One thing I hear – a lot – when I talk about living a more conscious lifestyle is that, yes, that’s all fine and good. Until you have kids. Babies have a way of interrupting things, don’t they? Less time for yourself, less time for tackling things like recycling or gardening or even cooking.
Well, take heart. Debbie Koenig may not be able to help with your recycling or gardening or any of the myriad other chores that often go by the wayside when you are raising kids. But cooking? She’s got you covered. Her book, Parents Need To Eat Too is filled with healthy, easy to make recipes that just might prevent you from falling into the fast food trap.
My kids are teens now and do much of their own cooking. I’m beyond the oh-my-gosh-when-will-I-ever-sleep stage. And yet, thumbing through the review copy that the publisher sent, I found a ton of recipes that I’d actually make. Zucchini and Spinach Risotto? Why, yes please! And the fact that the meals are so easy to pull together means I’ll have time to spend in the garden growing some of the ingredients.
I’ve got my eye on a few of the slow cooker recipes in the book, but the first thing I had to try? Curry Roasted Chickpeas. We are snackers around here, but we try to avoid pre-packaged snacks as much as possible. The idea of a salty snack that also packs a protein punch was really desirable to me. Instead of the canned* chickpeas that Debbie suggests, I used some chickpeas that I’d cooked up from dry beans (I try to always keep some in the freezer for making hummus). Score! The only change I’d make to the recipe would be to double it. Or triple it.
Curious? Debbie has been kind enough to share a few recipes from Parents Need To Eat Too.
She also has an impressive collection of recipes on her site. If you’ve got chores to do but still want to feed your family a great tasting meal, check out her quick suppers.
Want to win a copy of the book? Simply comment here, telling us what you’ll do with the extra time away from the stove. Comments submitted by noon on February 21, 2012 (Hawaii standard time) will be entered to win. USA residents only.
*If you use canned chickpeas, look for the Eden Organic brand. Their cans are BPA free.
Psst! If you haven’t voted for your favorite weblogs yet, there’s still time! I’m nominated for the 2012 Bloggies in the Best New Blog category. Other finalists I love? The Writer’s Inner Journey, Music Road, The Vacation Gals, and Summer on Our Wee Farm (let’s hear it for simple living blogs going mainstream).
Growing the food I’m cooking
let’s be honest, I’d probably just stay in the kitchen and cook more!
I would get back into my hobby of sewing, or read some more!
What a fabulous cookbook! I’d love to play more with my kids if I had more time.
I love hummus so the idea of roasted chickpeas sounds fantastic!
Extra time? I think both my wife and I might catch some shut-eye!
I’m with Angelle – I spend that much time in the kitchen because I want to. Except for the dishes part. I’d rather be gardening, or reading, or doing my toenails than dishes.
I would use my free time to make better food!
I love Debbie’s site. Her book sounds like a valuable resource. If I ever get a minute away from the kids, I would love to train for another triathlon.
I would LOVE to win a copy of the book. I would probably just find some other chore to do with my extra time. I’m looking at laundry that needs to be put away right now!
I would love to win this book! I think that with my extra time away from the stove, I could actually devote some more quality time with my grad school textbooks (I’m almost done but it’s so hard to study with limited time) and also work on my fitness! This would be wonderful.
Well if not gardening then sewing love to make up this that I hae created.
I am always looking for new recipes. I love to cook simple whole food meals, and the more I have in my arsenal, the better! I am about to have another babe, so filling extra time won’t be an issue.
Also, since you mentioned BPA free cans, thought you’d like to see this if you haven’t yet: http://inspirationgreen.com/bpa-lined-cans.html
I’m a parent who has time to cook now that my kids are OUT of the house…I’d love this book. Cooking is something I always want to save time on. The recipes sound fantastic!
I would have to spend my time cleaning, napping, or playing with my 5 month old little girl.
I would have to spend my time cleaning, napping, or playing with my 5 month old little girl.
I’d do what I’m doing now–reading my favorite blogs and commenting on them.
I’d do what I’m doing now–reading my favorite blogs and commenting on them.
I love, love roasted chickpeas. I use them in place of croutons in Greek salads and just as snacks otherwise. As far as if I had more time. Well come this spring, I’ll be trying out your upside tomato growing idea;)
Looks like a wonderful book. I’m going to send copies to my great nieces, both of whom just became parents.
I was the lucky winner of the book and it is fantastic! Thanks!