Baked Chili Fries

These are a family favorite.  I often make them along with a salad and some steamed vegetables.  You can also serve them along side your favorite burger.

4 large Russet Potatoes (8-10 red potatoes)
4 TBS olive oil
1 TBS cumin
1/2 TBS chili Powder
salt/pepper to taste
-Preheat oven to 475.  Cut Potatoes into fries.  Place fries in large Ziploc bag with remaining ingredients.  Seal bag and shake and mix (kids love doing this part).
-Transfer coated fries to 11x17 baking sheet and spread out evenly.
-Bake 50 minutes or until fries are crsip, turning with spatula halfway through baking time for even browning.

No-Bake Granola Bites

The kids were constantly asking for another one and another one and another one.  They are good!  Original Recipe source from gimmesomeoven.com

 

 

1 c. quick oats

2/3 c. coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
1/2 c. peanut butter (or sunflower or almond butter)

1/2 c. ground flaxseed or wheat germ
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (or a dried fruit)

1/3 c. honey, warmed for easier stirring

1 TBS chai seeds (optional)

1 tsp vanilla

-Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined (you'll get a good arm workout!).  Chill dough in refridgerator for 1/2 hour.  Once chilled roll into desired ball size and store fridge in airtight container.  Makes approx. 25 balls.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasting Vegetables is SO easy and so delicious!  Here is another great simple vegetable side dish.

To make prep even simpler, buy the pre peeled, seeded, and cubed squash.

3-4 pound peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash (approx 1 large Butternut Squash)
-Place squash on a large sheet pan. Toss squash with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.  Then add one type of desired seasoning that compliments your other dishes such as thyme, italian seasoning, cumin, etc.  If you want to have a sweet side dish, omit the pepper and sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar.
-Roast at 400 for 30-40 minutes, tossing once during cooking to even browning.  Season with additional salt/pepper to taste.

Farmers Market Quesadillas (or Veggie Burrito)

I love quesadillas!  The options for fillers are endless!  Here is a recent recipe I've been making often.  There are three ways to cook the veggies that you use as the filler.  Pick which one is easiest for you :)

Vegetable Filling Mix
Bell Peppers
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Onions (red, yellow, or sweet)
-Toss vegetables with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper (you can also add any seasonings you want at this point or it is good just as is).

Cooking options:
Skillet: Cook over high until vegetables tender
Roast: in oven at 425 for 15-20 minutes.
Grill:using a grill basket cook in your grill turning vegetables occasionally until slightly blackened.

-Then assemble quesadillas as desired with cheddar, mozzarella, or Monteray jack cheese.  Serve with some homemade guacamole.
-You can also make them burrito style and use Gorgonzola or Parmesan cheese if your up for a slightly different tasty twist!

Banana Notes

Using a permanent marker, get creative and surprise your child with a special banana note!  It will be the highlight of their school lunch!