The Best Whole Wheat Pasta

I have started doing "couponing" so I signed up on all sorts of websites for free samples. My first free sample was of this Barilla Plus Pasta (I got one free and 5 buy one get one free coupons). I have tried whole wheat pasta for years, but I have never liked it very much . . . this one is GOOD! I don't even notice that I am eating whole wheat pasta. It has not just grains, but it is made with lentils, chickpeas, flaxseed, barley, spelt, and oats! It has 4 grams of fiber per serving and omega-3 fatty acids (I am guessing that is from the flax seed). If you need a refresher of why Omega- 3 fatty-acids are good for you, go here, or here for more information.

Keep in mind that eating white pasta is just like eating white bread . . . low fiber, quickly digests and peaks your insulin, AND they have to add back some nutrients because it is only part of the whole grain.

Here is to a healthy and happy 2011!

Tomatoes

My kids don't usually eat fresh tomatoes, but I don't know of too many kids that don't love spaghetti sauce! One very easy way to increase vegetable intake among the whole family is by using twice the amount of spaghetti sauce that you usually do. I do this by using one jar store bought sauce and adding to it. I will saute whatever veggies I have in the house in a little olive oil (zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, onions, matchstick carrots . . .) and then add the jar of sauce, and then add a big can of tomatoes, but I usually put it in the blender first. I will add leftover chicken stock, fresh basil, fresh parsley . . . I do not each meat with our spaghetti, but if I have salami, or ham of some kind, I will add that too.

Not eating meat with your spaghetti is a great way to stay clear of red meat (I eat red meat, but only about once a week). If you want to start small, then just use half the amount of meat that your family used to eat with it. It also helps if you throw some kidney beans in with your green salad, or add some cheese onto your garlic toast (leave the butter off if you do this).
I really like Ragu cuz my family likes the taste, and it doesn't have any "bad" ingredients. You can often find it on sale for as low as $1.00 too.

My kids also LOVE tomato soup. Our favorite is Pacific Natural Foods Organic roasted red pepper and tomato soup.
My six year old ate 2 full bowls for lunch yesterday! We can find it at Costco in the winter and Smith's all year long. I think that Campbell's tomato soup has HFCS in it, but I have not checked on this in about a year, so if you have some in your cupboard, leave a comment with the answer.

The other thing that my 2 oldest kids like is salsa. Salsa is so good for you, and very low calorie (10 calories per serving). Encourage your kids to have a little bit on their eggs, breakfast burrito, and Mexican food.

Here are some fun facts about tomatoes

• They help prevent prostate cancer
• They are good for your eyes
• Eating tomato sauce is really good for you too. All the nutrients are condensed since the water is usually boiled out. (you do lose the vit. C)
• They are low calorie and high in fiber, Vit A and Vit C

A special Thanks to Henry for being my picture helper!

Cauliflower

I was talking to a mom at a wedding reception, and she was telling me about how she doesn't know how to cook vegetables (except corn, carrots and celery). This was enough motivation to get me off my butt and blog again!

Cauliflower is often on sale during the winter. My kids love cauliflower because, 1. it isn't green 2. it takes on any flavor you give it 3. it has a soft texture when cooked.

Moms love it because it is really good for you! 1. It only has 14 calories per 1/2 cup 2. it has 1.5 grams of fiber 3. It has lots of anti-cancer properties (like broccoli).

Here are 2 of my kids favorite way to eat broccoli (the 3rd way I don't really have a recipe for, but it is Indian Style with lots of curry!)

Cauliflower Soup

For those of you that don't know, I don't really like to follow recipes. I don't do the bouquet garni. Just add ground pepper, 1/2 teaspoon tarragon and a bay leaf and then puree it all up. :)

Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Cook cauliflower (boil or steam bite size pieces)

To make cheese sauce

Put about 1 Tablespoon butter in a sauce pan on med high heat. Melt. Add about 2 Tablespoons flour and cook for a minute with the butter. Add about 1 cup milk and whisk. Bring to a boil. Add about 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper (and salt and pepper).

Once when Dallin was about 4, I convinced him that it was mac and cheese and he loved it! He Hee!