Eating healthy never crossed my mind as I was growing up. I was able to eat anything and everything I wanted. But as a mother of three, I decided that I need to be more health conscience of what I put in my mouth. I want to be here to raise my children and I don’t want to be a burden on them with future illnesses. So I decided to make a lifestyle change for my family.
My family has many recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Everyone that has these recipes tweak it so it can become something personal. I come from a long line of cooks, so just image the aroma that comes from our kitchens during holiday times. My greatest love yet weakness have been fried food since I was a little munchkin. Down here in the south, we are big on seafood, chicken and creole cajun cuisines. I literally have a favorite food from everyone in my family. I value your time, so I will only share my favorite three recipes that is now healthy and still will make your mouth water.
My grandmother specialty was fried foods and wild game. Bringing back childhood memories, I visited my gram every single day, and every single day she would make my absolute favorite…homemade french fries. This is still my #1 favorite today. As an adult, I perfected this recipe but made it low sodium for my children to enjoy the same way that I did.
Homemade French Fries
Ingredients 5 potatoes 2 tbsp of coconut oil 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash garlic and herb seasoning
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Cut the potatoes into wedges.
- Rinse well.
- Sprinkle Mrs Dash garlic and herb seasoning on the potato wedges.
- Place oil in large bowl and toss the wedges in oil.
- Then place in a baking pan. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes or it’s until golden brown. Can leave in a few minutes longer for extra crispy.
This next recipe is sure to make your mouth water. I wish I lived closer to my mom so she can cook for me everyday. This is #2 on my list. I give this meal a tie score with her creole gumbo. Feel free to write me if you are interested in her gumbo recipe, I haven’t figured out how to make it low sodium yet.
Smothered Shrimp and Potatoes
Ingredients 1 lb. shrimp 5 white potatoes 1 lg. onion 1/2 tsp Mrs Dash garlic and herb seasoning 1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions
- Cut the potatoes into little cubes and dice the onions.
- Sauté the onions and shrimp in the coconut oil until the onions are tender and the shrimp is pink.
- Add the potatoes in coconut oil, cook until golden brown.
- Add Mrs Dash or seasoning of choice.
- Add 1 1/2 cup of boiling water and let it all simmer down for about 20 minutes. Serve over hot rice.
Every time I want to remember my father, I make his famous shrimp fried rice or baked mac and cheese. I can not duplicate the rice as well as my brother, but I have nailed his baked mac. My little eaters can eat this everyday if I let them and I know you and yours will love it too!
Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients 1 lb. noodles 3 Tbsp butter 1 1/2 c milk 1 lb Velveeta cheese cubed
Directions Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Boil the macaroni until tender for about 10 minutes, do not over cook to mushiness. Drain well and pour into a large mixing bowl then put to the side.
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes, put about 10 cubes to the side.
- Melt the butter, the remaining cheese and 1 cup milk on low, stirring often so don’t stick.
- Once the butter and cheese has melted, pour this cheese sauce over the noodles and mix well.
- Place in 2 quart baking dish.
- Place the 10 cubes Velveeta cheese on top.
- Pour in the rest of milk
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until casserole is bubbling. Let set for about 8 minutes, then enjoy!
These recipes and many more have been in our family for years. It is possible to still be able to enjoy delicious meals by turning it into a healthy me. Find your favorite recipe and replace salt and other sodium related seasoning with Mrs Dash. Your body will thank you for it.
