Vegan White Bean & Avocado Hummus

This recipe is AMAZING!  No joke.

So- I found the original recipe here from Two Peas and Their Pod and then I made a few changes.  The original is great and I encourage you to try it out.  This fellow Mommy blogger has some great recipes, so please browse her website- I'm a huge fan!  With that being said, I really enjoy this dish with the changes I've made.  You'll be astounded that something SO simple can taste SO good!


Vegan White Bean & Avocado Hummus

1 15 oz can white beans *I use garbanzo
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon white onion
juice of half lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small clove garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
small pinch cayenne pepper

The directions for this are RIDICULOUSLY easy.

Dump all the ingredients in your food processor and blend away.  If you're making this for sandwiches or prefer to leave some larger chunks (which sometimes I do) then leave out a few beans and some avocado and add back in later.  Otherwise just pulse away.

Then- and this is super duper important- put it in your fridge for at least a couple hours.  Trust me on this one!

When the mixture has chilled in the fridge for a bit, you can eat it with some yummy Late July chips, put it in a tortilla for a wrap, scoop some on top of lettuce and eat it as a salad, slather it on some toast, eat it with some tomato and lettuce in a sandwich- seriously...the sky is the limit here!  I call this a hummus because it has a thicker consistency- much like hummus.  But as you can see, its super versatile!

I can't thank Two Peas and Their Pod enough for this starter recipe.  But secretly, I hope you'll give my recipe a try too!

Enjoy!

Mourning School

I am a product of public school.  For the most part, I enjoyed my public school years and made some really great friends that I'm still in contact with today.  Of course, I always thought when I had children that I would naturally send them to public school too.  Seriously- the thought never occurred to me that they wouldn't follow the same path that my husband and I did.

And then I had William.

Like they said, the rest is history.  Suddenly, my path- my husband's path, simply wasn't what we wanted for our child.  But some small part of me, OK- a fairly big part....mourned the loss.  Yeah, I said loss.

I had some great times in public school.  And it makes me sad that my child won't really get to experience these things.  The Halloween parties, dry ice in the pumpkin punch bowl, wondering if that boy you have a crush on will put a Scooby Doo valentine in your doily and heart decorated Kleenex box.  Goofing off in the back of the school bus during field trips, going on overnights with choir, buying corn nuts for lunch from the ASB store, spending the day getting ready for the school dance....yeah, my heart is sad when I think about all these things that my child will never experience.

It's only natural, right?

I think that we as homeschoolers are automatically characterized as hating all things public school.  Or anything to do with the institution that is school really.  But for most of us, that simply isn't the case.  We made our decision to homeschool based on many different factors and quite often, hating public school isn't one of them.  Really- it's not.

So yes- I'm sad that William won't know the excitement of many of these things.  I won't ever be a PTA Mom or volunteer in his classroom.  I don't get to have the parent teacher conferences where I learn what a "joy" my child is to have in class.  We won't ever have that "1st day of school" photo and there's no need to go shopping for cool new school clothes.

It's a loss for us both.

But then I think of all the great things we do have- all the wonderful benefits to homeschooling and I have to be OK with this trade off.  We get to do so many more things with our children and we spend the best part of our days together.  And I know that some public school Moms are probably envious of all that we as homeschoolers have.  I get this.  The grass always looks greener on the other side, right?

So yes- sometimes I still mourn the loss of "school".  But then I sit down at my dining room table and help the kiddo with his science experiment and I know that no matter what, I made the right choice.

Superwoman Does Not Exist

In speaking with one of my new co-workers who is just a few years older then my own 33- I had to stop and really think about our society and the pressures it places on women today.

My new co-worker is a super sweet GRANDMA, yeah- you heard that right, from Africa.  She got married and started having her five babies at the tender age of 15.  Holy Buckets, that's young.  But in her culture, that's just what they do.  Women are the caretakers, they are the Moms, the Wives and that's pretty much it.  She expressed to me that it's weird for her to have friends here in the United States that are just starting to get married and raise families in their late 30's or early 40's.  "By that age, I was already done!"

It wasn't until she moved here that she learned just how different our two worlds really are- suddenly she was expected to work, to help pay the bills, to continue to raise her children and to balance this extremely progressive and modern society with her more reserved cultures.  "My teenage daughter wanted to be a cheerleader, but I told her she couldn't wear those short skirts."

What a shock for her!  Her role as a woman had now completely changed and to be honest- I'm just not sure if it was for the better.  She now works two jobs, has a mortgage that she struggles to pay, a husband who now has a girlfriend, a pregnant teenage daughter and on and on it goes.  She's desperately trying to hold it all together and continue to be the backbone of her family.

Whew!

Let this be a lesson to you ladies.  First- the grass is NOT always greener but secondly, that we as women, don't have to do it all.  Sure- society is pushing the "Superwoman" concept on us all.  You too can have your family AND your career.  But at what price?

I'm not advocating that you choose one or the other here.  For some women, they really want it all.  But let's just redefine our definition of what it means to "have it all".  Why can't it mean having a house you can afford, a husband who loves you, a kid or two that sometimes tolerates you, a job you enjoy, good food, laughter etc.  Who says that you need to buy a fancy house and then work 80 hours per week just to afford said house?  And why in the world would you have 10 kids if you had no intention of being home with them?  Kids need their Mamas- period.  A fancy car just because the neighbors have one?  C'mon now...that's just silly.

Let's refocus our priorities ladies.

If you want a career and children- maybe you shouldn't have four kids then?  I know...I know...I said it.

If you want a happy husband and fulfilling marriage, perhaps you shouldn't spend so much time enjoying happy hour with your co-workers after the work day is over.

Do you want a home you love filled with laughter and happiness?  Or an empty museum full of expensive things that you struggle to pay for?

Sometimes, more is NOT better.  Seriously, it's just not.

I can't help but think of my new co-worker.  She was happy with her life in Africa with her five babies, her husband and extended family.  But someone told her she needed more and look where she is now.  Stressed out, struggling, working 7 days per week, unhappy that her children are not following her religious beliefs and the ways of her culture, unsatisfied in her marriage...seriously- how is this better?

What a great reminder to me and all of you- let's really focus on what we want out of life and not what someone else tells us we must have.  Be happy and grateful for your role, your place, your life.  There is nothing wrong with being content and fulfilled exactly where you are, nothing.  And by the way, it's totally OK to want it all but balance really is the key.  If you want to be a Mom and raise your family and someday re-enter the work force and have an awesome career- you CAN totally do that.  It just might mean that you will need to put your career on the back burner for awhile as you raise your kids.  Or lets say you want the career and husband first and don't start having babies until later in life?  Don't push yourself to be that Superwoman- she doesn't exist.  Instead focus on your priorities and find the balance in your life to make it happen.

Homeschooled Housewife's MASTER Recipe List

Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta 

Breakfast Foods:

• Pumpkin Bread

Vegetarian:

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

• Corn Chowder
• Garlic Parmesan Orzo 
• Mac & Cheese
• Easy Enchilada Casserole 
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Black Bean Taquitos
• Lentil Shepard's Pie
• Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
• Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Mexican Lasagna Casserole
• Broccoli Garlic Pasta 
• Smothered Burritos 
• Lentil Chili Cornbread Casserole 
• Savory Creamy Noodles & Veggies 
• Crockpot Refried Beans
• Lazy Mama's Vegetarian Lasagna

Lentil Shepard's Pie

Cauliflower Soup

Vegan:

• Quinoa with Black Beans, Corn & Cilantro
• Cauliflower Soup
• Lentil Chili
• Veggie Fajitas
• Split Pea Soup
• Kale Pesto
• Tortilla Soup 
• Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas

Crockpot Shredded Beef

Meat:

• Meat Chili 
• Tator Tot Casserole 
• Baked A'Tato Soup 
• Kale Soup 
• Copycat Frozen Burritos 
• Crockpot Shredded Beef  
• Mac & Cheese

Done in Just 30 Minutes:

Kale Pesto

• Garlic Parmesan Orzo
• Black Bean Taquitos
• Creamy Spinach & Tomato Pasta
• Mexican Lasagna Casserole
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Kale Pesto
• Broccoli Garlic Pasta 
• Savory Creamy Noodles & Veggies
• Kale Soup

Snacks/Misc.


 

Blueberry Peach Cobbler 

• Green Smoothie
• Yogurt Berry Smoothie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Blueberry Smoothie
• Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
• Homemade Broth/Stock
• Vegetarian Whole Food Freezer Meals
• Honey, Lemon & Ginger Tea
• White Bean & Avocado Hummus
• Black Bean Hummus

Desserts:

• Blueberry Peach Cobbler
• Pie Crust
• Chocolate Cake

DOG Food

• Puppy Stew

*Check back often since I'm always posting new recipes to the blog!  I will do my best to keep this master list updated so make sure to bookmark it.  And don't forget to check out my Menu Planner!

Our Favorite Real Food Breakfast Items

Well it's almost time for back to school, at least for some of us.  The kiddo attends a homeschool program two days per week, usually for a few hours.  This means that some mornings can be rushed as we head out the door to "school".

But under NO circumstances does my child ever eat Fruit Loops or a frozen breakfast sandwich.  Of course it helps that I don't buy that junk but the temptation isn't even there for him.  So what do we eat?

Food.  Real Food.

For the purpose of this post- I will be sharing our favorite breakfast foods.  Most of them take less then 5 minutes to make but some of them have been baked or prepped ahead of time.  So Mama's- you will have to spend a little time on some of these items but fear not- there will be plenty of things that don't require any time at all.

Let's Go!

• Fruit.  It's a staple at our breakfast table.  You'll see it in lots of different forms but my favorite is to simply cut up whatever's in your fruit basket and make a big bowl of fruit salad.  It's filling, healthy and tastes great.
• Smoothies.  I can whip up a batch of Yogurt Berry Smoothies in 2 minutes flat.  No joke.  With yogurt, berries, some flax seed or chia seeds- this is a complete meal on the go.
• Toast.  Occasionally we mix it up and have toast for breakfast.  But here's where we probably differ from most....we eat it with organic peanut butter and banana slices.  Or top with half of an avocado.  And for goodness sakes, if you're not making your own bread- then please buy a good quality organic bread.  We LOVE Dave's Killer Bread and I buy it at Costco so it doesn't cost quite so much.
  
• Parfaits.  Simply genius!  Kids think they are eating ice cream or a special treat but us Moms know better.  Just layer some organic plain or vanilla yogurt with berries and a little granola for something fun and different.  Drizzle with a little local honey if your kids will go for it!
• Muffins and Breads.  Ok- so here's one of the "make ahead" items on this list.  If you're planning on these being breakfast foods only- try to find recipes that are dense, nutrient packed and limited sugar.  My favorite breakfast muffin is the Applesauce Oatmeal muffins.  Bake a double batch and freeze half.
  
• Oatmeal.  Take the five minutes and make it from scratch, don't buy those little oatmeal packets full of chemicals and extra sugars.  Blech!  We love our oatmeal with a little organic brown sugar and cinnamon or a handful of mixed berries and a little local honey.  SO good!
• Waffles and Pancakes.  The other "make ahead" item on this list.  Next time you make a batch of pancakes or waffles simply double or triple your recipe and put the leftovers in the freezer.  Then when your kid wants a waffle, just pop it out of the freezer and warm it under your broiler for a minute.  Easy peasy!
• Ants on a Log.  Veggies for breakfast?  Well why not!  Celery, organic peanut butter and some raisins- who wouldn't love that?  You can also make a few extras for a snack later in the day.  A little prep work now will save you time down the road.  Add in a banana for the full meal deal!
  
• Burritos.  You can freeze these ahead of time or just make them fresh in the morning.  Takes hardly any time at all!  Sausage, egg and cheese burritos or if you're the kiddo, just some beans and cheese.  Take it up a notch and make your own tortillas.  I like this recipe here courtesy of 100 Days of Real Food.  Yum!
• Biscuits.  I use this recipe here and always triple it.  Yields enough biscuits for dinner the previous night and then one or two mornings as leftovers.  Spread with some organic preserves (blackberry is our fav!) and eat with a small bowl of fruit on the side.  Perfection!  These biscuits also freeze pretty well, so make a ton and stick in the freezer for another day.
  

So did you notice that there's not a lot of meat in this list?  Eh- maybe you didn't.  If you are currently eating meat at breakfast, I want to encourage you to try a few more plant based meals like those above.  The reality is that you simply don't need meat for protein because a whole foods diet will provide everything your body needs.  So don't worry about sending your kids off to school or your husband off to work and not filling their stomachs with "protein".  If you're eating your fruits and veggies- you're good to go!

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

This recipe is pure genius.  Genius, I tell you.  Genius.

It's super easy to make, can easily be doubled and freezes beautifully!  Oh- and very little cleanup.  Seriously, what more could a busy Mama want?

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 small can diced green chilis
1/2 red onion or one small white onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 15 oz can red enchilada sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
avocado, diced
sour cream
salt & pepper to taste

Step 1- Cook your rinsed quinoa in a pot with your garlic cloves.

Step 2- Slice & dice remaining ingredients while you wait for the quinoa to cook.  Throw it all into a large bowl.

Step 3- Add quinoa when it's done cooking and stir it all together.  Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4- Dump half of your quinoa mixture into a 9X13 glass baking dish.  Sprinkle with only 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and then add the remaining quinoa mixture over it.  Freeze NOW or bake at 350 for approximately 45 minutes.

Top with diced avocado, remaining shredded cheese, sour cream and enjoy.  SO good.  Seriously- amazeballs good- even the husband, who is VERY picky, loves this dish.  You'll seriously enjoy this easy and healthy recipe, I guarantee it!

Back to Homeschool

It's crunch time!

We've got approximately three weeks before the kiddo is officially back at his homeschool program.  In that time, I have a shit ton of stuff to do.  Oh yeah- and I started a new job.  Since I'm still working the old job in addition to the new job- this means that I'm super busy.  Add in family obligations and sometimes I wonder how I get it all done.

Oh wait- I'm organized.  As in, just a little OCD organized, that's how!  So today I want to share with you exactly what happens in the weeks leading up to the official back to school season for us as homeschoolers.

One Month

• Clean out school supplies.  Throw away any broken items.  Donate what you don't need.  Make a list of what you do need and put it on the fridge for later.
• Organize school room, or kid's desks- basically, clean up the area you'll be doing most of the schooling.  Add any needed items to the list- things like more light bulbs, new desk chair or lap desk, etc.
• Rotate seasonal clothing.  Separate into piles for keep, trash, donate and sell.  If your kids need something, like a new pair of shoes or more underwear- then add it to that list on the fridge.
• List items for sale on Ebay and Craigslist.  Donate what doesn't sell.

Three Weeks

• Shop those back to school sales!  Remember that list from the fridge?  Now's the time to shop, shop, shop!
• Complete your last major summer project.  Planning on re-doing your kids bedrooms?  Or are you selling the swing set?  Plan on getting new tires on the car?  Try to finish up any leftover summer projects during these last few weeks.
• Drop off any items for donation if you haven't already.

Two Weeks

• Time for fun!  We always plan a mini trip or vacation for the two weeks prior to the start of school.  One last hurrah before it's back to the grind!
• Get some baking done.  Quick breads and muffins for fast and healthy breakfast's are perfect.  Prep some frozen meals too if you've got the time.
• Plan out next month's menu.  Need help?  Click here to read how I do this!

One Week

• Do a major house cleaning.  Deep cleaning stuff- washing the walls, vacuuming the baseboards, laundering the curtains, etc.
• Get your kids ready.  Make sure all their clothes are ready and they have the needed school supplies.  If you will be using lunch boxes & bags- make sure those are washed and ready too!  And don't forget hair cuts.
• Do a major grocery store visit.  I always try to stock up so that I can avoid the grocery store during those first 2 weeks of back to school.
• Go over your Fall schedule.  Check for any errors, see what needs to be added, make any reservations or sign up for any winter classes.

This list will work well for both homeschoolers and public schoolers.  I find that it's easiest to break things down into weekly tasks instead of thinking about the mountain of stuff that needs to get done before starting the new school year.  Add in a few things you might need to accomplish, tailor it to your family and you're ready to go!