Grilled Cheese - the Healthy Way

Yes, I am one of those moms who hides healthy stuff in her kids' favorite foods.

Jeremiah won't eat veggies - that he can see. So Mom just sneaks them in here and there.

This recipe is a lunch staple around here because both boys love their "cheese toast!" And that makes me love it!

Hiding veggies does require some prep but I think it is totally worth it. Ice cube trays and freezer bags have become my good friends.

So here it is, from the wonderful Deceptively Delicious cookbook.


DD Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients
* 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup sweet potato or butternut squash puree
* 1 tablespoon trans-fat-free soft margarine spread
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (I didn't use any)
* 4 slices of whole-wheat bread
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, mix the cheese, vegetable puree, margarine & salt. Spread two slices of bread with the cheese mixture & top with the other two slices.

2. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray & set it over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Put the sandwiches in the pan & spray the top with cooking spray. Cook 4 -5 minutes per side, or until bread is crisps and the filling is melted. Let sit a few minutes before cutting - Jeremiah like his cut into triangles :)

Do you hide healthy things in your kids' food? Successes? Failures?

Mom's BBQs: A Little Update

Sloppy joes. Taverns. Loose meat sandwiches.

We always called them BBQs.

And I'm a little picky about how they taste. So is my husband.

Needless to say I never made them because of this very reason.

Until last night.

I decided to use my mom's recipe which I have always loved. I only changed two things from that beloved recipe:

1. The amount of meat.
2. The type of meat.

My mom's recipe calls for 2 to 2.5 pounds of ground beef. I decided to give it a shot with 3 pounds ground turkey.

GASP.

I did not take a bite until Stephen had because I really wanted to see his reaction. I was really nervous. Isn't that silly?!

He took a bite and...

"Mmmm...very good!"

And we have a winner, folks!!! (Yes, I am always this excited when I find a new food my husband really likes.)

He even asked for another one before the first one was even gone!

So it was a success for our family. Maybe it will be for you too!

Mom's Updated BBQs

Ingredients
3 pounds ground turkey
1 can tomato soup
2 Tbsp dried onion flakes (I actually used 1 Tbsp of Tastefully Simple's Onion Onion)
4 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp yellow mustard
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Brown the meat. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. Serve on hamburger buns - or hot dog buns just to make the kids smile!

NOTE: This meat freezes well so don't be afraid to make a lot!