Red Lentil Curry– Any Crowd Pleaser

 

Ever since the creation of Mr. Man’s business, the concept of healthy eating and the definition of what’s healthy have become foreign concepts to him. No fault of his own, kind of, but it reminds me that my habits and what I introduce Bean to are even more important.

As we know, I also have to be more aware of my diet because of stomach issues. Sometimes, I just deal with the consequences, and that is one of the reasons why I do not mention it often these days. Nevertheless, with the New Year, I have been more aware of what I am eating and have made a conscious effort to introduce Bean to all different types of cuisines. I am aware that she will go through her phases, being picky and choosey about what she likes and doesn’t, but being open-minded will hopefully help - I think (fingers are crossed and veteran moms your advise it greatly appreciated).

This, what I like to call “stating my independence,” is something I have already experienced. For example, Bean would eat eggs by the dozen and then suddenly decided she wanted nothing to do with them. Watching this drastic change only motivated me to try even more with her. Worst case scenario, she doesn’t like it and it will become dinner for Mr. Man and me. It was time to pull out a staple is our household, something I made often even before Bean started eating solids, Red Lentil Curry by weelicious.

Being as optimistic as possible I the bowl in front of her and watched. The pictures will tell you the rest of the sorry, but to summarize: she couldn’t get enough of it. Watching this little bean, herself, eating it faster than I could have imagined was not only a mommy’s dream come true, but a foodie’s dream as well. I hope, if isn’t not your little one, someone in your family love this recipe as much as we do. Trust me the blend of flavor alone is worth the try. It is also budget friendly since the a bag of lentils I bought only cost me $1.

                      

Have a wonderful week.

 

 

Red Lentil Curry (adapted from weelicious) (serves 4-6) Ingredients 1 Tbsp Oil – I use olive oil 1 Small Onion, diced 1 Large Carrot, peeled and cut into a small dice 1 Garlic Clove 1 Tsp Fresh Ginger, minced 2 Tsp Curry Powder 1 Tsp Cumin 1 Tsp Turmeric 2 Cups Water 2 Tsp Salt 1 14 oz Can Tomato Puree 1 Cups Red Lentils, rinsed well Couscous – make according to directions   Directions 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. 2. Saute the onions and carrots for 4 minutes. 3. Add the garlic, ginger, curry, cumin and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Add the lentils, water, salt and tomato puree and bring to a boil. 5. Stir, cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 35 minutes or until creamy and tender. 6. Serve with couscous.

Wordless Wednesday-Miss Independent

 

Bean’s realization that her hands are twice as useful as a spoon = quite an interesting mealtime experience in the Health, Happiness, Hamstring home.

 

Hello Miss Independent!!!!!!!!

Pumpkin Pie Spice French Toast: Warming One Toddler’s Tummy After a VERY “Crumby” 24 Hours

 

“Parenthood = She has 105 fever and YOU have to figure out what is next” ~htothe3 tweet on 12/6/10

The statement above not only describes the last 24 hours, but defines the crash course I had in parenthood. Poor little Bean, after a fever peaking at 105 and a diagnosis of early pneumonia, as always, she was a trooper. My little blond hair, blue eyed girl whimpered her way through the process, holding onto me like a security blanket. They listened to her lungs, checked her ears, and then took x-rays. Through it all she amazed me.

In the end it was Mr. Man who gave me the compliment. One that will last me through this episode. He told me that: his most memorable part of the day [referring to today] was when the three of us were lying in bed and she [Bean] had her head on my chest as I was stroking her hair. He said that that it brought him back to his days a child remembering how his mom used to take care of him when he was sick. To him that was what defined one as a wonderful mother. Today to him I was a wonderful mother.

While many might run to Chicken Soup to warm a toddler’s tummy when they are sick I had no chicken soup. I ran to the next best thing----French Toast. Here is the recipe I used to warm my toddler’s tummy when she needed protein, but deserved something just as sweet as her.

Health, Happiness, Hamstrings readers do you have any special recipes you make your family members or friends when they are sick? Please share.

Pumpkin Pie Spice French Toast

(one toddler size portion/mommy snack)

Ingredients

2 piece potato bread

2 organic large egg

1 TBS sugar

2 TBS organic whole milk

Sprinkle of pumpkin pie to taste

Vanilla to taste

Ground cinnamon to taste

Butter ( enough to fry in)

Directions

1) Mix egg and add spices, sugar and milk

2) Add bread and let the egg mixture soak in turning a couple times

3) Preheat skillet and add butter

4) Fry bread on both sides

5) Enjoy