Lunchbox Ideas

My GF kiddo and I plan to be gone for a good part of the day.  Here are some things we plan to take along with us.  We have roast beef wrapped in romaine lettuce, a couple have grass fed cheese in them, grapes, clementines, cukes, carrots and peppers, chia pudding, cookies and granola.  All packed in my lunch cooler that looks like a purse! 

Butternut Squash Waffles

Are you tired of waffle recipes?  I think my family has settled on our favorite one, that being said I still like to try new ones.  I had some roasted butternut squash that did not go over very well this week, so I pureed it into these nutrition packed butternut squash waffles.  Before I go on, in all fairness to the original recipe creator, I altered the ingredients slightly.  I did not alter them enough to change the flavor.  I thought these were just so-so and they did not come out of the waffle maker very well. 

Who could use a little more honesty in their lives?  Here's what mine look like, honestly.

 
These are totally edible, so I will do the dutiful mom thing and eat them over the next few days knowing they are good for me.  The kiddos are eating eggs.

Ginger, Mango, Strawberry Green Smoothie

Basically the same as yesterday's smoothie recipe, but this time with strawberries.  I cut back on the flax too.  I didn't really measure, but this is close.

GinMangBerry Smoothie:
1 cup frozen mango chunks
2 handfuls fresh spinach
5 frozen strawberries
1 chunk fresh ginger root (probably about 1 tsp)
1 tsp
5 drops stevia
1 cup coconut milk

Blend together until smooth.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

This is a great salty snack.  Something I eat when I'm wanting popcorn or pretzels.  This recipe was given to me a couple years ago and I have made it many times.  I only roast mine for 10 minutes in my toaster oven, my friend does hers for 15 minutes in a regular oven.  Just watch them so they don't burn!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
1-2 tsp olive oil
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (the little green ones, not the larger white ones)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cumin

Drizzle pan with oil.  Spread seeds out and sprinkle with salt and cumin.  Roast at 325 for 10-15 minutes, tossing at least once.  Store in a glass jar.
 
Here's what mine look like.  

Sprouts & Squash

Tonight was a grilling night.  I tried something new and I don't have a name for it.  If anyone has a good name, please comment!  For now, I will call it:

Sprouts & Squash
1/2 butternut squash, cubed (I will cut mine in smaller cubes next time.)
15 Brussels sprouts, quarters
1 sweet onion
seasoning
oil

Drizzle a grill pan with oil (I used avocado).  Toss veggies around in the oil.  Season as desired.  I used Jane's Krazy Mixed-Up Salt and black pepper on mine.  Grill for about 10-15 minutes, stir occasionally.

I loved this and 3/4 of the kiddos liked it. 
 
I used pre-made hamburger patties & had the veggies cut up, so this was a dinner that could be put together in less than 30 minutes.  

Raw Brownie Bites

A friend of mine posted this grain-free raw brownie bites on her facebook page a couple days ago.  It took about 10 minutes from start to finish and I yielded 16 balls.  I decided to try them out on the kiddos after school, 50% of them liked them.  I thought they were good & I'm looking forward to enjoying the leftovers in the next couple days.

Ginger Mango Green Smoothie

Earlier this week I was talking to a friend that mentioned drinking a mango kale smoothie.  I have been wanting to make one ever since.  I purchased a bag of frozen organic mango recently and have been wanting to use it in something.  This is what I came up with this afternoon, since I do not have any kale on hand.

Ginger Mango Green Smoothie
1 cup frozen mango chunks
2 handfuls fresh spinach
1 chunk fresh ginger root (probably about 1 tsp)
1 Tbsp ground flax seed (you can taste it, so cut back a little if you don't like flax, or omit)
5 drops stevia
1 cup coconut milk

Blend together until smooth.
   

***I have now made this with kale and it is delicious too!***