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Monkey #3
Who are the 3 Munching Monkeys?
Hi! My name is Allaina, and the aforementioned monkeys are my darling daughters. The eldest is currently 9 years old and the twinkies just turned 4. They all love to help in the kitchen and our family's love of food and cooking has inspired the eldest to strive toward owning a bed and breakfast when she grows up. I call my girls my monkeys because they all shriek, climb things and generally spend much of their time tumbling around. Often I feel like I run a zoo, not a household!
Who is in Charge Around Here?
I am a 35 year old Mother to 3, deliriously happy wife of 10+ years, graphic designer, singer, artist and quadriplegic. I find such joy in preparing delicious food and sharing that love with friends and family. I also can not resist the challenge of using difficult ingredients in new and resourceful ways and I strive to create irresistible flavors with much of what I have on hand - who has time to always run to the store?
Nutrition is very important to me. When we started receiving our organic CSA share a few summers ago, I was overwhelmed by the number and variety of vegetables we were receiving. I didn't know what to do with half of them. I despaired at my children's suspicious glances into the bags. I began in earnest to try to create recipes that would entice the kids to the table but allow me to feel good about what they put in their mouths. In this process, I discovered quite happily that I have a knack for being sneaky in the kitchen.
This blog is my attempt to share my recipes and observations, empower other parents in the kitchen and have more happy family dinners throughout the nation.
Category Archives: Low Fat
Lemon Terragon Pasta with Zucchini and Summer Squash
This is a light and simple dish that looks elegant and is easy to prepare. Lemon can be adjusted to suit any taste. NUTS and BOLTS Vegetable Stock 1-2 tsp Vegan Margarine 1 cup Small Dry noodles (Orzo, Alphabet pasta, … Continue reading
Mexican Style, Creamy Taco Chicken Salad
So, someone I know brought over some chicken they had previously grilled for me to make dinner with. Everyone knows I love to use leftovers creatively. Immediately I thought of chicken salad. I do get tired of the same old … Continue reading
Quick Chicken Noodle Soup with Kale
I am apparently raising a little chef. My oldest has been coming up with recipes lately. We finally had the opportunity to try one out. You know what? It was fabulous!! This is a great way to get a homemade … Continue reading
Breakfast Quinoa
My twinkies love oatmeal, particularly the flavored instant oatmeal sold in individual packages. There is a lot of unnecessary junk in those, however. Oatmeal made from scratch is nice, but I was striving for something with more rounded nutrition. Some … Continue reading
Asparagus for Mom and Dad
My husband is not a fan of asparagus. The only asparagus I ate growing up came from a can. I found some beautiful asparagus tips at the store the other day and just felt inspired to try and make something … Continue reading
Roasted Chickpeas (Great Party Nut Substitute)
I don’t know about you, but when I encounter a bowl of tasty party snacks I inevitably over-eat. I particularly fall prey to salty and crunchy which means potato chips, nuts and chex mix. I love this recipe because I … Continue reading
Products I Love – Ancient Grains, Heritage Grain Blend
I have decided I will occasionally post entries about pantry items I love and feel are really useful for when we have no time to make everything from scratch. I wish I could not use any processed ingredients, but convenience … Continue reading
Turnip Casserole
Ok, this is not a sexy, pretty dish. I tried and tried and this was the most beautiful picture I could take. It doesn’t plate pretty or look nice in the pan. What it does do, is taste fabulous and … Continue reading
Chocolate Surprise Cake
Dessert is a true weakness of mine. I could eat it after every meal, every day. I am always trying to find ways to make desserts that are wicked in flavor and high in satisfaction but low in fat and … Continue reading
Apple Ginger Chicken Salad
I don’t know about you, but I have often found chicken salad to be a bit of a bore.. I won’t order it out and rarely eat it at parties. In my search for ways to dress it up, I … Continue reading