"approved"

the boys are five weeks into the feingold diet/program, and we are all totally used to the new way of life.

(*if you've never heard of feingold, you should check out what we're doing at:

www.feingold.org*)

i know i mentioned a while back that we were doing some behavior modification around here. well, the BIGgest benefit of doing this program is [knowing that i am] feeding my children 100% natural foods.

on the flip side, let me just say....it's NOT easy. i am in the kitchen a LOT. i really have to think ahead, and plan well. it's also "difficult" when eating with others, or when attending a birthday party. i always have to make sure that i have snacks for the kids. and....if it's a party we're going to....i need to have something as appetizing as birthday cake with me! we are eating out a lot less, because not too many places are "approved." thank God for in-n-out, though!!

with all that said, the program is working and we've seen very positive changes around here. do we have "new" kids?? no. but what we do have is: less drama, better/healthier meals, fewer outbursts and emotional breakdowns, and much better focus!

do people think i'm a total weirdo? you betcha.

do i care? actually, not really (surprising, i know).

(and....i've actually had a few friends tell me that they would like to hear more about the program, so that they can give it a whirl with their own families.)

as i mentioned a bit ago, i have been in the kitchen a lot more. and...i am really enjoying it!! it may sound very cheesy to you, but i am proud of myself when i make/try something new...and it comes out tasting good!

in the past month, i've made my own: chocolate syrup, alfredo sauce, breads, snickerdoodle cupcakes, chicken pot pie, and chicken alfredo pizza....among other things. my boys have loved it all. i must say, for kids, they are very easy to please!! bryson is very sweet and complimentary, and a few weeks back, he said...."mom, do you know what my favorite restaurant is?......kristi's cafe!"

(love that kid!)

bryson has NO problem handing over "unapproved" foods, in exchange for an "approved" treat!

approved...

now that's a word i hear a million times a day....

"mom, is this approved?" and...."oh, why can't we have that? it's not approved?" i'll admit i get a bit tired of that word, but it really is funny to hear my four year old say it.

okay....sorry for the long and unorganized post....but here's the main reason i am writing it.....

i thought i'd share a few recipes with you!

and don't worry- they are 100% "approved!"

bon appetit!

cheese and herb bread (in bread machine):

1 1/4 cup milk

2 T. butter

1 T. white sugar

1 tsp. salt

3 1/4 cups bread flour

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. thyme

1-3 T. onion flakes

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1 tsp. yeast

*put ingredients into bread machine in order that they are listed. set machine to 1 1/2 pound loaf, on basic bread...light to medium crust.*

chicken pot pie:

1 (15 oz) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup onion, chopped

1/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

2/3 cup milk

3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed

2/3 cup frozen mixed vegetables

*Heat oven to 425. Prepare pie crusts as directed on package for 2-crust pie using a 9 inch pie pan. Melt butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 2 min.. Add flour, salt, pepper; stir until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened. Add chicken and mixed vegetables; mix well. Remove from heat. Spoon mixture into crust lined pan. Top with top crust; seal edges and flute. Cover edges with foil until last 10 min. of baking, to prevent crust from burning. Cut slits in several places in top crust. Bake for 30-40 min. or until crust is golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

(*i plan to share martha stewart's snickerdoodle cupcake recipe with you soon!*)