Bye Bye Bisquick

My mom definitely spoiled my brothers and I when it came to homemade meals. Almost everything was from scratch and I feel that has influenced my food choices throughout my life. I try to avoid boxed, processed foods and am happy when I can do that for my family.

So next time you go to grab a box of Bisquick for weekend pancakes with the family...use this recipe instead. It is much healthier, made from scratch, and is quick to make. It also can be made the night before and used the next morning for an even quicker breakfast.


OATMEAL PANCAKES...a weekend family favorite!

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup buttermilk (I substitute vanilla yogurt)
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg

Beat all ingredients in a medium bowl with a hand beater until smooth. (For thinner pancakes, stir in 2-4 tbsp of additional milk.)
Grease a heated griddle or large frying pan with butter
For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter on to griddle
Cook until pancakes are puffed and dry around edges
Turn and cook other sides until golden brown
Serve with syrup, butter, cinnamon, or fresh fruit if desired.
Enjoy!

The most important meal of the day

I was reading an article today that said, people who skip breakfast are four and a half times more likely to be obese than breakfast eaters. Going hungry in the morning can slow your metabolism by 10 percent and cause you binge later in the day to catch up for what you missed.
Even if you only have five minutes, you can whip up this delicious fruit smoothie for a serving of fruit and protein to start your day.

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS
1 Cup of ice
1 Cup of your favorite fruit. Fresh is preferred, but frozen works well also. I like to mix a bunch of different kinds.
8 oz serving of Stonyfield Farm's low-fat, organic vanilla yogurt
Optional: Increase your protein intake by including a scoop of protein powder


DIRECTIONS:
Place fruit into the blender. Add one heaping cup of ice to the blender. Add in 8 oz. of low-fat vanilla yogurt. Place lid on blender and mix for 10 seconds. Pour blended smoothie into a cup, top with and enjoy!

Protein Bars

A yummy little snack that takes minutes to make!


Protein Bars!

1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup peanut butter. Natural/organic chunky is delicious!
Heat honey and peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir together.
Add 2 scoops protein powder. I used vanilla but chocolate would probably be good too!
1 cup Quaker oats

Stir all ingredients until mixed together well and place on wax paper in a ball. Top with a second sheet of wax paper and roll out. Place in fridge!

I wasn't kidding when I said beginner

 All it takes is one big pot! These are my favorite meals. Quick, easy, and minimal clean up!

Vegetable Orzo Soup

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp oregano

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

2 ribs celery, sliced

1 14oz. can diced tomatoes

1 container of Free Range Chicken Broth (32oz.). I use Pacific Natural Foods

Salt and pepper to taste

½ tsp sugar

2 cups mixed vegetables (can be frozen, canned, or fresh). I use frozen mixed veggies with carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, and peas)

2 cups orzo

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium. Saute garlic, onion, celery and oregano until soft. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, salt and pepper, sugar and mixed vegetables. Bring to a boil, add orzo then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until pasta is tender about 10 minutes.

Add some cheddar, feta or parmesan cheese on top if you would like and enjoy!

A little about my blog...

Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Eleni and I am by no means a great cook. It is pretty unfortunate because I come from a greek family and have been spoiled by eating homemade meals my entire life. Food is a big part of my family and mealtime is always spent with the family gathering around the table to discuss our day, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. I consider this time to be an important time of the day and want to continue this tradition with my children as well.
Welcome to reality. I just went back to work after having my second little boy. I teach full time, am taking two grad classes, and have a three year old and a six month old. Time is limited to say the least, but I enjoy every minute of it. My goal of this blog is to provide quick, healthy meals for families on the move. I don't think healthy eating has to be compromised due to a busy schedule. Because of my lack of cooking skills my recipes will be very beginner, so those of you who are pro's out there...bear with me!