Toddler Vegan Meal Variety

I seen this idea and had to give it a try. I wanted to try it to keep his food organized and I thought it was a fun creative way to manage his meals. I find that it also helps me prepare a nice variety of foods each meal. Gabriel loves it and he thinks it's fun and enjoys the different muffin tray liners I incorporate.

Healthy Instant Oatmeal

Making Instant Oatmeal at home is quick, easy, healthy, and convenient. I use the small Ball Canning Jars because they are glass and fit nice in my bag for on the go. I make at least a dozen every Sunday. Here is one of our go to recipes:

1/2 cup Oatmeal
1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed
1/2 Tsp Chia Seeds
1/4 Tsp Cinnamon
1 Tsp Agave or Brown Sugar
1 Tbsp Dried Fruit

Quick and Easy Vegan Waffles

This recipe is very quick and easy and only takes 5 ingredients. Preheat your waffle iron so it's ready to go.

4 Cups Original Bisquick
1 Cup Original Rice Milk
1 Container of Single Serve SO Delicious Coconut Vanilla Yogurt
2 Tbsp Agave nectar (or leave out and drizzle on top of waffle instead of syrup...or do both :-)
2 Tsp Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients and mix well. I pour 1/3 cup on my waffle iron for each waffle. Depends on how large the waffle iron is and personal preference.

These waffles are always a hit. They are very moist and fluffy, yet crispy on the outside. They freeze well and toast great in a toaster. I like to make a big batch so we can have them on hand in the freezer.

Potatoe and Broccoli Soup

This recipe is easy, cheap, and full of flavor. I like to have mine with toasted sourdough on the side.

Here is what you will need:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 White Onion chopped
4 Celery Stalks finely chopped
2 Tbsp Garlic minced

Sautee Onion and Celery untill translucent.  Toss in garlic and sautee for additional minute.

Add

4 Cups of Vegetable Broth
    (I love Edward and Sons Not Chick'n bouillons)
6 Potatoes diced into small cubes

Let simmer for about 15 minutes until potatoes are soft.

Add

2 Large Stalks of Broccoli (just tops) finely chopped

Mix well and put 1/3 of soup in blender and blend smooth.

While that is blending

Pour in

1 Can Cocunut Milk
1 Small Bag of Corn

Add in blended portion and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes while adding some salt and pepper to taste.

Let cool and serve.

Grilled Banana Dessert

This is a quick guilt free dessert. Definitely satisfies a sweet tooth. I put about a half tablespoon of Soy Free Earth Balance Butter in a skillet and grill up a banana cut in half. Then I top the banana with some I'm Healthy Soy Nut Butter (or you can use peanut butter of course), drizzle some honey, toss some yummy Enjoy Life Foods Mini Chocolate Chips on top, and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Easy, quick, and delicious! :-)

Organized Refrigerator

I am obsessed with having a clean and organized refrigerator. I find it easier to cook, plan for meals, and grocery shop. It's easier because I can find what is in stock or out of stock. I thought I'd share mine for inspiration. 

I take time when I put my groceries away. I wash all of my fruits and veggies and put them in glass bowls or plastic bins for easy access. I always find that the household eats more fresh fruits and veggies when they are ready at hand. I picked up these green bins in the Target dollor spot. They have handles and are easy to clean. I love incorporating glass dishes to store fruit/veggies too, I think it makes the fridge look nice and shows off the produce well. Some may think Im crazy, but I love a pretty refrigerator and I enjoy cooking when seeing a nicely clean and stocked fridge.

Thai Kitchen Red Curry Chickpeas over Brown Rice

This recipe is cheap, quick, full of flavor, and very filling. I love making a large batch because it reheats well and is yummy for lunches.

Cook time is about 30mins.

1 Tbsp - Olive Oil (I love using garlic olive oil)
1 Medium Yellow Onion
2 Large Garlic Cloves (Minced)
1 Large Red Bell Pepper
2 Cans chickpeas/garbonzos (or equivalent homemade beans)
1 Not-Chick'n Boullion (or any vegetable boullion)
2 Tbsp - Thai Kitchen Red Curry Paste
4 Tbsp - Tomatoe Paste
Chopped Cilantro for garnish

Sautee onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in olive oil on medium heat. Then add in drained beans and continue cooking on medium heat.Toss in the remaining ingredients and cook for approximately another 20 minutes, stirring often. Garnish with freshly cut cilantro and serve over brown rice.