Pizza Meatballs

Who doesn't like meatballs, right? I never thought to make them with pepperoni. These were so yummy!
If you're looking for a new meatball recipe, give these a try! I served them with a salad and some roasted sweet potatoes but you could totally serve them over pasta, rice, in a sandwich, or just enjoy them as a fun appetizer.

Pizza Meatballs Ingredients:
2-pounds grass-fed beef
1 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp chopped sweet onions
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp oregano
3 tbsp almond or coconut flour
1 large egg
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1 cup pizza sauce

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine meat egg, onions, seasoning, salt, pepperonis, pizza sauce, and flour. Mix until everything is completely combined.
3. Shape each meatball.
4. Place each meatball 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake 22-25 minutes.
5. Serve with favorite veggies. Optional, add extra pizza sauce for dipping.

*recipe from Clean Monday Meals.

June 2020 Book Review

Anyone else feel like we had the LONGEST spring but now summer is flying by?

How is June over already?

Summer, please slow down!

I started a handful of books this month but I only managed to get through 3.

He's not a pastor or a theologian. He's actually an attorney who uses his profession to help people around the world (mostly vulnerable children) who are oppressed and hurting. What I love about Bob Goff is how simple he makes things- important things like faith and loving others. He's also a master storyteller and I often read chapters out loud to the girls and we end up laughing and inspired all at the same time. We really liked his first book, Love Does but I think I liked this one even more. If you're looking for an easy read that will encourage you in practical ways to be more like Jesus, don't miss Everybody Always.  

  

My friend, Hailey let me borrow this book and it was such a delightful little read!

In Devoted, by Tim Callies, it was wonderful to read about the impact that moms had on men like John Piper, Charles Spurgeon, D.L.Moody, Charles Hodge, Augustine and many more. This would make a sweet gift for any mom raising children right now.

Maria Goff is quite the opposite of her husband in every way and you know what, I loved that!

I listened to this book on audible and she is quiet, calm, soft-spoken, and intentional. She's the steadfast anchor that's necessary for jet-setting Bob to come home to. Seeing life from her perspective was both refreshing and inspiring. She talks about how God gives each of us a different place in the world, a different way to live. We shouldn't compare ourselves to others or live a life that wasn't ours to live. Don't look at others who are changing the world in magnificent ways, go and change the world right where you are, for the people around you. Day by day, one small act at a time. She says, "Go, love, serve, help, clothe, and feed. Figure out what you can do, what will outlast you, and go do more of that. Run your own race." 
This would also make a great gift for any mom.

That's it!

What have you been reading?

Anything good?

24/50

Our Father's Day

So very true. 

Good fathers are needed more than ever. 

Thankful that our kids have a GREAT dad.

 Sunday morning before church, I whipped up this super easy retro pie. 

Nothing fancy about it. Other than the fact that I found a GF crust so I was inspired to make it. 

I also made it dairy free by using coconut milk. 

 Morgan likes chocolate so that was an easy choice. 

 After church and Panini Sunday, the kids gave him his card and gifts. 

 He's everyone's favorite person around here. 

Pie, anyone? 

 I topped it with coco whip and chocolate shavings. 

 First time we tried this and it was delish! 

Then we swam in the pool. 

Daddy trying to relax...

Not a chance. 😝

We love you, babe! 

 For dinner, we grilled his favorite meal, carne asada tacos. 

Happy Father's Day to the guy who holds everything together. 

Thanks for being awesome in all the ways I am not.
Thanks for always providing, protecting, and showing us what it means to follow Jesus. 

We love you to the moon and back!

New Summer Recipes

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything food related, hasn't it?

I've been enjoying the flavors of summer and with that sometimes comes new recipes.

I thought I'd share, in case you're looking for some new ideas in the kitchen as well. 

First up, is not really a recipe but more like a method.

It's this Breakfast Banana Split.

This is my go-to breakfast when I want something quick and easy.

1. Slice banana lengthwise.
2. Top with your fav yogurt. I typically use So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Yogurt.
3. Add mixed fresh berries.
4. Your fav granola.
5. Then drizzle with honey or melted nut butter for extra protein.
6. Sometimes, I even sprinkle with unsweetened shredded coconut flakes.

Talk about feeling like you're eating dessert for breakfast!

This just feels like a special treat. I love switching up the fruit depending on the season as well.

(Hello, nectarines!) 

I've even been known to dump the whole thing in a plastic cup, stick a spoon in it, and take it with me if I'm in a hurry to head out the door in the morning. Easy, pretty, and healthy to boot!

Next up, this Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes.  

There's something about summer that always makes me crave lemons and Greek inspired food.

Grace and I adapted this one from a recipe I found on Pinterest.

We thought this was super easy to make, delicious, and even better the next day.
Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner! 

Ingredients

• 8 skinless chicken thighs (you can use bone in with skin, too).
• 1 pound small potatoes halved (I found a bag with a medley of colors).
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• lemon wedges for garnish
• cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, garlic and oregano in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
• Add the chicken and potatoes to the bowl; toss to coat with the marinade.
• Coat a baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken and potatoes on the pan in a single layer.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is done and potatoes are tender, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
• Sprinkle with cilantro. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.

I served this over some cauliflower rice with a side of sautéed zucchini. The leftovers the next day were even better. Wish we made more! I love cooking with chicken thighs. They are much more forgiving and flavorful than breasts. Next time, I think we'll add artichoke hearts and olives. Opa!  
Happy Weekend!   

Hope in the Valley

Gosh, talk about a heavy week in our country. Just when we thought we were getting back to normal.

Like many of you, I've been wondering what kind of America lies ahead for all of us, especially for our children. Of course, I have many thoughts on what we've been experiencing as a country (everything from impeachment, to Covid, to George Floyd, and Black Lives Matter). But what comes to the forefront of my mind like never before (at least in my lifetime), is our need for spiritual revival.

The loving grace of Jesus is and will always be the answer.

I believe 2020 will be a turning point in America's history.

Will we continue to let politics, racial tensions, and a biased media divide our country or will we repent, humble ourselves, and stand together in unity? 

  

Focus on the Family aired a broadcast this morning that gave me hope in the midst of this valley.

If you've been feeling sad, fearful, and a little hopeless, I pray you take some time to be encouraged as you listen to these brothers in Christ.

#hopeistheanthem