Finger Foods For Kiddos

So these foods are for kids big enough to chew things like raw carrots . . .if your kid isn't to that point, this list is not for you!

~ Cauliflower
~ Jicama, peeled and sliced or cut French Fry style
~ Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut French Fry style
~Bell Peppers in slices
~Cherry Tomatoes
~Cucumber slices;  my kids love them in lime juice with salt

I was surprised that my Little Girl took to cauliflower and tomatoes like they were the best things since ice cream but wasn't as fond of the sweet potatoes and jicama . . .I did have to remember that it is so important to quarter the cherry tomatoes with little people.

And if you're in the mood for something hot, try this:

One or two cans of garbanzo beans ( chickpeas) drained and tossed in olive oil.  Season with salt or seasoning salt.   Bake at 425 for 15 to 20 min.  Check them and when they are starting to be a little brown and crispy turn them.  Cook a little longer until they are mostly crispy.  Serve with whatever sauces your kiddos like with fries.

Enjoy!

An Indian Eggplant Recipe

I'm not Indian and don't really know how to cook the way they do BUT

So the other day I was at the grocery store and saw one of these microwavable dinners.  This one happened to be Eggplant, Indian Style.

I decided to bring it home and try it.  I liked it.

So I did this to see if I could copy the taste somewhat successfully.  I was pretty pleased but since I haven't eaten tons of Indian food you might want to tweak it a bit . . .

1  Eggplant
1 clove garlic
1/2 an onion

Chop eggplant, garlic and onion.  Saute in olive oil until translucent.  Throw some curry and chile powder or cumin in.  Salt to taste.

Add in a can of tomatoes.  I did rotel but I won't do that again as it made it way too spicy for my palate.  But I probably will add some diced jalepenos to the finished produce for my own personal heat.

And throw in a small handful of lentils for texture.

There you have it.  Easy, not expensive and pretty tasty.  I ate mine with crusty bread because I needed the bread to cut the hot but you could probably serve it over rice, too . . .

On Hope

It's still winter here.  The world is covered in a very thick blanket of snow.  I keep reminding myself that I'll get to see tulips and daffodils poke through it soon and that will be glorious.

Today I've taken a few minutes to jot down a few thoughts on hope.  Enjoy!

On Hope

Thank You, God
For Hope

This is what 
Pulses through my veins

It lifts my head
And gives me

The strength 
to start over 

Again and again

Thank you, God
That even though

I will never be
That person who inspires awe

I can be
That person

Who stays the course
And never gives up

Thanks to You
And the Hope

That You and 
You alone Provide