Banana Pancakes

Ok, so pancakes, by nature, are not a very healthy breakfast option. However, I came across this recipe for Whole Wheat, Oatmeal, and Banana Pancakes (I think they could have added a few more descriptors in the title :) ) the other day and had to try them. I'm glad I did, because they're pretty good! Hannah's been gobbling them up, too. Oh, and I even gave James a bite and he said it was pretty good (that's a true test right there!!!). :) Here's the recipes as written, and my alterations are below (I've been realizing that I really have a hard time sticking to a recipe):

• 1 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 banana, mashed

1. Place the rolled oats into the jar of a blender and blend until the texture resembles coarse flour. Whisk together the blended oats, whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, dry milk powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
2. Whisk together the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Stir in the mashed banana. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until moistened. Let the batter stand for 5 minutes.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto the griddle, and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, about 2 minutes. Flip, and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

**Kimiko's Changes: First of all, I don't have a blender and oats just slide right under the blades of my food processor, so I just used quick cooking oats and put them in whole. Second, I don't have any dry milk powder, so I left it out. Finally, I used two bananas instead of one (I may even try adding a third next time) and added some cinnamon for some extra flavor. ...and I also added a little peanut butter to a couple of them. :)

Mimi's Anyone?

Okay...I know you "southerners" can go to Mimi's anytime...but not so for us Canadians!
I LOVE Mimi's spinach, tomato and feta omelet and I decided to try to make my own last week! It was AMAZING!!!! I sprayed some Pam in the pan and put some spinach in and stirred until wilted. Then I added two eggs and scrambled them in with the spinach. At the very end, I added some diced tomatoes ( that I cut up) and just a little bit of feta cheese. It's amazing how good feta cheese makes things (and you don't need much!) and even Bryan said it tasted like Mimis! It was the consistency of scrambled eggs, not an omelet but the taste was the same.

(Not So) Cheesy Beans and Rice

Ok, I'm really going out on a limb and posting this one. Why do I say I'm going out on a limb? Well, because it contains NO MEAT! :) Don't worry, though, it contains both legums and a grain, so it's still a complete protein - no meat needed. I know that's everyone's main concern with a meatless dish, right? :P Anyway, it was really cheap, really filling, and really yummy (at least to me it was. James said it was ok, and gave me permission to make it once a month, or more if we ever get really poor). :)

I got the recipe from AllRecipes. Here's the recipe as written:

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  
• 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

1. Cook rice according to package directions. Transfer to a bowl; add the beans. In a nonstick skillet, saute onion in oil for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, chili powder and salt. Bring to a boil; remove from the heat.
2. In a 2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray, layer a third of the rice mixture, cheese and tomato mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining rice mixture and tomato mixture.
3. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

**Kimiko's Notes: I used short grain brown rice, because...well, I grew up in a Japanese home and long grain rice is just wrong. Hehe. :) (Interesting fact: my parents had to drive all over Pennsylvania before their wedding looking for short grain rice for their guests to throw as they left. My grandpa wouldn't allow long grain rice, even just for throwing. :) ). Anyway, I used olive oil instead of canola and added about 1/2 Tbsp. butter and a little less than 1 Tbsp. chicken bouillon to the water before cooking the rice just for a little extra flavor. Instead of using canned kidney beans, I used dry kidney beans - they're WAY cheaper. I threw in a few tablespoons of salsa in with the tomato mixture for more flavor (can you tell I like things with a lot of flavor?!). I also ended up using less than 1/8 cup of cheddar. In my opinion, it really doesn't need cheese, and if people want cheese, it can be added later. After it baked, I ate it plain, but James made burritos out of his, by putting it in a tortilla with cheese, lettuce, and hot sauce. This was a bit spicy. I read some reviews where people used regular diced tomatoes and added some salsa instead of using the tomatoes with diced chilies. Depending on the amount of heat in your salsa, that would probably tone it down a bit.

Confessions of a sweet tooth

Ever since my Dad had his surgery, the way I see food is a little different than the way I saw it before. I'm my Dad's daughter...genes and all...so I know that what has happened to him could be me several years down the road.

I have always been conscience of my weight and a desire to "keep it down" but I have truly never been a "healthy eater". For instance, when I was on Weight Watchers, I would eat as little as possible throughout the day so that I could have a big ice cream cone at the end of the day!:) Ice cream, chocolate and just about anything sweet would be my pick over a meal any day of the week...unless, of course, you wanted to throw in some yummy bread and butter and a bunch of cheese!:) I put smiley faces at the end of the sentences but it really is all true...and I'm not really that pleased with myself.

At this point, some of you may be thinking I'm from another planet, others of you may actually find some delight in the fact that we hold these things in common :) and, some of you that see me on a regular basis will start watching me at potlucks and dinner's to see if I am really changing at all!:) And, you know what, I welcome the accountability...I really do!

Anyway, back to seeing food a little bit differently....it's not just about calories...but what kind of calories I am putting into my body. I've been looking at saturated fat content and sugar content and reading up on what carbs, protein, fiber, fat and sugar does to and for our bodies. It's super amazing how God has made our bodies to work and how, what we put into it, really does determine how well our bodies will be able to do the job they've been given to do by God.

So, we've begun to make some changes in the Pichura home...nothing drastic...but everything in moderation! And yes...once mom is on board, everyone gets to get on board!:) Poor Faith asked me yesterday when our "diet" is going to be over :)...I'm not sure she liked hearing that this was the way we were going to be LIVING!:)

The junk addict in me is not liking this whole thing too much either. In fact, I have noticed myself struggling with being irritable and not being joyful. With a disposition of "cranky" instead of a disposition of rejoicing. And I think food is at the heart of it.

There are so many ways people in our world seek to be satisfied, to be happy. Of course, we know that apart from Jesus, nothing will satisfy...but there are still many ways others look to find happiness that we, as believers, cannot and do not take part in because they are sinful. Not so with food. Food, in and of itself, is not sin...so it has always felt very "safe" for me. I spend much of my time "denying self" as I take care of 6 kids and homeschool, etc... and (junk)food has been one area that I don't deny myself...that I can enjoy and not have it taken away from me no matter what is going on that day. And, if you have ever had a "Friendly's" Reece's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae than you know that food CAN make you happy...at least for a while!:)

The ability to eat junk food whenever I wanted (and as much as I wanted) really had become an idol to me without me even realizing it. And the reason I can recognize it now is because as I am seeking to deny my cravings and desires in the area of food, I find myself losing joy and growing irritated. A sure sign that an idol is lurking nearby!

I guess what I am learning is that there is no such thing as a "safe" affection. Everything, no matter how good it is, can still become an idol when we want it more than God. Anyone, no matter how dear they are to us, can still become an idol when we love them more than God. It's a daily battle to fight against the idols that so quickly creep up...and it's a fight in which the battle cry must be that of Lamentations 3:24:

"THE LORD IS MY PORTION"

That is my prayer, that is my goal...that is the truthful confession from a "sweet tooth"!

Blog Name

Hi, all! We need to come up with a fun and creative title for our blog. I just threw the title "Parker Recipe Exchange" up there, because I didn't know what else to call it (the creative juices just aren't there). So far the suggestions are:

• The Parker Family Bunch: No Fruits, 1 Vegetable (Dad), and Lots of
  Nuts(The Rest of Us)
• No Sugar Added
• No Coal: Ethanol ! No, Cholesterol!
• High on HDL
• HealthNUTSforlife

Throw in your suggestions and then we'll vote on the name. Thanks to my CRAZY husband for most of those. :P WARNING: If there are no more suggestions, one of the above suggestions WILL be the name of our blog. :) Kristin, maybe your dad and/or Bryan can put their "health humor" to work and put in some suggestions. Hehe.

Also, feel free to write about things other than food, i.e. exercise, helpful websites, etc. I look forward to seeing what you all have to share!!!

Turkey Burgers

My friend introduced me to this recipe, and I think it's absolutely delicious! Even my formerly only-beef-burger-eating husband eats it. :) The recipe is actually for Greek Turkey Burgers, but if you leave out the feta and the olives, they're closer to just normal turkey burgers (which is how I make James's). You can find the original recipe here, but I'm also going to put the whole recipe here so that it's all in one place. Enjoy!

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup olive, chopped
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Form into 4 patties, then grill.
3. I have served this on regular burger buns with tomatoes and mayo, and on pita with tahini, tomatoes and lettuce.

**Notes: I usually use kalamata olives, because I personally think they're delicious! To cut back on fat, you can leave out the feta or reduce it (I think the feta adds a wonderful flavor). I put red onions and lettuce on mine. James dresses his as he would a normal burger. I also want to try making pitas and putting them in a pita instead of a bun.

Chicken Tacos with Charred Tomatoes

Well, I first of all want to say I am super excited about this blog! Aaron and I have been trying to eat healthy for almost a month now, so I am definitely on the hunt for new healthy recipes!

Mmmmm....my mouth is salivating even as I get ready to post this recipe. These were sooo yummy (well...don't take my word for it...that is of course my personal opinion)! BUT The amount in the original recipe is not even enough for two people, so you would probably want to double or triple it (or more if you want leftovers....especially you Pichuras! :)) Here is the recipe tripled.

• 4-6 plum tomatoes, cored (I used Roma...harder to char, but it worked!)
  
• 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped white onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (I chop up jarred peppers)
  
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice, plus lime wedges for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro (I sprinkled dried flakes in there)
  
• 6 scallions, chopped (about 2 bunches)
• small corn tortillas, heated (see Tip) We used large whole wheat flour tortillas

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add tomatoes and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until charred on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise; squeeze to discard seeds. Remove cores and chop the remaining pulp and skin.
   
2. Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 1 Tbsp. oil to the pan and heat over high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add lime juice, the chicken and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro and scallions. Divide the chicken mixture among tortillas. (Serve with lime wedges.)

Tips & Notes

• Tip: Wrap tortillas in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds. (Not as long for flour tortillas...I'm assuming)
• May want to leave out jalapenos and add them to the individual tacos (not sure if that would taste as good), as I'm sure it would be too spicy for some, especially the kiddos.
  

Nutrition

Per serving: 297 calories; 9 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 63 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 27 g protein; 2 g fiber; 415 mg sodium; 463 mg potassium. (This is with the corn tortillas)

Nutrition Bonus: Selenium & Vitamin C (30% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 very lean meat, 1 fat

This recipe is from the website EatingWell.com, under healthy chicken recipes...I will defintiely be trying more from this site. Hopefully I can find some more yummy ones!