Sloppy Joe's!

Sloppy Joe's

This is a meal we usually make about twice a month (or more depending on mood). I would consider it a go-to meal because we always have the ingredients on hand! It's super delicious and I like to eat mine open faced with a little bit of shredded cheese on top! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground turkey, 
• 1 cup ketchup, 
• 1 TBSP Paprika, 
• 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce, 
• 1 TBSP Dijon Mustard, 
• 1 TBSP Lemon Juice, 
• 1 TBSP Distilled Vinegar, 
• 1/2 Large onion (or 1 small), 
• 1 small bell pepper, 
• 2 cloves of minced garlic. 

Directions:

We dice the onions and bell pepper and cook it with the turkey meat and the garlic. In a bowl on the side we mix together all the other items and when the meat mixture is cooked thoroughly it is first drained, then with it in the pan you add the sauce. Just need to leave it there till heated through and serve on whatever bread you like! We really enjoy it and can be served with whatever you like. We frequently eat salads, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato fries.

Penne Pasta Salad

Penne Pasta Salad

Approximately 4 servings

Cooking Spray
1/2 pound Italian Pork Sausage [you can use any ground meat you like]
2 cloves of garlic [I buy pre-minced from the dollar tree!]
16 cherry tomatoes [you can use grape, cherry, or regular tomatoes cut up].
2 tsp Perfect Pinch Savory All Purpose Salt Free*
7 ounches of whole wheat penne
1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Parsley
2 handfuls of baby spinach (I buy it bagged)
2 Tbsp Pesto

**A container of marinated mozzarella balls (NOT REQUIRED)** 

1. Spray pan cooking sausage. As it starts to brown add garlic, seasonings (except parsley), tomatoes. Cook until sausage is brown and tomato skins have burst (this doesn't apply to cut up whole tomato). Season with Salt and Pepper to taste. 

2. Place cooked pasta in a bowl with the olive oil. Top pasta with sausage and tomato mixture, add the pesto. Mix well, and top with parsley. [If the dish doesn't seem to have enough pesto add another TBSP]

*If you don't have this seasoning in your kitchen, no worries! It's made with Thyme, oregano, rosemary, paprika, chili pepper, ginger, cinnamon, tumeric, garlic, and onion. You can play with the flavors yourself! Use what you like and customize the dish to your families liking.

**After dishing each bowl, add 3-4 mozzarella balls into each bowl. Super yum!**

Homemade Granola

Granola

5 cups jumbo rolled oats (not quick oats!)
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup honey
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 Tbsp Flaxseed

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment paper (this is essential. Otherwise getting your granola off the pan will be very difficult!)

2. Place oats, almonds, and seeds (except flax) on to a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes.

3. Coat with honey and bake another 30 minutes.

4. Remove from oven and add cinnamon, dried berries, and flaxseed. Let cool before storing in an air tight container. 

Would be good with the addition of most dried fruits or any nut or seed you enjoy! 

Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies 

3 ripe bananas, mashed 
1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce 
2 cups oats (regular not instant)
1/4 cup milk (rice, soy, skim, almond..whatever you have)
1/2 cup raisins 
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon. 

I personally added 3/4 cup slivered almonds and 1 Tbsp flaxseed. 

15-20 minutes @ 350 (mine only took 15)


These taste great, keep well in a plastic container, and have no flour, no butter, and no added sugar. Great addition to any lunch! 

Honey Oatmeal Pumpkin Muffins

Honey Oatmeal Pumpkin Muffins
Serves: 12 (standard muffins) Calories: 112 per serving

Ingredients:
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
2 Eggs
1/4 Cup Skim Milk
1 1/2 Cups pureed pumpkin
1 Cup all-purpose whole wheat flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 tsp ground gloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
2 tsp whole flaxseeds

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat honey, applesauce, eggs, pumpkin, and milk.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Add to pumpkin mixture; blend well.
3. Spoon into greased (or lined) muffin tins 3/4 full.
4. Bake @ 400 for 15 minutes.