simple (and fast!) beef minestrone

Minestrone may not seem like summer food, but this recipe comes together so quickly, I use it all year!  This is also a great way to get the kids to eat zucchini.

simple beef minestrone

1 lb ground beef

1 tsp salt, divided

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 (or more) cloves garlic, minced

1 small zucchini, finely chopped

1 28-oz can petite diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken stock (add 1/2 – 1 cup more if using beans)

1 Tbsp. oregano

1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or other beans such as canellini, kidney, etc.) (optional)

1 cup ditalini pasta (short, small tubes)

Parmesan cheese (optional)

In a large pot (4-qt or larger), cook beef on medium-high heat until crumbled and no longer pink.  Season with 1/2 tsp. salt.  Drain and set aside.  Heat olive oil on medium-low and saute onions and zucchini for three to five minutes.  Add garlic and saute for additional 30 seconds.  Add tomatoes (undrained) and chicken stock.  Season with oregano and remaining salt.  Bring to boil.  Add pasta and beans (if using) and cook for 10 minutes.  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.  Serves 4.

penne with vodka meat sauce (dairy-free!)

I am always on the lookout for creamy dairy-free recipes to share with my family.  Here’s one for my friends who are “living without.”  (Sorry, it’s not gluten-free, but I suppose you could sub a decent gluten-free pasta for the penne.)

This is a modified version of a recipe from eMealz, an online recipe resource that sends its clients weekly meal plans with grocery lists prepared for your store of choice (including Whole Foods!).  (To learn more about eMealz, click the link: http://emeals.com/.)

Penne with Vodka Meat Sauce

16 oz. penne pasta

1 lb. ground beef or buffalo

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 tsp. salt, divided

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 tsp. (or more) minced garlic

1/2 c vodka

1 c finely chopped onion

2/3 c low-sodium chicken broth

14 oz can diced tomatoes

2/3 c So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer*

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, brown beef with 1/2 tsp. salt on medium high heat in a large skillet.  Drain.   Add onion; cook until tender.  Add remaining salt, red pepper and garlic; cook one minute.  Remove from heat and add vodka.  Return to heat and bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.  Stir in broth and tomatoes; simmer 8 minutes.  Process mixture in blender until smooth.  Return mixture and beef to skillet; cook over medium for 5 minutes.  Add coconut milk creamer.  Cook 2 minutes.  Toss a small portion with drained pasta (enough to wet the noodles).  Divide pasta among dishes and ladle remaining sauce over noodles.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

*(Note: Not a fan of coconut?  Don’t worry!  The tomatoes mask the coconut flavor.)

summer reading faves for kids

You’d probably agree that reading is one of the best ways to keep our kids’ minds active during the lazy days of summer!  Of course, reading together at any age and at any time can be a super family activity.

The books below are fun, educational and appropriate for elementary and middle school-aged children.  I have not personally read all of these books, but my kids have read these novels and thoroughly enjoyed them!  If you have any favorites, please share them with us!  Enjoy!

Historical/Adventure Fiction

1. Iron Thunder, Avi… the tale of a young boy and his adventure on the ironclad ships used in the Civil War.  The boy’s account is fictional, but much of the ironclad information is true!

2. Caddie Woodlawn, Brink… similar in genre to the Little House series.

3/4. Jason’s Gold and Down the Yukon, Hobbs… a two-story series about a boy’s journey for riches to Dawson City and Nome during the time of the Gold Rush.

5. A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt, De Young… an eleven-year-old girls helps to save her family’s home during the Great Depression.

6. The Last Safe House, Greenwood… a glimpse into the Underground Railroad through a fictional family and three runaway slaves.  This also includes detailed illustrations of the “Railroad” as well as maps of plantations and short biographies of real abolitionists.

7. On the Wings of Heroes, Peck… an american boy and his family deal with the trials of World War II.

Just for Fun

1. The Ramona Series, Cleary… much like the movie Beezus and Ramona, these are a fun series of books chronicling the adventures of young, silly Ramona and her older sister Beezus.  (The movie, too, is simple, sweet and heartwarming!)

2. The Clementine Series, Pennypacker… similar in genre to the Ramona series, these books are laugh-out-loud funny.  (Maybe I am just easily entertained, or I just like the way my daughter reads them aloud as though she is Clementine!)

3. The Humphrey Series, Birney… the adventures of Humphrey the school hamster and the children in his classroom.  (My daughter has read all of these books and loved them!)

4/5. The Judy Moody and Stink Series, McDonald… what list would be complete without a little Judy Moody and her younger brother, Stink?

For Learning and Fun

1. The Weird but True Series, National Geographic… unusual fun facts, alternating fonts, and bright colors make this book super fun to read!

2. Growing Up in Coal Country, Bartoletti… not sure this qualifies as a “fun” book, but great for the kid who thinks s/he has too many chores!

3. The Kids Can Press Series, MacLeod… this series features the biographies of famous Americans such as Mark Twain and Albert Einstein.  We read about the Wright Brothers, Hellen Keller and Alexander Graham Bell.  The pictures and format help to make this an interesting as well as informative series.

What books will your kids be reading this summer?

art and the soul

Hiding deep within the Johnson County suburban jungle is an unexpected venue for culture. Here lives a team of artists, attempting to share their passion for art with the children of Cupcake Land. Moving beyond glorified church camp crafts, the founders and teachers of Little Masters Big Art share art history and real technique with their students as they help them create their own versions of works by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, O’Keeffe, and (Jasper) Johns.

Following last week’s art class, my daughter eagerly shared with me the following story about Henri Matisse.  (Her retelling prompted me to do some research about this legend concerning names, dates and the like.)  In the spirit of bringing more culture to Johnson County, I want to share this little piece of art history with you.  I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

In 1942, renowned artist Henri Matisse was so ill from abdominal cancer that he needed constant nursing care.  A young woman named Monique Bourgeois was hired to care for him.  Not only did she nurse him back to health, but during her time of care taking, she faithfully read to him until she, herself, fell asleep!  As his health recovered, Matisse asked Bourgeois to model for him, and he created a series of drawings and paintings featuring her. 

Years later, Bourgeois answered God’s calling for her to become a nun, and she took the name Sister Jaques-Marie.  The convent had no chapel, and the sisters were meeting in a leaky garage.  When Matisse learned of this, he designed a chapel for the convent.  The design was not limited to the building; he also designed the vestments, the altar, the vessels and more.  Matisse, who apparently was once an atheist, now believed that God was calling him to this project.  Near the time of his death, Matisse refused burial in the chapel, because the chapel was not his, but God’s. 

My daughter also suggested that there were some disagreements between Matisse and the nuns concerning the colors of the chapel.  The nuns insisted on black and white, while Matisse preferred a lot of color.  So to incorporate that color, he used stained glass windows.   I haven’t verified this argument, but I did find references to his stained glass, which apparently reflects a great amount of color in the chapel as the sun shines through the windows.

Sometimes textbooks present history as events happening between kingdoms, nations and rulers.  But stories like these remind us that history is about people like you and me.  Yes, Henri Matisse was a famous artist.  But who would have guessed that a young nurse would not only help to save his physical life, but also his soul?

To learn more about Little Masters Big Art, visit this website: http://www.littlemastersbigart.com/

johnson county’s newest health foods store

Last week I intended to pick up a few things at the Whole Foods Market at 91st and Metcalf. This used to be my favorite grocery store: user-friendly, great selection and a helpful staff. Now I find myself more and more frustrated every time I shop there: disorganized layout, out-of-stock product, and indifferent employees. (On the other hand, the Whole Foods at 119th and Glenwood is excellent! I note that many of the former 91st Street employees have moved to that store and it reflects in the great customer service and improved selection. But I digress…)

While leaving Whole Foods, I passed Johnson County’s newest health food store: Natural Grocers.  Curious, I immediately stopped to checked out this new grocery gem.

If you are looking for an aesthethically pleasing shopping experience, you won’t find it here.  Personally, I found the layout of the store more complicated than it needs to be.   But what it lacks in appearance, it makes up for in product.

Natural Grocers is a part of Vitamin Cottage, which offers an extensive health and beauty department as well as a diverse selection of spices and herbs at a great price!  It’s produce is entirely certified organic, and Natural Grocers has developed its own naturally raised meat standards that exceed those created by the USDA.

Unfortunately you can’t buy fresh fish or chicken here, although they do carry frozen meat and refrigerated, pre-packaged beef.  They also have a variety of alternative meats, such as ostrich and elk, and a wide selection of bison.

I’ve posted the address and a link to the store’s page below.  Remember to bring your own bag when you shop!  They offer no disposable bags of any kind, but they do have cardboard boxes available if you need one.  After your visit, let me know what you think.  You may find a treasure at Natural Grocers that I have yet to discover.

Natural Grocers, 9108 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS  66212

http://www.naturalgrocers.com/store-info/overland-park

a healthier chili mac

I love the idea of boxed pasta dinners.  1. Brown beef.  2. Open box.  3. Dump stuff into pan.  4. Eat it.  How great is that?!

But the labels on those boxes are scary.  Whether its the sodium content or fake ingredients, it’s really not dinner the way God intended.

In an effort to find a healthier option, I created my own version of boxed chili mac.  You can make it as healthy as you want: choose standard macaroni noodles or dare to try the organic whole wheat option.  Either way,  it’s as easy as Hamburger Helper without all the junk.

Chili Mac

• 1 lb. macaroni noodles
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 large green pepper, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 14.5-oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1-2 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. paprika
• chili powder to taste
• 3 tsp. arrowroot powder (or flour)
• shredded Mexican cheese (optional)
• cilantro for topping (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Brown beef in pan over med-high heat.  Add 1/2 tsp. salt.  Drain.  Lower heat and add olive oil to pan.  Saute onions and green peppers  for about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for another minute.   Add tomato sauce and 1/3 – 1/2 cup water, depending on thickness of sauce.  (Water is optional.)  Stir in remaining salt, sugar, cumin, paprika and chili powder.  Remove a small portion of the sauce and put in small bowl.  Set aside.  Return beef to pan.  Let simmer.  Add arrowroot powder to reserved sauce.   Stir or whisk until combined.  Add to sauce in pan.  Continue to simmer until sauce thickens slightly and pasta is done.  Adjust seasonings to taste.  Combine pasta and sauce.  May be served with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and/or cilantro.

quiz: family summer activities

It’s almost here! Five weeks to go…

What are you planning for your family this summer?

Be as brief or as detailed as you’d like.  For example, “swimming” OR “parks” OR “waiting for school to start again.”  (Kidding.)  Truly, I think summer rocks!  I love that kids can still enjoy some carefree time of family, friends and fun without the academic and social pressures that society heaps on them.  I already have some plans for the kids, but maybe I’ll add some of your creative and fun ideas, too!

Trader Joe’s Faves

I first discovered Trader Joe’s while living in L.A. last year. If you are a TJ’s fan, then I don’t need to tell you how THRILLED I was when I learned the grocery chain was coming to Leawood! If you haven’t shopped there, or if you are looking for more reasons to love it (as if you needed any), here’s my list of Trader Joe’s faves.

1. None of the junk.
TJ’s is like Whole Foods in this department. They offer both natural and organic foods without the junk you find in a conventional grocery store. Not to say they don’t sell junk food… see no. 7 below.

2. More bags for less dough.
I think I’m pretty accurate when I say you can save over 25% on your groceries when compared to Whole Foods prices.

3. Frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken
This is one of their best-sellers and very popular with my kids!

4. Oatmeal Cranberry Dunkers
Shaped like a biscotti, these cookies pair great with a cup o’ joe in the morning. They are drizzled with enough frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth but not enough to overwhelm your breakfast. Yes, they are totally addictive. I am a dunker junkie.

5. Cheap Flowers
Really, do you need an explanation for this one?

6. Kids Coloring Contests
All completed coloring pages are displayed at the front of the store.

7. Whoopie Pies
All the benefits of the treat without having to actually make whoopie. (Yes, we are still talking about cookies…)

8. Blueberry Scones
I don’t usually like scones, but these are fantastic with a cup of coffee. (Careful, they dry out fast, so consume the package of three in one morning. I won’t tell.)

9. Cinnamon Rolls in a Can
Really, is there anything more fun than pulling cinnamon rolls out of a can? These are as good as Pillsbury without the pudgy dough boy.

10. Crescent Rolls
(See no. 9.)

What do you like about Trader Joe’s?

living in cupcake land

I remember the first time I wore a jogging suit. Although I probably bought it on sale, it looked expensive and my husband was mildly amused by this, because as he pointed out, I don’t jog. In fact, I hate working out. This was before moms across America ran around in yoga pants every day. For the first time, I was wearing the uniform of the Johnson County housewife.

If your not familiar with the expression, journalist Richard Rhodes dubbed Johnson County as “Cupcake Land” in the 1980s. Author Thomas Frank explains this nickname in his book “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”

“Cupcake Land encourages no culture but that which increases property values; supports no learning but that which burnishes the brand; hears no opinions but those which will further fatten the cupcake elite; tolerates no rebellion but that expressed in haircuts and piercings and alternative rock. You know what it’s like even though you haven’t been there. Smooth jazz. Hallmark cards. Applebee’s. Corporate Woods. …The people of Cupcake Land approve of age when talking about wine and cheese; they expect their cities to be brand new.”

So yes, it’s difficult to keep a healthy life perspective while living in the well-manicured Johnson County suburb. It’s sterility is rivaled only by its ego. Keeping up with the Joneses is a must.

On the other hand, it is safe, clean and predictiable. And for this mother, those qualities can be comforting at times, especially when my husband is receiving cancer treatments. Or when the future is uncertain. And we live in one of the few cul-de-sacs where the neighbors actually know one another, at least enough to borrow a cup of sugar, babysit one another’s children or help move heavy furniture.

Besides, I like listening to smooth jazz in my stylish jogging suit.

hello friends!

As the wife of a cancer patient, I need an outlet – a shallow outlet.  Nothing that requires deep thought or strained effort.  Just something fun…and girly.  Keepng this in mind, I am taking the advice of author Gretchen Rubin: start a blog.  So, Gretchen, here it is.  Sort of a personal experiment.  And since my kids bring me so much happiness, I’m going to share the lighter side of being mom.  Specifically, a Johnson County mom.  If you live or have ever lived in Johnson County, Kansas (a.k.a. “Cupcake Land”), I’m sure you’ll have thoughts to share, too.

Happy homemaking!