How to have a healthy, joy-filled Easter!

As a child, I always loved Easter. I loved the egg hunts and the Easter baskets, but most of all I loved being able to do these things with my family. As I grew up, I noticed that in stores Easter started seeming less about our risen Savior and more about gifts, prizes, and candy. I could walk down the grocery aisles and see shelf after shelf of sweet tarts and chocolate bunnies. These bunnies always seem so promising on the outside but are hollow inside, much like Easter is becoming to many families. This Easter I challenge you to step away from the candy and overconsumption, and instead focus on the real reason for the holiday Jesus' resurrection, and the blessings He has given you! Praise!

"It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory" Proverbs 25:27

There are so many ways to make Easter a healthy, fun day for your family!

1. Having an Easter egg hunt? Fill the eggs with small toys like army men or bouncy balls, sea shells, stickers, temporary tattoos, secret notes, or any coins you may have lying around the house.
2. Can't decide what to put in an Easter basket? Make a fun theme for each of your kids and fill the basket with items accordingly. If your child's spring break is after Easter, try a beach basket filled with toys for the sand and a towel. If your child loves making art, like my Lyla does, fill their basket with coloring books, markers, stickers, etc. If your child likes getting their hands dirty, include some flower pots and seeds in their basket. If you've got a sports fan on your hands, toss in a football and then get some practice in the backyard later.
3. Need some cute snack ideas? Try the following recipes!

   

   Add baby carrots to a small flowerpot full of hummus for a fresh snack. Serve with additional veggies or crackers.

   

   Add sesame seed eyes and a carrot nose to hard-boiled eggs for a protein filled snack.

   

Slice sweet potatoes length wise, then use a bunny cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Toss in olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Bake for 15 minutes in a 415 degree oven.

Above all remember to give thanks to God for a wonderful day spent with family, friends, food, and love.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" Corinthians 10:31

Blessings,

Caroline

Healthy Healing Chicken Soup

This cold weather has me craving something warm and satisfying to eat. Cooking a healthy healing chicken soup is a great way to nourish your body, while also giving you the chance to connect with your family.

Soup is an easy way to get the little people involved in cooking. Porter likes to chop the vegetables and be in charge of stirring the pot while Papah throws the  fresh vegetables into the boiling stock. The good thing about soup is that you can use whatever vegetables and spices you have on hand to add your own twist to it!

Healthy Healing Chicken Soup

Ingredients: 8 Shallots (finely chopped) 1 bunch chopped green onions ( about 1/2 cup) (finely chopped) 1 clove Garlic (finely chopped) 2 quarts Chicken stock (low sodium) 2 cups chopped Celery 2 cups sliced Carrots 2 cups chopped Parsnips (or potato) 1 kosher, or brined  whole chicken (Trader Joes has these organic) (rotisserie chicken if you are pressed for time) 1 cup Mushrooms optional (Baby Bella's are best) 2 Tbsp Herbs de Provance (spice) 2 Tbsp Olive oil Salt & Pepper

Optional: farro or barley or wild rice (1 cup) to add at end

Directions:. Cut up the whole chicken, leave skin on, brown the chicken in large stock pot with 1 tablespoon olive oil (2 minutes each side). Take the chicken out and place it in the bowl and sautéed the chopped celery, onions, & shallot until translucent in large stock pot then add in Herbs de province spice. 3. Add 1 quart heated chicken stock (microwave in glass dish) to sautéed vegetables. Add the chicken back in to the pot and bring to a boil and simmer till the chicken falls off the bone (30 minutes). Take out the chicken carcass and pieces and let cool. Add back in the chopped carrots and parsnips. Then strip the chicken from the bones and skin, add only chopped chicken back to soup. Bring the soup back to simmer add Salt & pepper to taste. Optional - mushrooms, faro, barley or rice. The kids also like bowtie pasta in their soup! 

 If pressed for time- omit the browning of the chicken and add the meat from a rotisserie chicken the soup once carrots and parsnips are tender. Enjoy! 

Blessings,

Caroline