What's good for my family

Thanks to a lot of inspiration from this lady, I've really committed myself to good ole fashion at home cooking.  I've slowly been improving over the past few months (only since July have I really been the sole cook in the family), but I was having trouble with last minute, "oh no! what are we going to have for dinner" panics.  Then I would send Jeremy to the Mexican restaurant up the street for some fajitas.  And even though that was relatively inexpensive and mostly healthy, I knew I would have to stop reacting to making dinner and start being proactive about it.
Adding to the stress that Isla June's allergies severely limit what we can eat.  Night's of grilled cheese or quesadilla's are out of the question.  Although I am not an expert in the area, I would feel comfortable saying that we mostly eat a Paleo diet.  At least, Isla June does; but she does love rice and quinoa.  And veggie straws. and raisins.  Ok, she's about 80% Paleo.  Like I said, not an expert.  Her life is just gluten and casein (and soy) free.  I've even cut out Greek yogurt. 
So, to help with all of this, I've been doing some meal planning.  Every Sunday night, I write down our meals for the week in our calendar, taking into consideration what is in the fridge and then make a list for the store.  It's been such a lifesaver.
And, honestly, I don't know what I would do without Pinterest.  It's amazing.  I actually thought that I had somehow locked myself out of my account last week and had about a nervous breakdown.  My life is on that website.  crazy, I know.

Here are a few recipes that are main staples in our house.  Easy, healthy and very loved by my family.

Source and Recipe Here

For the Fajitas I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil (or crisco).  And I probably double the garlic.  Obviously, Isla June doesn't get a tortilla or the cheese.  Still on the lookout for a GMO free corn tortilla for her.

Source and Recipe Here

We love this chili.  And the crockpot is my best friend.  Instead of a taco seasoning packet (that is full of processed junk), I use my own spices using this recipe.  And I probably double or triple the garlic.  Yeah, we like garlic. 

Source and Recipe Here

Ok, this recipe is for a night that you actually have some extra time on your hands.  The first time I made it I actually chopped up 6 whole cloves of garlic.  Never again.  Honestly, I cook the chicken (super easy btw) and then throw chopped tomatoes in the pan after removing cooked chicken, throw some olive oil and lots of powdered garlic and Parmesan in there and saute them.  Isla June's noodles are gluten free.  Keep the hood vent on though.  I set off the smoke detector 4 times with this one.

Source and Recipe Here

This one is probably our favorite.  I modify it.  No diced green peppers.  Just our favorite organic salsa over organic chicken thighs and lots of, you guessed it, garlic.  I add some chopped onion and green pepper.  Easy and rave reviews.

source and recipe here

Jeremy announced he hates cooked carrots just as I was putting these into the oven.  But, now he's converted.  Isla June on the other hand, not so much.  But, I think I ruined her on carrots long ago.

Source and Recipe Here

These are my favorite go to playdate treat.  They are easy and for cookies, reasonably ok.  I only put in 1 cup of brown sugar and use gluten free flour.  Plus, I throw in some craisins and cinnamon.  They're awesome.  And they cook in 10 minutes.  Can't beat that. Don't forget the baking powder, though. Already learned that lesson. No one likes a crumbled cookie.

Want to see more of what we're eating, go Here