New Favorites

So we're finally settled in, and have found a great church home.

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1

He truly has been faithful to my little family. Surprises and evil found their way to our doorstep in the recent months, but God has been faithful and with His grace and mercy we've delighted in Him through these struggles.


All that aside, Ryan and I have started a new lifestyle change in our diet. I have found this change to be both beneficial to our health and our wallets. I want to share some favorite new recipes here. These are quick to make, with minimal kitchen time.


Banana and Almond Butter Toast
Makes One Serving: Calories 280; Fat 11g (sat 1g, mono 7g, poly 2.5g); Cholesterol 0mg; Protein 6g; Carbs 44g; Sugars 16g; Fiber 5g; Resistant Starch: 5.6g; Sodium 260mg


1 tablespoon almond butter
1 slice rye bread, toasted
1 banana, sliced


Top toast with almond butter spread and sliced banana.


Big Chopped Salad
Makes One Serving: Cals 390, Fat 14g (sat 2g, mono 2g, poly 8g); Chol. 5mg; Protein 15g; Carbs 60g; Sugars 23g; Fiber 13g; RS 2.1g; Sodium 360mg


3 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup canned no-salt-added garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup red cabbage
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons low-fat balsamic vinaigrette


Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl, toss with vinaigrette and serve.


Black Bean Tacos
Makes Two Servings
Serving size: 3 tacos| Cal: 420; Fat 8g (sat 5g, mono 0.5g, poly 1g); Chol 25mg; Protein 18g; Carbs 69g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 17g; RS 4.7g; Sodium 420mg


1 (15-ounce) can no-salt- added black beans, rinsed and drained
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
6 tablespoons cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Romaine lettuce
1 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup salsa


Microwave beans on HIGH for 2 minutes or until heated through

Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add tortillas, one at a time and cook one minute on each side

Divide beans evenly among tortillas. Top with even amounts of cheese, lettuce, carrot and salsa.


These were a hit with all three of us. I'll post more as we try them!