Summer Sandwiches-Meatless Monday Edition

Sandwiches can be a quick and easy way to fuel you up and with an assortment of summer vegetables available, why not use some seasonal favorites to change things up?  We've got 4 delicious sandwich options to have you and your family saying "Yum!"

The first sandwich we're talking about is great for a breakfast or snack choice.  Fitbie's "Raisin the Stakes" waffle sandwich, featuring 3 powerfoods, is great for a protein packed start to your day.  Plus this yummy sandwich only takes 5 minutes to make!  All you need are raisins, peanut butter, a frozen waffle (preferably whole wheat), and add a banana for some extra yummy goodness.

This next sandwich features some great summer veggies like eggplant, yellow squash, and bell peppers.  Sandra Lee, from the Food Network, created this delicious Grilled Vegetable Panini, perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner!

If you have any leftover eggplant from our last recipe, why not use it again in Blissful Basil's Baked Eggplant Marinara Sandwich?  You can even make a batch of these beforehand, and reheat them to their original, delectable state.

Last, for today, we're bringing back Half Baked Harvest for another winning dish!  Her Spinach and Artichoke Melts not only look divine, but is such a fun take on a classic.  Her recipe yields extra dip for something later in the week, but after you taste these, we think you'll just make sandwiches the next day.

Do you have any Meatless Monday recipes you want to share?  Send us a comment and you might see it on our next post!

Meatless Monday: Berry Good!

Summer berries-delicious and a great source of so many necessary vitamins.  Today's post will have your mouth watering from the pictures alone.

Raspberry Almond Scones from Two Peas and Their Pod might get your hands a little messy, but oh is it worth it.  These pretty scones are perfect for breakfast (especially on the go), or for a dressed up brunch you can impress your friends and family by making.  They look like they came from a fancy bakery somewhere.  Don't be fooled by their looks though-they are super easy to make.  Give it a try this weekend-we promise you'll be happy you did!

Another dish that's almost too pretty to eat-Fresh Strawberry Cobbler from Chocolate, Chocolate and More.  So glad southern belle, Joan, chose to do more than just chocolate creations, because there is nothing better than fresh cobbler for dessert on a hot summer evening.  Add ice cream to take this dessert to the next level!  Thank you, ma'am!

These Very Berry Muffins are a colorful and tasty way to start your morning.  Sally's Baking Addiction is welcomed with open arms (as are her other muffin recipes) as a great kick start to your day.  Mix and match with your berries of choice for a killer combination.

Mouth watering yet?  They are almost too pretty to eat...almost!

Check out other great Meatless Monday dishes and desserts on our Meatless Monday Pinterest board.

Meatless Monday: Grill Master Edition

It's Monday again, time to start the week off right with some delicious meatless recipes!  Seems like most evenings you can smell someone grilling something, so tonight, why not let it be you!

We'll kick things off with a tasty Moroccan- inspired side dish from Dinners and Dreams.  Her Mushroom Skewers are packed with flavor featuring harissa, a Moroccan red pepper sauce.  Remember to soak your skewers before putting your veggies on them as they will quickly catch on fire from the grill.

This next recipe is a perfect dish, especially when you need a meal in a hurry.  It's nutritious, delicious, and a great meal that will leave you satisfied.  Grilled Zucchini and Eggplant Parmesan from the Cookin' Canuck takes 10 minutes or less to prepare AND cook!  It's also a perfect dish to make when you have just a little bit of left over spaghetti sauce, and don't want pasta again.

Speaking of fast, this next recipe again, takes 10 minutes or less to prepare and cook.  It's almost too good to be true!  The kids, especially, will love this one!  Grilled Tomato-Basil Pita Pizzas from Kraft, a fun way to get the kids to the dinner table.

This last recipe is stuffed with everything...literally.  Veggies, spices, protein, you name it, it's got it, with a name to match!   Grilled Tex-Mex Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins from Half Baked Harvest...a healthy alternative to yummy potato skins by using sweet potatoes, and chocked full of flavor thanks to Tieghan, a talented, young foodie.  Try them out for yourself!

Feel free to comment about which recipe is your favorite on our Facebook page-happy eating!

Meatless Monday: We're Nuts About Nuts

Has the crazy weather driven anyone else nuts?  We've been part of the uniquely disastrous Atlanta winter storms the last few weeks, and although we aren't complaining as our usual temperatures are much better than the rest of the U.S., it has definitely taken a toll on us.  So, in light of the crazy cabin fever and nutty winter weather, today's meatless Monday recipe index is all about nuts!

We've got some lovely recipes featuring 4 different kinds of nuts to suit your fancy.  By toasting them, notice how the flavor is really brought out, and adds more oomph to your dish.

Let's kick things off with this Pear Salad with Walnuts and Feta, by Babble.com.  This simple dish is great this time of year as many different pear varieties are in season.  Eat it as an addition to your meal or as a yummy lunch entree.

Speaking of additions, these next two recipes will really pick up the slack that your everyday side dishes have been offering.  Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and Pine Nuts by Your Homebased Mom, is a much healthier option than smothering those florets with cheese.  Or if you're looking for something a little starchier, try Martha Stewart's Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds.  Use both if you're really looking to go above and beyond on tonight's dinner.

And of course we can't forget to end our meal with something sweet.  White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are the perfect end for today's meal.  Annalise over at Completely Delicious offers this great recipe that makes about 2 dozen, so you can fill your cookie jar to the brim and enjoy one or two of these at the end of the day.  Here's to hoping your weather is warming up and the cabin fever craziness is over!

Meatless Monday: No Bake/Cook Recipes

Summertime is the perfect time to sit back and relax.  Why waste your time being stuck in the kitchen, cooking all day?  Today's meatless recipes are no bake/no cook,  just mix and go!  From easy veggie salads, to a delicious cheesecake dessert...did we mention they are no bake/no cook recipes?  So try one, and spend the rest of your down time doing the things you really want to...or do nothing at all-we won't judge!

Cucumber is one of those ingredients that can really refresh your palette.  There is nothing quite like a delicious cucumber salad on a hot summer day.  This Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Dill Dressing, compliments of Martha Stewart, is absolutely perfect for a picnic.  Just mix lemon juice, sour cream, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper together and toss in your cucumbers...easy, breezy, just how we like it.

Or try a slightly different variation, this time using broccoli.  Eating Well adds a few more ingredients to their Broccoli Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing that mimics the above recipe, yet takes it in a completely different direction with the bright flavor of red bell pepper.

A Watermelon Gazpacho can really liven up your day, and give you plenty of extra time outside the kitchen, without disregarding your taste buds.  This recipe, also from Eating Well, only requires the press of a button on your blender or food processor to ensure yummy results.

With all these cool, refreshing flavors, let's bring it home with a cool, creamy dessert!  Oreo Cookies and Cream No Bake Cheesecake from Bakers Royale appears too good to be true, but we wouldn't lie to you...it only requires the use of a hand mixer to concoct this creamy, dreamy goodness.  Is your mouth watering yet?

With all the time these easy no cook/bake recipes saved you, why not get around to organizing that hall closet you've been putting off...or take that much needed nap (we said we wouldn't judge!)

Meatless Monday: Cheesy Dishes

Cheese.  It's good on pretty much everything, don't you think?  Unless you're lactose intolerant, we think you'll find these 5 recipes, featuring all sorts of cheesy goodness, to die for!

Starting with a  breakfast dish that can be served all day long, this mini quiche features feta and mushrooms with caramelized onions.  Featured on treehugger.com, you can find easy directions and delicious pictures that are sure to make your mouth water.

photo courtesy of  Jaymi Heimbuch

This Zucchini Parmesan dish can either be a snack or a side.  And all you need is zucchini and Parmesan cheese!  Can't make it any easier than that! For the nutritional information of this dish, check out Spark Recipes.

This next dish is quite the light fare.  Again featuring feta cheese, it's the perfect appetizer or poolside pick me up.  Cucumber-Feta Bites from Bitedelite.com are fun and fresh, not to mention delicious!

Love cheesy potatoes, but need something different?  Try adding cauliflower!  A Potato, Cauliflower, and Cheddar Bake from Martha Stewart gives you a little bit of help lowering your risk of stroke, according to Men's Health.  This lovely white vegetable is also a great source of potassium and folate.  And because it's white like the potatoes, you may be able to hide it in all that cheddar-y goodness, so you're kids will eat it all up without any complaints!  It's a win-win!

Check back next week for some easy no bake, Meatless Monday recipes!

Meatless Monday: Pizza Edition

Happy Monday AND Happy Earth Day to those of you who are celebrating.  Today's post, as well as all of our Monday posts, are brought to you with eco-living in mind.  Our Meatless Monday posts not only highlight delicious vegetarian recipes for you and your family to try, but they are brought to you with health benefits and green living in mind.

By serving meatless (or seafood-less) dishes one day a week, you can reduce your risk for various cancers, as well as slim down your waistline AND reduce your carbon footprint by utilizing less water and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted from the manufacturing processes used in the meat industry.

Now that you have a little background of why we post these yummy meatless recipes, let's dive in to today's recipe series featuring an easy family favorite-PIZZA!

This colorful pizza really adds a zing of flavor with pineapple mango chipotle salsa.  Brought to you from Parents Magazine, "Tropical Pizza" offers several servings of vegetables, plus it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish to make!  Great for a night when the family is rushing around due to extracurricular activities.

Want something with just as much flavor, but a little more mainstream, in terms of ingredients?  Try Martha Stewart's recipe for Ricotta Pizza with Fresh and Roasted Tomatoes.  This savory pizza would also be great as an appetizer for your next party or get together.

This next dish really piles on the veggies.  Simone Anne's Easy Homemade Veggie Pizza is just that-easy!  Bake the veggies 'til they are nice and tender and enjoy.  Don't be afraid to sub in/out veggies based on the season.

Last, but certainly not least, this recipe has a tried and true partnership that always works!  Spinach and Artichoke Pizza takes 30 minutes total based on this recipe from Real Simple.  If you want something a little lighter on calories, sub out the cream cheese in favor of a little olive oil and fresh garlic.

These recipes are a great way to introduce your family to Meatless Monday and to show them there are more pizza toppings out there than just pepperoni and cheese.  Want to add a little competitive edge to your Meatless Monday?  Host a pizza bake off-loser has to do dishes!

Meatless Monday-Crockpot Edition

The crockpot is a fabulous tool for families who don't have time to stand over the stove to cook a delicious, well balanced meal.  Today's edition of Meatless Monday is going to highlight some fabulous recipes that you can throw together in minutes and let cook throughout the day, saving you tons of time!

Today we'll start out with a healthy, hearty, veggie packed version of Minestrone Soup.  This recipe  brought to you from Windsor Style Files, includes nine, yes, nine different veggies that can either be fresh (we like that best) or frozen.  They even claim it's better than Olive Garden's version!

Next we'll take a stab at Martha's Greek Stuffed Peppers.  We like to pretend we're on a first name basic with Ms. Stewart, we don't think she'd mind.  Her recipe takes just minutes to throw together, and what's nice is you just turn on your crock pot and let it do all the hard work.  *Side note-the couscous goes in dry-no need to cook it beforehand.  Follow this link to see a 6 minute video on the Martha Stewart website for this dish, as well as see the ingredients and recipe.

This next dish can be a beautiful addition to any meal.  GreenLiteBites.com featured these Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes as a side to a holiday meal, but we think this would be great any day of the year!  Sweet potatoes offer so many wonderful nutrients and are a great alternative to everyday starches like white rice or regular potatoes.

We'll finish today's edition of Meatless Monday with an easy to make, Black Bean Pasta, from Jamie's Cookin'.  This recipe takes just a few minutes to throw together and 3 hours on a low setting.  This would make a great dinner, or make it on the weekend and pack it for lunch for the next day.

Stay tuned next week for more Meatless Monday recipes!

Back to Meatless Monday

Sorry for the brief hiatus everyone!  We're back in action this week with our weekly Meatless Monday post.  For those of you who don't know what Meatless Monday is, let's give you a brief overview.  Meatless Monday is the idea that you can and should cut out meat once a week for multiple health and environmental purposes.  There's even an organization called Meatless Monday-http://www.meatlessmonday.com-who's in association with the Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health.

By cutting out meat from your family's diet once a week, you can decrease your risk of certain health issues likes diabetes, obesity, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.  You also help the planet by reducing man made greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption that are used by the meat industry to feed and manufacture meat.

So with the facts straight, let's dive into some delicious dishes that will have your family asking for seconds!

For breakfast, or a snack on the go, try these delicious Fig Bars from Betty Crocker-and what the kids don't know won't hurt them (they contain nuts and fruit!)

Or go to your grocery store's bakery and ask for some pizza dough so you can try this gourmet Heirloom Pizza from Martha Stewart.  Turn it into a family activity by letting the kids add their own toppings or try a  pizza bake-off with the group!

For a hearty meal, go for this easy 20 minute (or less) recipe that will leave everyone satisfied-Mushroom Zucchini Cream Spaghetti from Cook Republic.

And for those who need a little something sweet after dinner, why not have this Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake from BHG.com.  Dense and delectable-a great way to finish off a Monday.

Let us know how you like our Meatless Monday picks, and please share if you have a Meatless Monday recipe of your own-it could get featured on our blog!

Meatless Monday: Finger Food Edition

It's Monday again and our Meatless Monday post features tasty finger food ideas that kids and adults will both enjoy.  These yummy recipes not only feature a vegetarian take, they also eliminate the extra time and water spent on doing dishes, because you don't need to use utensils to enjoy!

Let's kick it off with a tasty snack that can be thrown into a lunch box, or served as a great after-school bite.  Homemade fruit roll ups!  In this case, we're only using 2 ingredients...that's right 2!  Check out the recipe from The Copycat Cook.

Want something a little more filling?  Then try these crunchy tofu tenders with a side of sweet potato fries.  Michelle at Peachy Palate has a flavorful take that will clearly fool the kids.  This recipe takes no more than 35 minutes from start to finish and will have the kiddies smacking their lips!  Pair them with a side of sweet potato fries that Karen from The Art of Doing Stuff has created for a great spin on this All-American favorite.

Still wanting more?  Try these delicious fried raviolis created by none other than the Italian hostess with the most-est...Ms. Giada DeLaurentis.  Again this recipe takes no more than 1/2 hour from start to finish-perfect for a party, or for a quick dinner.

Cooking Channel

Do you have a Meatless Monday recipe that you'd like us to feature on our blog?  Then comment either here or on Facebook for a chance to be showcased!

Meatless Monday: School Lunch Edition

School is starting back for many youngsters around the country and you face the dilemma of what to pack them for lunch.  We've got some great recipes, starting with breakfast on the go, snacks, and lunch time entrees, that are healthy and meatless.  Remember, going meatless one day a week can help minimize your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also lower your risk for certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.  Start your kids off on the right foot by packing them a lunch full with nutritious and delicious food.

For breakfast, try these easy to grab, Marble-ous Blueberry Muffins, from the Fit Cook.

And these baked oatmeal cups allow you to get creative with the ingredients...chocolate chips, walnuts, fruit...something for everyone in the family!  Find the recipe on the SugarFreeMom.com website here.

Of course there are plenty of things to munch on that can be eaten for breakfast or a snack, such as a piece of fruit, yogurt, string cheese, or a bagel, but the snacks we found below have a little more thought put into them.  Even if it's just in the decoration, your child will surely enjoy these fun ideas.

Butterfly snack pack-get creative with the contents-this one features grapes and goldfish, but you can really use anything-raisins, popcorn, trail mix, carrots...what will you use?

Something that is a little sweet, but has no added sugar AND doesn't require baking. These No Bake Cookies are the way to go!

It's 5 ingredients include 8 finely ground whole wheat graham crackers, 1/4 c. raisins, 1/4 c. smooth peanut butter, 4 tsp. shredded, unsweetened coconut, and 2 tbs. plus 2 tsp. honey.  Combine the ingredients and pat into cookie form.  Done and delicious!

For lunch, you may be able to squeak by with a pb&j sandwich, but if you were anything like me as a child-that's just not going to cut it!  Try an easy pasta salad, like this one from More Than Burnt Toast.

Or for a spin on the Peanut Butter-Banana Sandwich-try this one from Parents.com instead!  It's a Honey, Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich.

And of course don't forget, it's all in the packaging.  Use a reusable lunch box instead of paper or plastic bags, and reusable containers instead of plastic sandwich baggies everyday.

These collapsible lunch boxes from Smart Planet save space...

And these stylish lunch boxes from Dabbawalla are machine washable!

Here's to starting off the new school year on the right foot, whether it's for your child's first year of pre-school or senior year of high school-good luck!

Meatless Monday:Fruit Focus

Today's edition of Meatless Monday will focus on fruits.  Summertime yields some great, fresh fruits that you can buy in your produce section, local farmer's market, or even get from a berry picking adventure of your own!  Let's start with some fruity recipes to get your day going...


Puffed Cherry Pancakes-courtesy of Delish.com

1 teaspoon(s) unsalted butter, divided

unsalted butter

1/2 cup(s) low-fat milk

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

1/2 cup(s) whole-wheat pastry flour (see Tips) or all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon(s) salt

1 pinch(s) ground cinnamon

2 cup(s) halved, pitted sweet or sour cherries, fresh or frozen thawed, drained

1/4 cup(s) sliced almonds

Confectioners' sugar, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place 1 teaspoon butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or ovenproof nonstick skillet and transfer to the oven to melt the butter.  Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan or in the microwave. Transfer to a medium bowl and whisk in milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon and whisk to combine.  Remove the pan from the oven, tilting it to coat the bottom with butter. Add cherries in a layer. Pour the batter over the cherries and sprinkle with almonds.  Bake the pancake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into 4 wedges. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired. 

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Or try these Fruit and Pecan Granola Bars, which are great for school (or summer camp) lunches or on-the-go snack time.

                                                                                           

1 large egg

 1 large egg white

 1 cup(s) light brown sugar

 1 tablespoon(s) canola oil

 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon

 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

 1 1/2 cup(s) toasted oats

 2/3 cup(s) chopped dried cranberries or golden raisins

 1/4 cup(s) chopped pecans

 1 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-by-11-inch pan with foil. Coat with cooking spray.  Whisk egg, egg white, sugar, oil, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in oats, cranberries (or raisins), pecans, and flour. Spread in prepared pan.  Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool; cut into bars with a lightly oiled knife.
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For lunch, these easy Apple, Peanut-butter and Raisin Sandwiches from Williams-Sonoma are healthy and delicious.

                                        

10 tbs. peanut butter

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into 10 rings, each about 1/4 in. thick

2 tbs. raisins

2 tbs. granola 

Directions:
Spread 2 Tbs. of peanut butter onto half of the apple rings.  Sprinkle each with 1 Tbs. granola and a few raisins.  Cover each of the remaining apple rings to form sandwiches.  Makes 5 apple sandwiches.

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Teriyaki Tofu & Pineapple Kabobs from PreventionRD, are a great way to introduce your kids to tofu.

1 (14-oz) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes

1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes (1 tbsp set aside for sauce)

1 large red or orange bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 large onion , sliced into wedges

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp honey

1 pinch red pepper flakes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Spray a baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange tofu cubes on the baking sheet and mist with olive oil. Bake for about 12 minutes, while you chop the veggies for the kebabs.  Thread each of 7 bamboo skewers with tofu, cubed pineapple, bell pepper, and onion and place in baking dish.  Simmer soy sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes 3 minutes in skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced tablespoon of pineapple and garlic to skillet, and simmer 2 minutes, or until sauce begins to thicken.  Pour sauce over kebabs, and bake 20-30 minutes, turning once to keep kebabs coated in sauce. Yield: 7 large skewers.
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And we can't forget about ending our meal with a tasty treat.  Try this Kiwi Granita from BiteDelite.com-a cool, fresh and fruity way to end your Meatless Monday!

6  kiwi fruits
1/3 cup of water
50 g sugar (just shy of 1/4 c.)

Directions:

Add kiwi to the blender and mix until smooth, add water, sugar and mix again.  Place on a level surface in your freezer and freeze for 2 hours, stirring and scraping with a fork every 20 minutes to break up the ice crystals. Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour more.

For more great Meatless Monday recipes-follow our Meatless Monday Pinterest board!