toppings (cooked meat, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, etc)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grate the cauliflower by hand or with a food processor until it takes on a grainy or grated texture. Place 2 cups of the grated cauliflower into a clean, thin dish towel. Wrap it up in the middle and twist closed, squeezing out all the moisture. Place the dry cauliflower into a bowl and add the yogurt, eggs, and herbs. Fold the mixture until everything is evenly combined. Place the cauliflower "dough" onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread the mixture with your hands until it is about 3/4 inches thick. This is your crust.

Bake the crust for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and firm enough to hold its shape. Remove the crust from the oven and top with sauce, cheese, and your choice of veggies or meat. Pop the pizza back into the oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Food Friday: Ham Asparagus Gratin

2013-05-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a new recipe we found on the back of a Campbell's Cream of Asparagus can that is just perfect for spring, especially as you are sitting at the table with your family, with the windows wide open letting in the evening's fresh air.

This refreshing casserole is a nice substitute for winter's potato gratin and is a good way to use asparagus that is in season right now as well as leftover ham. Personally I cannot wait to try it with wild asparagus.

1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Asparagus Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked cut asparagus
1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked ham
2 1/4 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to directions. Cut and steam asparagus. Then stir soup, milk, onion powder, black pepper, asparagus, ham, pasta, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese in baking dish. Bake 25 minutes or until ham mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Happy May Day!

2013-05-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

Food For Thought Good Friday

2013-03-29T00:33:00.004-05:00

For this Good Friday, join us in some food for thought for today's recipe.

Food for thought from Sarah:

Today is the day we reflect on Jesus' debts He paid for us. Currently my husband and I are working on paying down our debts so we can afford the house we want for our growing family. Today I am reminded about the debt Jesus paid for our souls. He gave His life for us. God gave His only Son to us for our sins.

So while I'm overwhelmed in mortgage applications, closing costs and calculations, I'm thinking about Jesus and what He paid for me, my husband, and my boys. A debt that I cannot calculate with interest rates or FICO scores.

This debt is paid in full and wiped away with a clean bill. This to-good-to imagine offer really exists, so take Him up on it today.

Food for thought from Emma:

Today is the day we reflect on Jesus trials. Our lives always contain trials, but these struggles seem so trivial to those Jesus faced for us. We all carry our burdens full of emotional pangs, relational strains, and physical hurts. I am not exempt and neither are you.

On this day we relive the path of Jesus through his own struggles and trials. He faced betrayal, denial, scorn, anxiety, bodily torture, and death. He did this willingly without so much as a cry. All this He did so that He might carry our burdens for us.

We need not struggle alone. Christ who bore the pangs of this human life is there to see you through. He understands and feels every emotion, thought, sorrow, and pain right along with you. Celebrate a Savior this day who relates to your situation, your frustration, and indisposition. Surrender at the cross.

Should you like to know more about the recipe at the cross, feel free to contact the authors via mommysrecess@gmail.com. It is recipe not to miss out on!

Toy Thursday: Learn your letters with Easter Eggs!

2013-03-27T21:19:00.000-05:00

Last year my neighbor gave us this clever Easter egg game matching letters together. As soon as we got it back out this year, Judah was more interested in it than before. The game certainly puts a seasonal flair on learning by matching upper case letters to lower case letters using plastic Easter eggs.

Items
package of colorful plastic Easter eggs
permanent marker

Instructions
On one side of the egg, write a capital letter of the alphabet. On the corresponding side, write three or four lower case letters of which one is the match to the upper case letter. Rotate these letters around the egg. The child then puts the egg together and turns the sides to match the upper case letter with the lower case letter. Do this with several eggs using various letters of the alphabet.

Make Monday: Crayon Eggs!

2013-03-27T20:54:00.002-05:00

If you have a lot of broken crayons lying around, keep the pieces for melting into crayon shapes. Introduced to us by a friend as their annual Valentine's, Judah and I expanded the idea and used our broken crayons to make Easter eggs for a fun and easy Easter activity.

1. Sort and separate all your broken crayons. Remove any remaining paper from crayons.

2. Place broken crayon pieces into the baking silicone rubber pan of your choice. Choose colors based on designs for a fun melting experience.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or so. Ovens, pans, and crayons may vary your oven temperature and baking time.

4. Allow crayons to fully melt. Once the crayon has melted, take out of oven, and let it sit to cool.

5. After the crayon becomes cool and solid, remove from pan.

6. Use for decorations, fun gifts, or to simply color. Have lots of fun.

Food Friday: Party Idea - Buffalo Chicken Dip

2013-02-22T11:38:00.000-06:00

Here is an excellent party dip for your mid-winter get together this weekend. If you are snowed in like the rest of us, treat yourself just because spring is on the way. At least the dip will make you feel warm again!

2 - 10 ounce cans of chunk chicken breast, drained
2 - 8 ounce package cream cheese
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot or Chipotle Tabasco Sauce)
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat chicken and hot sauce in skillet over medium heat until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Continue cooking and stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of shredded cheese and then transfer mixture to slow cooker. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, cover and cook on a low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and chips.

Make Monday: Make It Des Moines!

2013-02-18T16:58:00.003-06:00

Okay fellow Des Moines Moms....looking for something to do with the kiddos? Look no further! Be sure to friend Eat, Play, Love Des Moines on Facebook. And while you're at it, friend us Mommy's Recess!