Sausage, kale, and potato soup

This soup has been all over the internet for years, but I've never been apt to try it.  A few months ago I had it at a friend's house for dinner, and I almost died.  Absolutely delicious, in fact I would venture to say it is one of the best soups I've ever had.  Full of flavor and easier than easy.  Very filling.  And my favorite part: the kale.  I love the way it softens but doesn't melt.  It's hearty and warming and fabulous.  Can't believe it took me so long to try it.

Lettuce wraps

With Jeremy on a no-carb "lifestyle", I try to be nice every once in a while and make something special for him.  I had an idea for lettuce wraps the other day and set to whipping some up for him.  Easy, peasy, and full of flavor!  I looked at a few recipes and then threw together my own.  You can get as creative as you like with this recipe!

Ground turkey or chicken, about 1 pound

Finely diced carrots, celery, and onion (about 2 carrots, 2 stalks of celery, and a small onion)

A few cloves of garlic, minced, a knob of finely chopped ginger if you have it

1/2 can of chopped water chestnuts

Trader Joe's Soyaki Teryaki sauce

Sesame oil

Rice wine vinegar

For wrap assemly:

Romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Optional additions: cooked rice, matchstick cucumbers or fresh carrots, chopped peanuts or cashews, diced green onions

I browned the meat and then added the veggies and just kept the lid on until they softened up.  Added about 1/2 cup of Teryaki sauce, or until it was saucy enough for my liking, then just sprinkled a little vinegar for tang and a tiny bit of oil for some nuttiness.

My kids skipped the lettuce and ate the filling on top of rice.  Everyone was happy!

Coconut curry turkey pitas

I was looking for something to serve with an Asian style veggie I wanted to make, and these popped into my mind.  They were super easy and healthy, with tons of flavor!  Everything could be prepped ahead of time, which is a plus.  I served my pitas with some coconut rice and crunchy lettuce for lots of different textures.  And the curry sauce was delicious!

Sweet Potato Turkey Stew

You had me at sweet potatoes.  And a can of coconut milk didn't help either.  Oh, and crock pot sealed the deal.  This recipe is super easy and yummy, and healthy too!  Winner!

*It's a little spicy, so leave out the chili sauce for the babies and they will scarf it down, at least mine did!