Anyone use the TimeHop app?  It shows you what you were doing the same day in years past.  Every morning I love to check it.  It's funny because usually I'm doing the same thing--the last 4 years we've been sick on the same days and I find I even serve the same meals on the same days!

Today's TimeHop showed pictures of this recipe from 5 years ago--it's my favorite go-to flatbread.  You can make your own crust or buy one from the store.  I love Aldi's thin pizza crust or flatbread from the grocery store.  They are usually pretty inexpensive!

Pizza Friday is a new tradition we've started since the twins started school.  We like to spend Friday nights unwinding and just spending quality time together.  During pizza night, we like to pick out  a new movie from the library or play some new games.  Usually the girls are super tired from the week and end up crashing by 8:00, so Ricky and I have a date night at home, too!  Win-win!

While it's easy to order pizza delivery for convenience, if you keep a few pizza staples in your pantry, you can make one at home much faster!  We get thin crust 2-packs at Aldi (around $3!) and keep our favorite toppings on hand.  Usually, the girls want pepperoni + sausage or Hawaiian and then we like to experiment for ours.  (Somehow the three girls polish off a pizza of their own! Where they put this food is beyond me!)

I usually make a pizza that's heavy on veggies with a sprinkle of meat, while Ricky puts ONLY meat on his.  It's fun to come up with crazy combinations or use up leftovers!  A few weeks ago I used fajita veggies and pulled pork.  Ricky made a chorizo and pesto one with an egg on top.

This spinach + artichoke pizza is my go-to.  I like that there's no greasy meat and it's super simple to throw together. If you're hosting a party, this slices up well for an appetizer, too!  You can add grilled chicken for extra protein, too!  This recipe originated from Rachael Ray Magazine, but I've changed it a bit over the years to make it my own.  

Spinach + Artichoke Flatbread

Here's what you need:

• Favorite pizza crust or flatbread
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half if large
• 1 small jar of artichokes, drained and sliced
• 3 handfuls of fresh spinach
• 1 drizzle of EVOO (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon favorite Italian seasoning
• 2-3 tablespoons pesto sauce (we love the Kirkland one at Costco)
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (Separated)
• 2 cups Italian blend cheese 

1. Preheat oven to 425. 
2. In a small bowl, combine spinach, artichokes and tomatoes.  Add drizzle of EVOO and Italian seasoning.  Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Set aside.
3. On the flatbread or pizza crust, spread Pesto sauce.  Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. 
4. Evenly spread the spinach mixture on top of the crust and top with cheese.  I usually use less than 2 cups of cheese.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Are you ready to join the #PizzaFriday Challenge?  

I would love to see what pizza creations you come up with on Instagram or Facebook!

What the heck is: Jicama?

A few weeks ago I did a little game on Facebook and Instagram asking what the item was below was.  It took a few hours for someone to guess correctly.  Believe me, not long ago I would have no clue what jicama was either! 

I have been experimenting with new fruits and veggies lately.  I love searching the grocery store with the girls for new items to try.  We don't have a huge selection of new items here in Michigan, but it's a fun game for the twins! 

I'm a girl who loves crunchy food.  Also, I'm a dipper.  Being on Weight Watchers, it's hard to find a dipper that doesn't take up my daily snack allowance.  (I do love the Special K cracker chips though!!). You can only eat so many carrot sticks!  

Jicama is a perfect addition to salads and crudités.  I like to cut it into matchsticks for dipping, or I'll shred it for salads and slaw.

The best way to cut it is to slice off both ends and to peel it with a pairing knife or peeler.  I like to squeeze some lime juice on it. At first, you have to get used to the starchy texture.  Keep eating it, though! 

Here's my favorite Jicama Slaw recipe.  It's great with BBQ or fish tacos.

Ingredients

*1 cup shredded jicama

*1 cup shredded carrot

*1 cup shredded red cabbage

*1/2 red pepper, diced

*4 green onions, sliced thinly

*Added kick: 1 thinly sliced jalapeño 

Dressing (whisk together)

*Juice of 2 limes

*1 teaspoon agave nectar (or honey)

*salt & pepper to taste

*1/2 teaspoon cumin

*2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Toss it all together and chill for at least 30 minutes!

Are you a jicama fan? What the heck do you do with it?

Summertime go-to dip: Spinach & Feta

I am loving this weather!  Aside from yesterday, it has been perfect weather to lounge around outside while the girls play.  I love just watching them on the patio while they march around the backyard playing various games.  It's so interesting to watch Gabby interact with them.  I cannot believe she is almost 2!  Gabby copies everyone and is talking up a storm now...she also chows on sand and dandelions.  So gross!

I've posted this dip before, but I have spruced it up a bit with some Greek yogurt.  I seriously could eat this daily with some carrots or Wheat Thins.  It's an old Weigh Watchers recipe, but no one has to know that! 

Sitting outside with some ice tea, I can munch on this dip.  The girls like it on their turkey wraps too. 

Here's what you need:

• 1/2 cup Feta cheese: I really like the Mediterranean style
• 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt
• 1/2 block of low fat cream cheese
• 3 large handfuls of fresh spinach (I tend to use a whole small bag)
• 4 green onions,chopped
• Lemon juice, from half of a lemon
• S&P to taste

This is so simple to make. 

1. Blanch spinach quickly in boiling water (2-3 minutes) and then ring out water with a strainer.
2. Combine everything in a chopper (or blender) and it's ready in less than 5 minutes!

What's your favorite dip to make?



Mmmm Mondays: Spinach & Feta dip

Okay, once again no foodie photo awards...you get the idea though :)

This is my favorite dip to make with crackers or veggies.  I tend to take it to a lot of gatherings, as well.  Its super easy and most of the ingredients are always on hand.

Ingredients:

• 5 oz of fresh spinach (just eyeball half of a store bought bag)
• 1/2 cup feta (any variety.  I really like the Mediterranean type)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or fat free Greek yogurt)
• 4 green onions (they add great flavor, I would add them even if you dislike them usually)
• 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt & pepper to taste

1. Steam spinach for 1-2 minutes to soften.  Strain and squeeze as much water out as possible.
2. Mix everything together in a food processor or blender.  Add salt, pepper and lemon juice.  Chill and serve with crackers (Wheat Thins or Ritz are best!) or veggies

So quick and easy, enjoy!