Some days are tough. Schedules that defy comprehension. Days where you feel like cloning yourself is the only way you’re going to get through. One child is supposed to be at soccer, one is supposed to by at Tae Kwon Do, and both you and your significant other need to be at work. You’re wondering how you are going to be in three places at one time. Days like these call for life hacks (and a village full of carpools!). Days like these call for Slow Cooker Maple Chicken Chili….
I won’t lie, it’s been a tough few weeks. I’ve been down and out sick and just getting out of bed in the morning has been a real challenge (and we’re talking getting out of bed to go lie on the couch). My poor husband has been keeping things rolling and picking up the slack with the kids and around the house. I haven’t been able to visit Holly and our newest addition to the With Two Spoons team (born October 6th!). I even spent Halloween holed up in bed while my dad handed out candy so my husband could take my little out. We’ve eaten pizza for 4 of the last 5 meals. But today, today I finally felt like maybe I could tackle dinner. And whenever you are struggling, go back to the beginning. Back to Balsamic Pork with Gnocchi….
Seriously, how is it already November? I feel like we were just dipping our toes into fall and pumpkin-spiced everything and now we are past Halloween and smack in the middle of the holiday ramp up. If you’re like me, you’re starting to think about Thanksgiving menus, holiday baking projects, and how to balance all of the great comforting foods that colder weather brings with the need to fit in my pants! Right? I’m not sure this week’s Good Food Reads are good for fitting into your pants, but they are definite recipe eye candy! Enjoy. And as always, send us your Good Food Reads Suggestions!…
Oh man, if I thought the need for comfort food was high last week, this week takes the cake. The weather is finally starting to feel like fall, with warm days and cool nights and I am ready to tuck in to some cozy slippers, cardigans, and carbs. Yup, it’s a bit of a carb fest here on Good Food Reads way this week and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m writing this post in advance, expecting that our newest family addition will be here by the time this post publishes and therefore featuring a bunch of slow cooker recipes…because slaving over the stove with a newborn is no fun, not even for this girl. What do you crave when the weather starts to cool? Do you have any go to meals that are easy to make when your hands are full and you are sleep deprived? Send us your Good Food Reads!
Whole Grain Spaghetti with Veggi-fied Meat Sauce (Cooking Light) is the perfect compromise. Extra veggies and whole grains pepper this classic dish that is perfect for the whole family.
Baked Chicken Chimichangas (The Girl Who Ate Everything). Because who doesn’t love chimichangas? I’ve never actually tried to make them, mostly because I don’t do a lot of deep frying. This recipe is a great baked alternative.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup (Like Mother Like Daughter). There is little that warms my heart more in the fall and winter than a hearty soup. And one that can be made in the slow cooker? Even better. We will definitely be trying this in our house ASAP.
Crockpot Braised Beef Ragu Polenta (A Pinch of Yum). Another crockpot/slow cooker recipe that I’ve been saving for a while – and the time has come to make this one happen. The polenta does NOT go in the slow cooker, so you will need to whip that up just before serving, but seriously…are you not drooling over the gorgeous ragu?
Slow Cooker Barbacoa (Paleomg). One more slow cooker recipe, just because. I l.o.v.e. the barbacoa bowls at Chipotle. I think this recipe might be the perfect thing to try and replicate that at home!
Broccoli, Lemon, and Parmesan Soup (Food52). I can’t wait to try this soup. Such simple ingredients that should give amazing flavor!
Dijon Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Simply Scratch via Girl vs Dough). My love affair with brussels sprouts is ongoing and these sound amazing. My go to preparation is to roast them with pancetta and some balsamic, but I am going to have to give the dijon a try.
Potato Leek Pizza (Pioneer Woman). A nice change up from my typical mozzarella and prosciutto pizza.
Orzo Salad with Broccoli Pesto from Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Every Day. I love the idea of broccoli pesto! How fun. And full of great nutrients.
Strawberry Oat Crumble Bars (Recipe by Oh She Glows, featured on A Pinch of Yum). Because this list seriously needed some dessert.
Well friends, that’s the list. I hope you found some kitchen inspiration.
Until next week…
Who doesn’t love Sloppy Joes? And these may be the best Sloppy Joes ever! These easy sandwiches are packed with lean ground beef, a delicious sauce and healthy vegetables!
Are you looking for a delectable way to get more veggies into your kids? Yep, me too. In a never ending battle to get more nutrition into the foods my kids eat, I developed a sloppy joe recipe brimming with extra nutrition. I knew Veggified Sloppy Joes were a winner when both of my kids asked for seconds. (and shhh…I found my teenager eating the leftovers the next day!)…