Kelly, Author at The Nourishing Home

Meal Plan Monday: July 22 – August 4

FEATURED RECIPE: This month, we’re focusing on the joys of cooking with kids. So you’ll find several kid-friendly recipes featured again in this week’s meal plan, including this Fabulous Fruit Pizza – a super easy, fun and delicious way to enjoy time in the kitchen with your precious kiddos!

One of my favorite ministries is serving as the Meal Planning Contributor for The Better Mom, where I share my bi-weekly real food meal plans as a way to help inspire and encourage others. Each bi-weekly meal plan includes what’s on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as links to more than 40 of the delicious real food recipes featured.

Why is this called “Meal Plan Monday,” when it’s posted on Saturday? I thought it would be nice to give you the heads-up about what’s on the menu for the week ahead. That way, you have time to take advantage of incorporating some (or all) of the meals featured, if you’d like. Remember: To view the recipe links for each of the meal plans below, please pop on over to The Better Mom.

So … without further ado … here’s what’s on the menu for the next two weeks at The Nourishing Home. Again, you can find each of the recipe links over at  The Better Mom.

P.S. I’ve provided free links, so you can download the new Meal Plan Template for your own personal use.

P.S.S. If you’d like to learn more about meal planning, please check out my FREE Video Course “Mastering Meal Planning.”

Joyfully Serving Him, Kelly

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The Blessing of a Tennessee Summer

By Kelly · 5 Comments

Recently, the boys and I had the amazing privilege of traveling cross-country with my Mom and her wonderful hubby to spend some time with my family in Tennessee. Each summer my Mom and Art make the long trek from TN to CA to visit us and this year, we decided to make the journey back to TN with them.

This five-day cross-country trip and extended visit in beautiful Tennessee was such a blessing … so many cherished moments together!

And so, this post is a little different … not a recipe, meal plan or tip on eating healthy … but a little glimpse of this special time with family, and the hope that your summer is filled with many cherished moments with your family too!

Favorite Moments in Tennessee…

The joy of being back home in the South, to feel the warm embrace of my family, to catch-up on their lives, to simply be together …

Picking fresh ripe berries from the garden each morning with the boys …

Cooking with my amazing “little” brother who serves his country and his family with such faithful dedication …

Cousins dancing in the rain with squeals of laughter filling the air, and breathtaking rainbows breaking through the clouds …

Hanging out on Mom’s porch every evening, enjoying good food and even better company …

Enjoying sweet simple moments with family – sharing cherished stories of our past and anticipating God’s plans for the future …

… with thanksgiving to my family for your love, encouragement and joyful hearts. You are a special blessing that I thank God for each day!

Are you taking a Family Vacation this summer? What are some of your most cherished family gatherings?

Blessings to you for a Happy Summer full of cherished moments!

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Spicy Tropical Fruit Skewers {Grilled}

By Kelly · Leave a Comment

I must confess, grilled fresh, sweet, ripe fruit is truly one of my favorite summertime desserts! The naturally occurring sugars are enhanced via the grilling process – transforming the fruit into an irresistible treat that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cold addition of some homemade ice cream.

On my recent trip to the beautiful state of Tennessee to visit family, my Mom and I found a gorgeous selection of fresh tropical fruits at a local market and decided to create a grilled dessert kebob with a “kick!” That’s because, we secretly added a dash of cayenne pepper to the grilling glaze to give these tropical fruit skewers a hint of heat that leaves you begging for more – or maybe it’s just me?

The boys and I hanging out on my Mom’s porch enjoying a beautiful Tennessee summer with our new favorite dessert! Thanks, Mom! We love you!

P.S. For an incredibly luscious breakfast treat, double the recipe and refrigerate the leftover grilled fruit. Then layer the chilled fruit in individual serving dishes with Greek yogurt and homemade granola for an unforgettable Tropical Fruit Parfait! YUM!

Spicy Tropical Fruit Skewers {Grilled}

Ingredients

Spicy Fruit Glaze:

1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (or more for extra kick)

Fruit Skewers:

1-2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks
1 fresh organic mango, peeled and cut into chunks
1-2 kiwis, peeled and thick-sliced
1 large banana, peeled and thick-sliced
Optional: Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat making sure grill is thoroughly preheated before you begin grilling.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Spicy Fruit Glaze ingredients; set aside. (If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in warm water while you’re preparing the rest of the ingredients.)
Cut fruit into cubes/slices that can be easily thread onto a skewer. Be sure to keep them all about 2×2-inches in size, so they’ll cook evenly. (Speaking of which, feel free to add additional tropical fruits as well – papaya and starfruit are also delicious options!)
Brush sweet-n-spicy glaze evenly among fruit skewers, making sure to generously brush both sides.
Cook fruit uncovered over medium heat just long enough to form grill marks (about 1-2 minutes). Then, carefully turn the fruit skewers over and brush with remaining glaze, if desired. Cook for about another 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelized.
Serve with a scoop of your favorite homemade vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle top with some toasted unsweetened shredded coconut, if desired.

Notes

Since grill temperatures can vary dramatically, be sure to keep a close eye on your fruit skewers. The goal here is to simply sear the exterior of the fruit to produce a rich caramelized flavor, not to cook the fruit through. Enjoy!

https://thenourishinghome.com/2013/07/spicy-tropical-fruit-skewers/

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