Recipes for Kids - Zen & Spice

Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas: Save Time and Money with Tasty Meals

BySearch Berg September 22, 2023September 21, 2023

Finding time to cook nutritious meals while staying within a budget can be a daunting task in this busy world. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals by embracing the art of meal prepping. In this blog, I will list some budget-friendly meal prep ideas that will not only save…

Dinner

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

Experience the comforting flavors of a creamy pumpkin pasta featuring whole wheat rotini, aromatic nutmeg, white pepper, sautéed yellow onion, velvety pumpkin puree, luscious half and half, fragrant fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. This delicious combination creates a satisfying and seasonal dish that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. To prepare…

Dinner

Easy Spinach Ricotta Enchiladas

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

If you’re in search of a healthy and flavorful vegetarian dish, look no further than this delicious Spinach Ricotta Enchilada recipe. Packed with wholesome ingredients like frozen spinach, low-fat ricotta, corn tortillas, and topped with Monterey Jack cheese and fresh green onions, this dish is a true delight for both your taste buds and your…

Breakfast

Savory Cheddar Oatmeal with Bacon & Avocado

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD September 15, 2020June 28, 2023

Rethink your oatmeal– it’s time to come to the savory side! Try this savory oatmeal with Vermont sharp cheddar, cottage cheese, fried eggs, bacon, avocado, and sriracha! I received free samples of Cabot Cheese mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Cabot Cheese and am eligible…

Dinner

BBQ Sheet Pan Chicken & Sausage with Roasted Corn and Veggies

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD August 12, 2020June 28, 2023

Create an entire barbecue dinner using just two baking sheet pans in under an hour! This recipe utilizes a stair-step method, meaning once the first item is in the oven (chicken), you’ll prep the second item and place it in the oven (and so on). Fresh corn on the cob, tender buttery baby potatoes, roasted…

Dinner

BBQ Shrimp and Veggies with Cheddar Cauliflower Grits

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD April 5, 2020June 28, 2023

Cheddar cauliflower grits topped with sauteed summer veggies (corn, zucchini) and shrimp slathered in BBQ sauce. Have you ever had grits? They’re amazing. Super popular down here in Texas, grits are commonly served with breakfast, topped with sausage and a fried egg. Grits are basically cornmeal cooked with liquid, usually broth or a mix of…

Dinner

Corn Fritters with Spring Greens, Fried Egg & Sweet Chili Sauce

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD March 30, 2020June 28, 2023

Sweet corn combined with Parmesan, chives, cornmeal, and a touch of flour formed into patties and pan-fried until golden. Pairs perfectly with a simple salad with vinegar dressing and a sunny-side-up egg. I love making vegetable fritters. They make veggies taste amazing and so savory! Abbey loves veggie fritters too. Especially zucchini fritters! She also…

Dinner

Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD March 2, 2020June 28, 2023

Fresh shrimp, sweet pineapple, and crunchy red bell pepper threaded onto skewers and slathered in homemade teriyaki sauce. Served on a bed of fluffy couscous and garnished with green onions! Hi friends! Popping in to share a simple and delicious recipe with you. I’ve been really busy with cookbook writing and recipe testing lately, so…

Dinner

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tuna Pasta & Peas

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD March 2, 2020June 28, 2023

If you loved Tuna Helper as a child, bring back those happy memories with a homemade version using simple ingredients! Peas and garlic sauteed in butter along with heavy cream and Parmesan. So simple! Hi friends! Popping in real quick to share an awesome recipe with you. If you haven’t heard the news on Facebook…

Dinner

One-Pot Spaghetti Primavera

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD February 13, 2020June 28, 2023

Tender veggies, spaghetti, and a garlicky parmesan sauce make this one-pot spaghetti primavera an easy fix for weeknight dinners. I just love one-pot meals. Adding everything to one large pot makes clean up so much easier and quicker! Plus, simmering everything together steeps the pasta and veggies in really delicious broth flavor. This dish would…

Dinner

One-pot Creamy Cheddar Turkey Taco Pasta

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD January 20, 2020June 28, 2023

This one-pot turkey taco pasta comes together in less than 25 minutes! Full of savory vegetables, lean protein, and melty cheddar cheese, this one-pot turkey taco pasta will be a hit any night of the week! I just love one-pot dishes. Minimal mess, fast clean up. There’s nothing worse at the end of a long…

Dinner

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD January 16, 2020June 28, 2023

If you’re in the mood for a meaty, savory, comfort food classic, try this Turkey Shepherd’s Pie! Vegetables and ground turkey covered in a gravy sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and Parmesan, baked until golden. I just loved baked dishes. Casseroles just have a way of comforting you and making you feel warm and cozy!…

Dinner

BBQ Black Bean Sandwich with Creamy Vegan Slaw

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD January 13, 2020June 28, 2023

A delicious vegan version of the sloppy joe – made with black beans! This delicious black bean sandwich is smothered in a tangy ketchup brown sugar sauce and topped with crunchy slaw. I’ve been trying to include more vegan and vegetarian recipes on the blog lately for several reasons. One, more and more research is…

Dinner

Chicken Milanese with Italian Pizzeria Salad

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD January 6, 2020June 28, 2023

Chicken Milanese – a simple Panko breaded chicken breast, pan-fried in olive oil until golden brown. Served alongside a tangy creamy Italian style salad with crunchy peppers, cucumber, and olives. I absolutely love Italian food. For proof, see my numerous pasta recipes on my recipe index. I probably have more pasta recipes than any other…

Dinner

Vegetarian Burrito with Sweet Potatoes & Black Beans

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD September 11, 2019June 28, 2023

Satisfy those burrito cravings with this delicious vegetarian burrito! Stuffed with sweet potato, black beans, red bell pepper, spices, and creamy cheddar cheese. Today I wanted to share a quick recipe for a delicious lunch or dinner meal! This whole meal comes together in less than 20 minutes and freezes well. I made a big…

Dinner

Cajun Shrimp Skillet with Veggies & Rice

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD August 14, 2019June 28, 2023

Spice things up for dinner with this veggie-packed Cajun shrimp skillet. Made with homemade Cajun seasoning, these juicy shrimp, zucchini, bell pepper, and corn are served alongside easy red rice. I just love using Cajun seasoning on meats and vegetables. My favorite is Tony’s Creole seasoning — tastes great on chicken, shrimp, fish, and any…

Dinner

Pineapple Pita Pizza – Two Ways

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD August 5, 2019June 28, 2023

Simplify your weeknight dinners with these Pineapple Pita Pizzas! With only a handful of ingredients, these pita pizzas are customizable and delicious. Top your pita pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, juicy sweet pineapple, bacon and/or black beans. Ready to make dinner in less than 15 minutes? That’s right! When you’re crunched on time, these…

Breakfast

Breakfast Sandwiches with Maple Veggie Sausage, Egg & Cheese

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD August 1, 2019June 28, 2023

Switch things up this school year with breakfast sandwiches for dinner! Flaky buttermilk biscuits are topped with a sweet maple veggie sausage, savory eggs with baby spinach, and a slice of Colby Jack! Served with a side of salty sweet potato fries, these breakfast sandwiches are sure to fill your family’s bellies! This post is…

Dinner

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD July 30, 2019June 28, 2023

Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week! Packed with veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Chicken spaghetti is one of those classic southern comfort foods. If you live in the south, you have…

Breakfast

Classic French Toast with Seasonal Fruit Salad

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD June 28, 2019June 28, 2023

This Classic French Toast recipe is simple and easy to make any day of the week! Bread dipped in cinnamon sugar egg mixture and fried in butter until crispy. Top with maple syrup! Serve with a side of seasonal fruit salad. It’s breakfast week here on the blog! I’ve been working hard with one of…

Dinner

Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken & Veggies with Coconut Rice

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD May 7, 2019June 28, 2023

Tender pieces of white meat chicken, bell peppers, onion and juicy sweet pineapple baked in the oven until soft and tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. This Sheet Pan Hawaiian Chicken comes together in less than thirty minutes and is the perfect weeknight meal! Served with easy coconut milk infused rice. Another easy weeknight…

Dinner

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Guacamole & Pico de Gallo

ByCharles April 10, 2019June 28, 2023

Shrimp marinated in spices and grilled until golden brown top these easy weeknight shrimp tostadas. Don’t forget the guacamole and pico de gallo! Today we’re taking a break from our Tour of Italy for a quick detour to Mexico! As some of you may know, I’ve been creating recipes for a meal planning app called…

Dinner

Roasted Butternut Squash & Parmesan Risotto

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD December 17, 2018June 28, 2023

Savory roasted butternut squash, plenty of chicken broth and a splash of white wine is combined with Arborio rice to create this delicious roasted butternut squash risotto. The epitome of winter flavors: roasted butternut squash, parmesan and tender rice. You can’t get better than this roasted butternut squash risotto on a chilly winter day! We’re…

Desserts

Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Cookies

ByEmily Weeks, RDN, LD November 26, 2018June 28, 2023

Chewy sugar cookies dipped in dark chocolate and covered with crushed peppermint patties, with a melted marshmallow sandwiched between. The perfect holiday cookie treat! Make these marshmallow cookies for your next holiday party or cookie exchange! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday last week! It’s probably my favorite culinary holiday, full of food…

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