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You are here: Home » Blog » Real Food » Real Food Recipe Roundup: December
Real Food Recipe Roundup: December

Real Food Recipe Roundup: December

December 15, 2009     Keeper of the Home    21 Comments

Welcome to my newest monthly feature, the Real Food Recipe Roundup!

Back when I did my readers survey, I learned that finding nourishing, whole food recipes is right up there among your favorite topics on this blog. I thought that it might serve you all if I shared some great recipes from around the web and blogosphere each month. I’m making a point of sharing recipes that are family friendly and simple, as well as nourishing, because I like to keep it simple in my own kitchen. I’m not a gourmet, but I do appreciate foods that taste wonderful, as well as nourish our bodies. To make the recipes even more useful to you, I’ve given some of my own feedback from trying the recipes (instead of just linking to them), which I hope you find helpful!

If you have any recipes that you’d like me to try out and review, send them to my email (stephanie (at) keeperofthehome (dot) org) and if they’re something I think my family would eat, I’ll make a point of trying them and including them in my roundup if we enjoyed it!

granola-bars

Granola Bars

These granola bars received rave reviews in our home, and with some friends who tried them as well! They were the first granola bar recipe I’ve tried that really stayed together and didn’t crumble, a must with little ones who need snacks on the go. My husband thought they were incredible and I’ve been asked to make them again and again. I used almonds instead of peanuts, because that’s what I had on hand, but I’m sure they’d be great with peanuts as well (which I’m going to try next). I also had to use more Sucanat than honey, simply because I was running out of honey, and it still worked wonderfully. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s quite a process to make them: soak the oats/nuts/seeds, then dehydrate them all, then actually make the recipe. I think that I will soak and dehydrate large batches of the oats/nuts/seeds all at once, and then keep the extra ones stored away so that I can very quickly make a new batch when I want to.

Basil Tomato Soup

Such a fast and easy cream of tomato soup recipe! I use homemade bone broth (either chicken or beef both taste good). After the tomatoes and broth have simmered together, I like to blend mine with a stick blender to make a smoother soup. It’s lovely with fresh basil but almost as good with dried (about 1 Tbsp dried is good), and honey works well instead of the sugar. You can use whole milk or lighter cream if you don’t have whipping cream, and it just won’t be quite as thick/rich but will still be tasty. And I never use 1/2 cup of butter (too expensive!), but more like a 1/4 cup and it’s just fine that way. Remember, they’re good fats so don’t be scared of the cream and butter! 🙂

Banana Blender Muffins (from Sue Gregg)

These are my most standard muffin recipe. They are so quick and simple to make, starting them in the blender before bed and finishing them up in the morning. I always make a double batch (though you need a pretty big blender to do so- I have a Vitamix). I like to add things like blueberries, raspberries, different kinds of nuts, etc. My recent favorite variation is to use frozen cranberries (which I bought on a smoking sale after Thanksgiving and just washed/froze for baking). The cranberries have a perfect tart flavor that complements the simple sweetness of the muffins. It’s also really nice with just a little streusel (unrefined sugar/cinnamon) sprinkled on the top before baking.

Soaked Granola

This is my new standard granola recipe. It’s delicious with either just raw milk or with yogurt and berries. Such a nice, quick breakfast for busy mornings! Even though it’s a soaked recipe, it comes together really easily. It takes about 5 minutes to start it the first day, then another 10 to get it mixed up and onto trays for drying, then another 5-10 to mix it up with all the goodies and put it in bags/jars. I just use bits of time that I have in the kitchen in between other tasks and it feels like a cinch to make. I don’t like using so much maple syrup (because of the cost) so I substitute some Sucanat in and then just add a bit of extra liquid. For nuts/seeds, we really like using chopped (lightly roasted) almonds, and this time I’m going to try cashews for a change. I always add sunflower and pumpkin seeds, as well as sesame and flax seeds. Raisins are a must, and I tried dried cranberries last time which were great as well (have never tried the figs). One little trick I discovered recently is that the easiest way to break it all up once it’s dry and ready to be stored is to take chunks of it and process them for a few seconds in the food processor. It gets it to a perfect texture in no time at all, saving me from having to break it all up with my fingers.

Spinach Rice Casserole

Having trouble getting greens into your kids (or husband)? Try this casserole! It’s easy to whip up, and very tasty. My family really enjoys it. It makes a great side dish served alongside fish, especially (or so I think). I’ve also tried using fresh kale instead of the spinach and it was good, just use a bit less kale because it has a stronger flavor. Frozen spinach works fine, too, and I’ve made this using the chopped spinach I froze from my garden this summer.

Crock Pot Ragout

Note that you need to scroll down slightly and the recipe is just described under Thursday: Crock Pot Ragout, so it’s not really obvious to see where it is. Made this just as the recipe said and we all enjoyed it. A good meal for a busy day. It’s simple, nothing spectacular, but it satisfied hungry tummies and we definitely like it with ketchup. It’s not super pretty looking, but I can get past that if it’s quick and tasty! 🙂

crock pot ribs

BBQ Crockpot Ribs (this is Donielle’s pic, not mine)

What can I say but yum? The sauce turned out so nicely. Definitely do these on low temp, so they have time to simmer and really get tender (esp. if you’re using grass fed ribs). These made for such an easy but special dinner!

Roasted Beets

My own simple recipe that has become a new favorite. Here’s how to do it: Dice several large beets (or quite a few smaller ones) in one inch cubes (approx.), toss in a baking pan with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 350 for 45 min, stirring once. Amazing! If you’ve never been a beet fan before, you need to give this recipe a try because it has converted my entire family, myself included. Now, I buy beets almost every time I’m at the market! It’s seasonal for winter and so very nutritious. Seriously, I know you think you don’t like beets, but promise me you’ll try, ok?

And a few want-to-try recipes…

Have you seen any of the $1 Healthy Menu recipes over at The Nourishing Gourmet? Gingered Sweet Potatoes, Turnip and Squash Gratin and more… has anyone tried any of them yet? They’ll find a place in my January menus!

What recipes has your family been loving lately?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up

    December 15, 2009 at 4:06 AM

    Great idea! I love seeing what other people enjoy making, I always find great new recipes! And thanks for the links. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Marisa

    December 15, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    This has been added to our menu several times, the whole family loves to eat these. I love that it is a frugal recipe and can substitute zucchini if I am low on carrots. Also rice and lentil casserole is a budget saver! Very good!
    http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/2008/12/really-bad-photos-totally-awesome-recipe.html

    Reply
  3. MacKenzie

    December 15, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    I was wondering if you had any ideas for breakfasts that are high in protein but don’t involve eggs or milk? I used to love both of those items but can’t stand them right now in my pregnancy. (I’m 17 weeks and thought the morning sickness would be gone by now, but it’s not and those seem to be trigger foods). I’ve been eating toast but I really want to follow the Bradley diet and I’ll never make to 80 grams of protein without a good start to the day.
    .-= MacKenzie´s last blog ..Christmas Song Ponderings =-.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 15, 2009 at 2:26 PM

      @MacKenzie, What about something with nuts and seeds? You can do a smoothie based on a “nut-milk” (soaked nights blended with water), with fresh or frozen fruit. Trail mix is good. If you can handle any yogurt at all, you could add nuts to that.

      Or, what about breakfast meats? Nitrate-free sausages or bacon, or even just leftover chicken/beef, etc. You could also just eat regular foods at breakfast. Soup could even be nice, something hearty with beans, lentils or some kind of meat. Hope the morning sickness gets better soon!

      Reply
  4. Sara B

    December 15, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    We love the spinach rice casserole too! I like serving it with salmon.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 15, 2009 at 2:20 PM

      @Sara B, That’s exactly what I serve it with! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jen

    December 15, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    Thanks so much for the awesome recipe roundup! I can’t wait to try the spinach and rice casserole, tomato soup and BBQ ribs. Everything looks so yummy!

    Reply
  6. Sandy @ The Mommys Place

    December 15, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    We had this just last night and it was very good, it got 10 thumbs up from all of our family.

    http://themommysplace.net/blog/?p=963
    .-= Sandy @ The Mommys Place´s last blog ..Homeschool Library Trip =-.

    Reply
  7. Candace @ A Worker at Home

    December 15, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Wonderful, thank you!
    I’m fairly new to the “nourishing food” scene (though, we’ve always tried to be “healthy” we used to think that just meant low fat and whole grains), so I always need good recipes. To have your input with them is even more valuable! I can just scan through what you thought and be able to tell if my family will like it or if I have the equipment I’ll need (no dehydrator).
    Thanks, again.
    .-= Candace @ A Worker at Home´s last blog ..Grateful – #1202 =-.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 15, 2009 at 2:19 PM

      @Candace @ A Worker at Home, I’m glad this is helpful for you! You mentioned dehydrator so I wanted to say that the granola doesn’t require one. You can use one and it works well, but I’ve also made mine in the oven on the low temperature several times and that worked just fine as well!

      Reply
  8. Kate

    December 15, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    One of my favorites is my stuffed peppers. We have once every week or two because we love it so much. A couple people have tried the recipe and said they really liked it too. Here is a link: http://modernalternativemama.blogspot.com/2009/10/stuffed-peppers.html
    .-= Kate´s last blog ..Ways to Save Money Around the House =-.

    Reply
  9. steadymom

    December 15, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    This info looks amazing, Stephanie–but it is also a long post and seems like it would have taken a lot of time to prepare!

    Yesterday you were talking about scaling way back, and today you’re launching a new monthly feature?! I LOVE, love, love reading here–just want to make sure you’re taking care of YOU!

    (And chances are, being so amazingly organized, you had this post prepared and ready to go for weeks! 😉

    Blessings,

    Jamie
    .-= steadymom´s last blog ..My New Priority: Moms’ 30-Minute Blog Challenge =-.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 15, 2009 at 2:10 PM

      @steadymom, Thanks for the concern, Jamie! Actually, this post was easy to write because it’s a bit more stream-of-consciousness than many of the posts that I write. I did it in less time than a lot of other posts and finished blog work easily by the time I wanted to be finished. If I hadn’t, the post would have waited for another day. And the reason I’m happy to do this monthly is because it truly is an easy post for me to put together (and something people want to see- a double bonus)! 🙂 But please, keep me accountable!

      Reply
  10. jill

    December 16, 2009 at 2:19 AM

    I have been an avid follower of your site and love it. thanks for everything. Just wanted to let you know we just started an Ethiopian adoptiona dn you can come along and follow it on our blog. Thanls and God Bless! http://www.campfunk.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Michelle

    December 16, 2009 at 4:46 AM

    Are the granola bars crunchy or chewy? My kids would love the chewy ones….
    .-= Michelle´s last blog ..Recycled Post: What Does SAHM Look LIke On Your Resume? =-.

    Reply
  12. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

    December 16, 2009 at 7:58 AM

    @Michelle, They’re more towards the chewy end. Because you bring the butter/sugars to the soft candy stage, they’re sort of like a chewy taffy kind of texture.

    Reply
  13. Jessica

    December 17, 2009 at 6:04 AM

    I’m interested in making the granola bars. But when it comes to soaking the grains, and then dehydrating them, I don’t have a dehydrator. Can you dry out the oatmeal on low heat in the oven? Just wondering. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 17, 2009 at 2:21 PM

      @Jessica, Yes, I think you probably could. But try to keep it really low because if you cook them too much, they will get hard and dried out and then your granola bars won’t be as nice and chewy.

      Reply
  14. Carolyn

    December 18, 2009 at 5:43 AM

    Thank you for all of these yummy sounding recipes! I love reading your site!

    I had a question about the blender muffins. Do you put the whole grains in the blender (not the milled flour)? The recipe sounds really easy, I was just a little confused about that part.

    Reply
    • Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

      December 18, 2009 at 12:21 PM

      @Carolyn, Yes, it’s the whole grains, not the flour. You can also make the recipe by using flour (but the amounts change) and mixing it in a bowl. Since I already grind my own flour, it’s easiest for me to use the grains in the blender.

      Reply
  15. Carolyn

    December 18, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    Thank you…I also grind my own flour and have the grains so it seems extra simple! It just seemed different to see a muffin recipe that didn’t include flour….

    Reply

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