Friday, May 24, 2013

Foodie Friday: Peas, please

Nothing fancy to share today - more about simplicity and speed. Even staying home, there are plenty of days when lunch hits us after a busy morning and we need food, stat. I think it is important that the girls understand that food doesn't appear instantly - I often ask them to come sit at the table before a meal is ready, much as they would have to do in a restaurant. I enjoy their company and I expect that they are learning patience as well as an appreciation for cooking. 

As you'll notice below, we've also developed an appreciation for peas. I just recently got hooked on frozen peas - their presence is certainly not one of tremendous nutritional value, but they are a fast and easy way to add some green to many meals. Sometimes that's as important as using vitamin-rich kale - keeping them in the habit of seeing and eating green, along with many other colors, makes including all fruits and vegetables a breeze. Abby actually likes eating the peas still frozen and both girls think munching on toasted, uncooked couscous is grand. But let's be honest - when it comes to food, these are are not hard to appease. 

Parmesan and Peas Pasta
  • Whole wheat organic penne pasta
  • Organic frozen peas
    • Boil pasta according to directions; add peas in final few minutes
    • Drain all together
  • 1/2 can organic evaporated milk
  • 1 T butter
  • 1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • In empty pasta pot, melt butter over medium
    • Add milk and Parmesan; whisk until sauce thickens; add salt/pepper
    • Serve pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and some sauce

Couscous with Chicken and Peas
  • 1 C Whole wheat couscous
  • 1 1/2 C organic, low sodium chicken broth
  • Peas
  • Leftover grilled chicken (local, hormone/antibiotic free)
    • Toast couscous in a dry pan until fragrant and slightly darker in color
    • Add chicken broth; bring to a boil and cover; simmer for 15-20 minutes
    • Heat peas with hot water; chop chicken
    • Serve couscous with peas, chicken, olive oil, salt, pepper

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