Meatless Monday: Greek Quinoa

R has just a few more days of school left, so we're counting the days until summer officially begins.  4...3...2...1...it's coming fast.

In the summer, I love whipping up main dish salads early in the day that we can have for dinner.  That way, dinner is done and ready to go, if we choose to head to the park, playground or pool.  Also, who wants to cook in the heat of the afternoon?

For this coming week's Meatless Monday, try Greek Quinoa, the perfect make-ahead dinner salad.  This quinoa dish is fresh like early summer.  Bright, tart lemon flavors combine with the earthy Greek seasonings to create a beautiful marriage of tastes.

It looks beautiful, too:

Here's this week's Meatless Monday Grocery List:

Produce:
1/2 cup packed fresh baby spinach
1 small cucumber
1 small red onion
1 bell pepper
1 lemon
1 clove garlic

Grocery:
1/2 cup pitted olives
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
quinoa (you will need about 3/4 cup to yield 2 cups cooked)

Pantry:
olive oil
dried oregano
salt
pepper

Have a great rest of your weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday: Thai Veggie Peanut Wraps

This recipe is from one of my favorite (sadly former) food bloggers, Rookie Cookie.  If you love her recipes as much as I do, you'll be happy to know she is working away on a new cookbook.  You can read about her progress on The Family Flavor:  Practical Recipes for the Simple and Delicious.

These Thai Veggie Wraps are a quick, simple and delicious dinner.  If tofu isn't your thing, you can try tempeh or use, in a pinch, veggie burgers as a substitute.  The real star of this recipe is the peanut sauce, which is a perfect blend of savory with a touch of sweetness.

Click here for the recipe.

I know, I usually type out the grocery list here.  But it's a busy day and honestly, I am amazed I was able to sit down and type up this post.  So...a little tough love, I know you can do it yourself!

Life is sweet,
SPC

Meatless Monday: Northstar Burgers

These burgers rock.

Even avowed carnivores love the taste, and perhaps the look, of these black bean and rice veggie burgers.  While they aren't the exact same as a Northstar Cafe Burger (that recipe is the most closely guarded secret of Columbus), it is my best attempt at mimicking the best veggie burger in town.

Here's this week's Meatless Monday recipe and here is your grocery list:

Produce:
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
fresh beets (or buy jarred/canned)
lettuce

Grocery:
jarred/canned beets (or buy fresh)
brown rice
1 -15oz can black beans -OR- 1 3/4 cups cooked black beans
buns

Pantry:
olive oil/vegetable oil
soy sauce
balsamic vinegar
dried parsley
dried thyme
salt
pepper
flour

Lastly, Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!  Enjoy your day and know that YOU are very special to your sweet peas.

Life is sweet,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Spring Risotto

I love risotto, and while it has a reputation of being a bit of a chore to make, this recipe is a simple weeknight meal.  Asparagus is in season, so be sure to use some fresh asparagus if that's up your alley.  If not, stick to sweet peas and you'll be happy.

Here's the link to the original recipe:  Spring Risotto

And here's the grocery list for this gorgeous and tasty dish:

Produce:
1 onion
1 bunch asparagus (if desired--not in the original recipe, but I've been adding it lately)

Grocery:
1 - 15 oz can artichoke hearts
1 cup (uncooked) Arborio rice
1/4 cup dry white wine (or use additional broth)
1 quart vegetable broth

Dairy:
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Frozen:
1 cup frozen peas


Pantry:
olive oil
salt
pepper

**If you wish to make this dish vegan, omit the cheese and milk and instead use about 1/2 cup cashew cream.  Click here for the cashew cream recipe.

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Rainbow Quinoa

This week's Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge will challenge you to try quinoa. Quinoa is all the trendy rage right now, but it couldn't be more ancient. Everything old is new again.

This week's recipe: Rainbow Quinoa



I love this recipe for all it's vibrant flavors: fresh ginger, juicy mango and orange juice, citrus-y cilantro and bell pepper combine for a little rainbow on your palate.

Ready to give quinoa a try? Great! Here's the grocery list:

Produce:
2 navel oranges
1 thumb-size piece fresh ginger
1 small or medium red bell pepper
1 small or medium yellow bell pepper
2 mangoes
1 red onion
1 bunch cilantro

Grocery:
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup rice or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 - 15 oz can black beans

Enjoy!

Life is sweet,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Best Barbecue Veggie Burgers

Recently I posted this recipe for our new favorite veggie burgers, the Best Barbecue Veggie Burgers.


Here's the grocery list for this new Sweet Pea family favorite:

Produce:
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
3 carrots
1 large zucchini
8 oz mushrooms

Grocery:
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 1/2 cups oats

Pantry:
vegetable oil
salt
pepper

A simple list for a simply delicious recipe!

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Layered Taco Salad

Oh my word. We had visitors this weekend and I just now realized I hadn't sent out my weekly Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge. This week you have to try my Layered Taco Salad.

This is another one of my very first recipes, one that we use again and again and again. In fact, the Sweet Peas had it just last week.

My former neighbor and good friend Michelle shared this with me. It is a winner recipe that I make often over the summer, and it makes me think of her. Miss you Michelle!

Here's the grocery list:

Produce:
1 head Iceberg (or any type you wish) lettuce
1 red bell pepper
1 bunch green onions
1 container grape tomatoes -OR- 3 roma tomatoes
1 bunch cilantro
2 limes

Grocery:
1 - 15 oz cans kidney or black beans -OR- 1 3/4 cups cooked beans
1 -15 oz can corn -OR- 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh corn
1 bag baked tortilla chips

Dairy:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup light sour cream, yogurt or mayonnaise

Pantry:
ground cumin
salt

Have a great rest of your weekend!
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Burrito Bowls

We heart Chipotle.

This recipe is my take on a Chipotle Burrito Bowl, an easy way to get dinner prepared ahead of time, and then just like our favorite quick-service restaurant, assemble a great meal in minutes.

If you have an avowed carnivore in your home, you can easily make his/her meal with their favorite animal protein too.

Click here for this week's Meatless Monday recipe: Burrito Bowls


And here's the grocery list:


Produce:
shredded lettuce
1-2 diced tomatoes
1 avocado or guacamole (optional)
1 bunch cilantro
1 red onion
1 lime

Grocery:
salsa
2 - 15 oz cans black beans -OR- about 3 1/2 cups cooked black beans
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1 beer (optional)

Dairy:
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
light sour cream (optional)

Pantry:
olive oil
ground cumin
ground oregano
garlic powder
chili powder

Freezer:
frozen corn

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Lentil Soup

Spring is just around the corner but I am not ready to give up on soup season. It is still winter after all, and even if your weather is warming, nothing soothes the soul like soup on a rainy spring night.

Here's this weeks Meatless Monday recipe (click the link): Slow Cooker Lentil Soup.



Grocery List:

Produce:
1 onion
1 cup packed spinach, kale or other green
fresh parsley (for topping, optional)

Grocery:
1 - 15oz can vegetable broth
2 cups dried lentils
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa (can omit)

Pantry:
olive oil
salt
pepper
oregano
thyme
parsley
garlic powder
red wine vinegar

Freezer:
1 - 15 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas and green beans)

Happy Weekend All,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

Took the boys skiing today, it was a lot of fun, but man, oh man, I am beat. More on the whole experience Monday, but for now, a quick post for this week's Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge.

This week's recipe is (drum roll please)...

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili (click on the title for the recipe)


And here is the recipe for the award-winning recipe!

Grocery List:

Produce:
1 onion
1 bell pepper
1 sweet potato
red onion (for a topping, optional)
cilantro (for a topping, optional)

Grocery:
1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 - 15 oz cans black beans -OR- 3 1/2 cups cooked black beans
2 - 15 oz cans Great Northern Beans -OR- 3 1/2 cups cooked white beans
2 - 15 oz cans Pinto Beans -OR- 3 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans
1 - 12 oz beer (optional)

Dairy:
light sour cream (for a topping, optional)
reduced-fat shredded cheese (for a topping, optional)

Pantry:
salt
chili powder
ground cumin
ground cinnamon
ground cayenne


Have a sweet rest of your weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List (Flexitarian Edition): Chicken-less Pot Pie

Have you been thinking about trying my Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge? This is a great week to jump in:

If there is an avowed carnivore in your home, this recipe might be one to try for your own personal Meatless Monday: Chicken(less) Pot Pie. Using white beans to replace the chicken makes for a delicious, hearty and amazing meatless main dish. But if you have a spouse, child or other family member that is digging in their meaty heals, cook some chicken on the side, add it to a smaller portion for them, and everyone is happy!

This recipe was an instant favorite from the first time I made it! We've had it both with meat and without, and either way it is gobbled up.



Grocery List:

Produce:
3 carrots
3 celery ribs
1 russet potato

Grocery:
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose flour)
2 - 15 ounce cans Great Northern Beans -OR- 3 1/2 cups cooked white beans

Dairy:
1/3 cup light sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk or buttermilk

Pantry:
salt
pepper
dried thyme
white sugar
baking soda
baking powder
vegetable oil

Freezer:
2 cups frozen peas

Go for it, you can do this challenge!
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Free-Form Style

It's been more than three months since I started hosting my Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge and I wonder:

Has eating meatless one day a week affected your view of vegetarian food?

If you've been following along with Meatless Mondays, I am deeming this week's MMHE Challenge Free-Form Style. You decide what to cook, then I want you to let me know:

What is your favorite meatless meal?

Maybe your ideas will inspire a future MMHE Challenge recipe!

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Enchilada Rotini

Up next in our Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge: Enchilada Rotini.

A great warm Mexican pasta dinner, this recipe is one of those "as-your-family-likes-it" winners. You can read the original post, but basically when I make this dish, I line up some vegetables and have each of the boys pick at least three.


One way you can think of this dish if you're having a hard time with the idea of Italian-Mexican fusion is to think of it like a Burrito Bowl over pasta instead of rice!

Here's the easy grocery list:

Produce:
several different vegetables (4-5 cups total--zucchini, corn, mushrooms, red onion, peppers, etc)
cilantro (optional)

Grocery:
1 -12 ounce jar red enchilada sauce
1 - 8 ounce tomato sauce
canned black beans (to use as one of your vegetables)
1 pound rotini or other pasta

Dairy:
shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Pantry:
olive oil
ground cumin
ground oregano
cayenne pepper

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables

Here's the grocery list for this coming Monday's Meatless Healthy Eating Challenge. This week I am suggesting the Egg Drop Soup with Vegetables recipe I just posted, since Monday is the Chinese New Year.

(Hint: using holidays and other celebrations from around the world, and sharing about the customs of said country or region, is a great way to encourage your child to try new foods!)


Grocery List:

Produce:
a thumb size amount of fresh ginger
8 oz container of mushrooms
2-3 oz spinach or other greens
1 green onion

Grocery:
1 quart of good-quality vegetable stock

Dairy:
1 package extra-firm tofu (optional)
2 eggs

Pantry:
reduced-sodium soy sauce
corn starch

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

It's snowing as I type this and the boys couldn't be more excited.

R left for school this morning with plans for Big Snow Fun after school. I don't have the heart to tell them it is pretty hard to make a snowman with a mere 1 inch (if that) of snow on the ground, but maybe Old Man Winter will bring some more as the day progresses.

Snowy weather always makes me think of soup. For this coming Monday's Meatless Healthy Eating Challenge, here's a slow cooker soup that will warm you right up!

Added Bonus: there is pureed pumpkin in the soup, making this a pretty powerful bowl of soup! You can also use pureed sweet potato or winter squash (sold pureed in the frozen foods section of your grocery) in place of the pumpkin.


Grocery list for Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Produce:
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeno
cilantro (if using)

Grocery:
3 -15 oz cans black beans -OR- 1 pound dried black beans
1 - 15 oz can tomatoes with green chilies
1 - 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1 quart vegetable broth
corn muffins -OR- corn muffin mix+ingredients to make the box

Dairy:
light sour cream (if using)
shredded cheddar (if using)

Pantry:
chili powder
ground cumin
dried oregano
salt
pepper
hot sauce (if using)

Life is sweet,
SPC

Meatless Monday: (Almost) Northstar Cafe Burgers

Did you think I had abandoned my weekly Meatless Monday Health Eating Challenge?

Um, no. The week of Christmas and New Year's I just figured you were a little distracted because, well, I was too.

So in case you forget, last autumn I started challenging my readers to eat vegetarian each Monday. There are countless health benefits to reducing the amount of meat you eat, some of which our family has experienced first-hand. But eating less meat is generally less expensive, better for the environment and can expand your cooking horizons, all good things in my book.

This week we're doing one of my favorite meatless recipes, (Almost) Northstar Cafe Burgers.



Here is your grocery list:

Produce:
fresh beets (or use canned)
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
lettuce

Grocery:
canned beets (or use fresh)
brown rice
1 - 15 oz can black beans -OR- dried beans, cooked
pickles (for the buns)

Pantry:
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
dried parsley
dried thyme
salt
ground pepper
flour
vegetable oil
toasted buns

Bakery:
hamburger buns

Have a sweet weekend!
SPC

Meatless Monday: Paninis

Things are extra Merry!, Merry! yet, busy, busy, here in Sweet Peaville. G and I are preparing the snacks for R's school party later this afternoon...then a weekend full of merriment and celebrating. I am feeling a bit stretched, and I am guessing you are too!

So for Monday's Meatless Healthy Eating Challenge, I am keeping it super easy.

One word: paninis.

If you don't have a homemade panini maker, don't sweat it--I don't have one either. To make ours I use our grill pan and a heavy pan on top to smoosh it (yes, a technical culinary term!).



If you don't have a grill pan, any ole' skillet will work, it just won't have those tell-tale panini lines on the bread. No worries, it still will taste fantastic!

The description for some panini ideas can be found here. Of course, for Monday, we will be omitting the bacon and/or Proscuitto. Again, no worries, since the real star of any panini is the cheese!


Grocery list:

Bakery:
Good bread--we like sourdough or Italian

Produce:
Spinach
Pear
Apple
(or whatever you want in your sandwich)

Dairy:
Sharp Cheddar Cheese or any other cheese you wish!

Hope your weekend is Merry and Bright,
SPC

Meatless Monday Grocery List: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

How 'bout another easy slow cooker Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge? The meal for the week's Meatless Monday is a vegetarian (vegan, actually) recipe for Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice.


Here's the grocery list for the recipe, omitting the optional bacon:

Produce:
1 onion
5 cloves garlic
1 bell pepper
celery

Grocery:
2 cups dried kidney beans
-OR-
3 - 15 oz cans kidney beans
rice
hot sauce (optional)

Pantry:
bay leaves
garlic powder
pepper
dried oregano
thyme leaves
cayenne powder
ground cloves
allspice
salt


Side note: I know several of you have mentioned wanting slow cooker recipes that can cook alllll day. This is a great one, as it can cook on low for up to 10-14 hours.

Have a sweet weekend,
SPC

Meatless Monday: Italian Bean and Artichoke Heart Slow Cooker Soup

For Monday's Meatless Monday Healthy Eating Challenge, I have a great, family favorite soup: Italian Bean and Artichoke Heart Slow Cooker Soup.


If you aren't into artichoke hearts, you can easily replace them with another vegetable, or omit them all together. But here's the grocery list for the recipe as written:

Grocery:

3 cups dried beans, such as kidney, navy, canellini
-OR-
5 - 15 oz cans beans
1 -28oz jar marinara sauce
1 - 15oz can artichoke hearts
1 quart vegetable broth

Pantry:
bay leaves
minced dried onion
dried parsley
garlic powder
pepper
dried oregano
thyme leaves
red pepper flakes

An easy soup for a busy (Meatless) Monday!

Have a great weekend y'all,
SPC

Meatless Monday: Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Anyone feeling like they need a healthy meal? Yeah, me too.

Yesterday was a wonderful day, and I'll share more about this long weekend on Monday when I'll be back for a longer post, but for now, I share this week's Meatless Monday grocery list for this week's recipe: Sweet Potato Enchiladas.


Here's your grocery list for this amazing enchilada recipe!

Produce:
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 - 6oz box or bag of baby spinach
1 sweet potato **OR use some leftover mashed sweet potatoes from Thanksgiving**

Grocery:
1 - 4oz can diced green chilis
1 - 15oz can Great Northern Beans, or about 2 cups cooked Great Northern Beans
10 tortillas
1 -10oz jar or can, red enchilada sauce

Dairy:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (light if possible)

Pantry:
vegetable oil
salt
pepper
cumin
chili powder
dried oregano

Pick up these items this weekend and you'll be half-way there to Monday's meatless challenge!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend all (and GO BUCKS and GO 'HOOS!),
SPC