The Importance of Vegetables, And a Recipe.

 

This post is sponsored by Country Crock. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. 

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When I think about food, I think about home cooked meals that fill the home with a sense of warmth and comfort. I grew up on soups, vegetables, and food made from scratch. No potato chips. No snacks. No going into the pantry to pull out something to eat.  In a sense, at the time, I felt deprived.  However, now, I feel a sort of appreciation for this, and I have a completely new understanding of what food truly means.

Ever since having Elliana, our family has transformed the way we eat. We have a new outlook on food, and see the importance of good healthy meals. And therefore, I am much more aware of what we put in our bodies. But, in all honesty, it continues to be a learning process and there are still so many changes needed to be made.

One of the most important aspects of our meals are vegetables. Now, I have never been a fan of vegetables. In fact, I think the only thing I would eat growing up was tomatos and cucumbers. No onions. No asparagus. Nothing green or white with frilly stuff on it. Carrots? Yuck.

And then I met my husband. Who showed me that vegetables can be tasty. It's all about how you prepare them. 

And in time, I have become a vegetable addict. I have added foods to my diet that I swore I would never have touch my plate. Now they go in my mouth and I ask for seconds. 

One thing I am always looking for is new recipes for vegetables. And as Elliana grows up, I know it will be more and more difficult to get those servings in. Therefore, I want to be a fun cool mom who makes her vegetables not only tasty but entertaining.

I decided for tonight's meal I would try the Peas and Thank You Recipe from the Clara Crespo Cookbook, which provides you numerous vegetable recipes for you and your family.

Yes. My hearts look like pac man. Again... i'm not the most artistic mom out there.

A key component of this recipe is Country Crock. Now, of course, when I saw this, I just had to giggle. Because anyone that comes to our home and looks into our fridge will tell you that the first thing they lay their eyes on is our large tub of Country Crock. I always get asked why we need so much, and my answer is simple. Because we love this stuff!

But it is more than just that. It is healthier for you than butter with 70% less saturated fat and 30% fewer calories than butter and has been recommended in the 2010 dietary guidelines. And a little goes a long way.

So the Peas and Thank You recipe was perfect for our little toddler, as she is still young and doesn't get as into creative little shapes as older kids do. Not to mention that peas and carrots are a favorite in our house.

And delicious it was. Complimented our meal well, pleasant to look at, and we will surely be making it again!

Who knew vegetables could be entertaining?!

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Are you looking for quick and simple tips and recipes to make serving veggies more fun? Download the free Clare Crespo Cookbook here for fun and whimsical recipes your family is sure to love!