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Merry Christmas!

 The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.   Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Love, Jennifer, Stephen and McKaela Hunt 

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Mouthwatering Christmas Brunch Recipes that WON’T Add to Your Waistline

Growing up, my grampa, Papa, always made a big Christmas breakfast for the family.  Walking through my grandparents door, you would be greeted with the aroma of bacon sizzling on the stovetop, buttermilk biscuits baking in the oven and fresh coffee ready for pouring.  We would all squeeze around the dining room table, elbow to elbow, thank the Lord for our many blessings and then devour the bountiful spread of breakfast dishes while excitedly sharing about our long awaited Christmas gifts we had opened only an hour earlier.  

 

Even now, 25 years later, I can hear the gleeful voices, feel the buzz of released anticipation and smell all things delicious cooking in that tiny kitchen.  It wasn’t really about the food- not at all, actually.  But the food connected us.  That small oval dining room table was the place we all gathered to love, laugh, and share- share memories not easily forgotten.

 

Whether you are hosting a full house of guests or having a small intimate Christmas morning, I have a roundup of some of the most delicious, health-FUL and crowd pleasing brunch recipes that will delight your tastebuds and become the start of some beautiful memories!

 

Egg Quiche Muffins

Customize these egg muffins by adding interesting and flavorful cheeses, a variety of vegetables and even some fresh chopped herbs.  Protein dense eggs will fill you up without weighing you down.  You can begin your fun-filled Christmas day with a hearty breakfast and still feel great in your skinny jeans!

From Healthy Inspiration

 

 

 

Sweet Potato and Sausage Cheesy Egg Bake

With only 5 ingredients, this recipe is not only a crowd pleaser but super simple!  Sweet, salty, and savory- the perfect combination, unless you want to kick it up a notch with spicy chicken sausage!

From DashingDish

 

 

 

Baked Oatmeal

Crowding around the breakfast table with your fuzzy-socks-wearing favorite people to share this amazing Berry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal is the perfect picture of home.  Simply delicious.  Downright comfortable.  Warmth in a bowl.  Sweet memories.

From Healthy Inspiration (modified from Celebrating Sweets)

 

 

 

5 Minute Egg Bake

No one wants to spend unnecessary time cooking in the kitchen while Christmas festivities are being enjoyed.  This Egg Bake can be whipped up in 5 minutes flat!!  Invest your precious moments with the people you love and let your oven do all the work!

From Muscle and Manna

 

 

 

Gluten Free Wild Blueberry and White Chocolate Oatmeal Cups

Vibrant wild blueberries, hearty oats and decadent white chocolate chips all combined together in a sweet muffin that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill you up!  You don’t need any expensive gluten free flour mixes or ingredients- just old fashioned oatmeal!  These muffins aren’t too naughty but have just enough chocolaty flare to tease your gues that they are!

From Real Mom Nutrition

 

 

 

Baked Eggs in Spaghetti Squash Nests

Impressed and amazed.  Your brunch guests will be wowed when you serve these elegant baked eggs for breakfast.  If you are looking for a recipe that is outside the box but isn’t too complicated, try this out!

From SkinnyTaste

 

 

 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins

Speckled with bits of sweet chewy apples and bold with cinnamon spice, these Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins are the perfect accompaniment to an egg bake, or scrambled eggs and chicken sausage.  They are kid-friendly but will delight adult tastebuds as well.  Leftovers are also the perfect snack with a cup of tea or decaf coffee mid afternoon!  

From Healthy Inspiration

 

 

 

Baked Apples Stuffed with Oatmeal

The warm apple cinnamon aroma will greet your guest as they come down to breakfast.  This breakfast highlights the last of the seasonal apples and uses ingredients already in your pantry.  Give your guests a toppings bar with chopped walnuts, flaked coconut, greek yogurt and toasted almonds to add some tasty flare to their baked apple.

From Noora Mousa, RDN, Food & Nutrition Magazine

 

 

 

Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast!  What little or big person doesn’t like the idea of that! These cookies are filled with good-for-you ingredients including oats, dried fruit, chopped nuts, mashed bananas and coconut.  ‘Tis the season for… COOKIES!

From McKenzie Hall, RDN and Lisa Samuel, MBA, RDN, Food & Nutrition Magazine

 

 

 

Gingerbread Pancakes

With a hint of spice and everything nice, these pancakes are a crowd pleaser! No refined flour-  only wholesome ingredients that won’t leave you feeling drab and lethargic.  These pancakes are the perfect way to start your day!

From DashingDish

 

 

 

Poached Pears with Yogurt

This eye catching dish can be breakfast or dessert!  Your family will feel like they are at a 5 star restaurant when then eat this easy to make poached pears.  Serve alongside a savory casserole for a satisfying breakfast!

From SkinnyTaste

 

 Wherever you are gathering,  Whomever you are joining,  And, no matter what you are eating… enjoy a joyous Christmas celebrating the life and love of our Savior, Jesus! Merry Christmas!!  TRUTHThere are three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.1 Corinthians 13:13 (TLB)

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Unique Mason Jar Gifts that Don’t Disappoint

As the daughter of a teacher, it is not uncommon to walk into my parents home during the holidays and see an array of cookies, cakes, candy, cupcakes and sweets galore!…  Think Willie Wonka, the home version! The kids in her classroom, and their mothers, ADORE her and shower her with gratitude and edible gifts.  Day by day between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, my parents’ dining room table turns into a dessert bar, sparkling with sweets and treats.

But teachers are not the only ones who discover their dining room tables being overtaken by sweets! Most of us receive a variety of baked goods and edible delights from neighbors, co-workers and those we serve and do business with in our community.  It is the season of gift giving and so many of us love to bake up a little love to share.

The problem is that most of us simply can’t eat all the treats and many of us don’t want to eat all the treats, even though they may look amazing and were given with kindness.  Baked goods have an expiration and the feasibility of eating all of them in the short time frame is not the game you want to play during the holidays, or any time of the year.

The generosity and kindness of a homemade gift is a gift itself!  That person considered me the whole time they were making it- WOW!  I love the touch of a homemade gift and I enjoy giving them as well.  But to make sure that mine don’t get lost in the crowd on the temporary dessert table and tossed after a week because it was starting to mold, I have come up with a few unique mason jar gifts that are the perfect way to show that you care!

 

01. Spiced Nuts

INGREDIENTS

16oz nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)

1 egg white

 

SEASONINGS

⅓ cup of sugar (or granulated sugar substitute, like baking stevia)

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground is awesome, if you have it!)

½ tsp kosher salt

 

DIRECTIONS

On a foil lined sheet pan, toast nuts on 300 degrees for about 15 minutes or until just lightly golden brown.  In a medium bowl, whisk egg white until frothy.  Stir in nuts and combine to coat.  Add seasoning blend and combine well.  Spray foil lined sheet pan with cooking spray. Spread out nuts on pan and bake in oven on 325 degrees for 16-20 minutes, making sure to watch them towards the end so that they do not burn.  Allow to cool completely before filling mason jars.

 

Attach a little card to the lid of the mason jar sharing the type of spiced nut and then give some serving ideas…

  1. Add to yogurt with berries
  2. Chop nuts and stir into oatmeal or hot cereal
  3. Sprinkled chopped walnuts or pecans on roasted sweet potatoes just before serving
  4. Top your favorite salad or kale dish with spiced nuts
  5. Mix with dried fruit for an energy sustaining snack

 

NOTES

  • You can use any variety of seasonings to make this recipe your own. The nuts can be completely savory, all sweet or a combination.  Use your imagination!
  • I used baking stevia to keep the sugar lower.  Don’t swap honey or agave for the sugar as these will burn easier.
  • Make sure to toast the nuts first, BEFORE coating in egg and seasonings, otherwise, the nuts may not be as crunchy and may still taste slightly “raw.”
  • Carefully watch the nuts towards the end of cooking time! They can burn easily!

GIFT GIVING IDEA: Look for smaller hinge lid mason jars like these to pack full of nuts and add to a small gift basket.

 

02. Pickled Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

12oz raw vegetables*

1 ¼ cup cider vinegar

¾ cup water

¼ cup sugar (or substitute)

1 tbsp kosher salt

1 tbsp brown mustard seeds

1 tbsp whole black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

 

DIRECTIONS

In a small non-stick pan, toast the peppercorns and mustard seeds for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. In a medium saucepan, combine all other ingredients, along with seeds and bring to a boil.  While brine is heating, pack a 1 quart (or 2 smaller) glass mason jars with all the vegetables.

Once brine comes to a boil, pour over the vegetables, making sure to cover them completely.  Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, about 1 hour. Seal the jar with a tight fitting lid and shake or rotate to evenly distribute brine and spices.  Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 day and preferably 1 week before consuming.

Attach a card to the lid of the mason jar to share what you made and a little message.  Make sure to let them know that “The pickled vegetables can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.”

 

*Vegetable Options

12oz chopped cauliflower

12oz okra

16oz small or medium kirby cucumbers, halved

16oz baby carrots

 

NOTE: wide mouth mason jars like these are easier to pack full of veggies than those with a regular mouth.

 

03. Pumpkin Butter

INGREDIENTS

15oz can pure pumpkin puree

1 medium banana, very ripe

2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave)

1tsp vanilla

3/4 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/16 tsp kosher salt (a hefty pinch)

 

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mash banana.  In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin, mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla and spices on medium heat.  Allow mixture to begin to bubble.  Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring every few seconds to avoid burning.  Remove from heat and allow to cool before filling mason jar.

 

Don’t forget to include some yummy serving ideas on the tag!

  • Add to bowl of spiced oatmeal
  • Top yogurt with a dollop or two
  • Spread on whole grain or sprouted grain toast
  • Dip sliced apples or pears
  • Top whole grain waffles or pancakes
  • Add to fresh whipped cream
  • Mix with light cream cheese for a delightful, silky breakfast spread

 

Don’t have time to cook?  That’s OK!  I think this last idea is my absolute all-time favorite mason jar gift…

 

04. Blessings Jar

This is a mason jar you stuff with small papers or notecards filled with blessings, complements, admirations, scriptures and encouragement for your friend.  You can write these or even type them out- use computer paper, stationery, post-its, or colored paper.  You can be super artsy or very simple. The messages can be very personal, funny, sentimental or just encouraging quotes and verses.  After you are done writing, then just fold up the paper and stuff into the jar.  The individual can read them all at once or savor them, reading one each day or when they need some encouragement.

This is the gift that keeps on giving because you won’t bless them just once, but dozens upon dozens of times!  There is not a single person who doesn’t need encouragement some days, but this gift is especially meaningful to those individuals who speak the love language of “words of affirmation.”

The most meaningful and memorable gifts don’t need to come in fancy packaging, cost a fortune or sparkle under the tree, the gifts we remember are being remembered, noticed, and thought of and loved.  Make sure to write a special, hand written note to accompany your mason jar gift to celebrate that person and the positive impact they have had on your life.

If you have been looking for a small gift for someone you know, I hope you are inspired by these ideas.  Enjoy making them, giving them and loving on the people who mean the most to us!

 

The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.

 

 

TRUTH: A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. –Proverbs 18:16 (NIV)

 

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links.  If you purchase a product through this link, your cost will be the same but Healthy Inspiration will receive a small commission to help with the operating costs of this blog.  Thank you for your support!

 

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Dear Stress, Let’s Break Up

It was December 3rd and I was checking my inbox, weeding out massive numbers of holiday sales flyers and advertisements when I came across one that read, “Last minute gift ideas…”.  Seriously?!  Last minute?  Since when did 22 days before Christmas become “last minute?”  I found panic rising and my mind swimming even as I rationally told myself I still had 3 weeks to complete my shopping.

But doesn’t this happen all too often…?  We know what is true, but allow people, brands, and industries to create stress, panic, angst and worry in our lives.  It’s kind of like we just open the door to our home, our sacred space, and let “Whoever” walk right in and create alarm.

Who gave that person permission to freak me out?  I did.

Who gave that person the right to enter my personal mental space and stir up worry?  I did.

Every time I meditate on worry I am refusing to meditate on truth.  Every time I meditate on truth, I simply can’t think to worry.  It is either light or dark, but they can’t inhabit the same space.

Now, 2 weeks later, my family has gone through several rounds of colds, stomach viruses and an ear infection and I don’t find myself much further along in my Christmas preparations.  I am tired.  I am worn out.  I am behind. There are only 2 wrapped Christmas gifts under our tree and many that have not been checked off my list.  Let’s not even talk about Christmas cards.

While there is a part of me that wants to cry, blame someone or something, and throw up my hands exasperated, I should be grateful that I can actually sit on my couch and type.  Only yesterday, I laid huddled in the fetal position all day, with a fever, chills and my stomach in agony… with a 1-year-old pulling at me, wanting to play.

To be honest, I don’t really know how I am going to “get it all done.” Maybe “it all” is not as important as I think?  Well, right now, I still think it is!

It is difficult to feel merry when I feel so behind.  But, once again, 14 days later, I have an opportunity… an opportunity to choose panic or peace.

Sometimes, when life feels overwhelming, it is difficult to figure out even where to start.  What is most important?  Where should I invest my time? What deserves my mental energy FIRST?

There is a song that has encouraged me so many times in the last few months.  It doesn’t give me any new revelations or brilliant ideas how to channel the powers of my inner superwoman, but it reminds me to do one thing, one thing that is so innate that we don’t even give it a second thought.

Breathe, just breathe.

Johnny Diaz sings it beautifully.  The only place to find peace, clarity, and fresh perspective for our day, is at the feet of Jesus.

You don’t have to go another moment feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and stressed.

BREATHE.

 

TRUTH: Come to Me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  –Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

To hear the full song, click here.

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What I Never Leave Home Without

When I am dashing out the door- to run errands, attend a social event, zip to the grocery store or even head out of town- there are 2 things I never leave home without… a healthy snack and my water bottle.  Like, never!  There have been several times I left my phone, but I guarantee there was a snack in my purse and a water bottle in my car cup holder!  Seriously.

 

 

Ask a friend or family member and they will attest to this.  I wasn’t even aware of my fixed routine until I heard a family member crack a joke that I ‘always have a snack.’  I had earned a reputation and I didn’t even know it!

 

Why is bringing along a healthy snack this such a priority?!  Simply, I don’t like to be out of the house and hungry.  I mean, do you?

 

Our bodies are complex but there are many systems that work fairly systematically.  After eating a balanced healthy meal, we should feel energized and nourished for about 3-5 hours.  But, after that, we have to refuel.  That’s how it works.  Everyday.  365 days a year.  

 

Predictable.

 

There are a variety of snacks I enjoy when I am at home like yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit that are quite filling and fuel me until my next meal. But, those snacks are not very portable or errand friendly.  Sometimes, I need a bar or packaged snack to throw in my purse (or diaper bag) when I am out.  I don’t want to grab a lunch box and ice pack to keep a snack cold.  I just want something I can grab on the run.

 

 

But are there any packaged snacks that are actually good for you? With the clean eating craze in full force, many people are trying to steer clear of packaged foods, but not everything in a package is bad!  In addition, pre-packaged, pre-portioned foods can save us headaches from spills, help us eat the right size portion, and reduce time it takes to prepare and package ourselves.  Reading labels, choosing minimally processed foods and purchasing items that fit with your health goals is key.  There are dozens of snack options in the grocery store, but which one is the right one?

 

One company is trying to take away the guesswork and make your life easier.  Bright Snack is one solution and you don’t even have to drive to the store to get it.  This healthy snack subscription box is filled with Dietitian approved snacks and arrives at your door as frequent or infrequent as you want.  Bright Snack recently sent me 2 of their 6 different snack boxes to sample, Healthy Lifestyle and Low Carb.  

 

This post is sponsored by Bright Snack, although the opinions are completely my own.

 

Each snack box is designed to meet your unique nutritional needs. A Registered Dietitian helped create each box of appropriate snacks to fit within 5 categories:

 

Low Carb— allsnacks are 10 grams carbohydrate or less (which also means low sugar)

Low to Moderate Carb + High Protein— 5-22 grams carbohydrate; 8-20 grams protein

Heart Health—  low saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol; excellent source of fiber; good source of potassium

Healthy Lifestyle— balance of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to keep you full and energized through the day; includes variety of grains, nuts and legumes

Vegan— Nut and legume based proteins; good to excellent source of iron (10-20%); helps meet dietary needs without compromising values.

 

And… there is even a subscription box with snacks just for kids! Some of the kid friendly snacks include mini snack bars as well as individual bags of pumpkin seeds and dry roasted edamame, perfect for packing in a lunch box!

 

Bright Snack makes this promise:

No artificial Sweeteners

No Soy Protein Isolate

 

Essentially, Bright Snack has researched and read the labels for you so that you can feel good about grabbing a snack on-the-go and know that it won’t sabotage your health goals.  Because there are no artificial sweeteners, some of the snacks do contain sources of sugar including honey, organic sugar, coconut nectar, fruit purees/juice.  

 

After sampling many of the snacks in the subscription boxes these were a few of my Pros and Need-to-Knows:

 

Low Carb Box

Pros

  • While the packages of nuts are 250 calories, all the other snacks are moderate in calories between 90-170 calories, which for most individuals is an appropriate range to curb the hunger without over-consuming calories.

  • All the snacks are low in added sugars- yay!

  • Clean and simple ingredient list for ALL the snacks!

  • The Rise bars have 5 ingredients or less!  Few bars can boast such a clean ingredient list!

Need-to-Know

  • To keep your snack calories to 200 or less, eat ½ the bag of almonds with a small fruit- easy and portable!

 

Healthy Lifestyle Box

Pros

  • This box provides a great selection and variety of snacks- you won’t get bored with the snacks and flavors that arrive!

  • Loved the variety of flavors of the bars!  They weren’t all chocolate and had a diverse flavor selection.

Need-to-Know

  • About half of the snacks are high in calories (250-310), which for many people (myself included) is not a snack but a small meal.  I would eat half of the serving along with a small fruit or handful of veggies for a satisfying snack.  

  • If your morning is crazy full and it is difficult to take a few minutes to eat, one of the higher calorie bars may be a perfect breakfast for you.  

  • Many of the snacks, even the nuts, contain a significant amount of sugar.  While this can certainly make for a tasty snack, I generally like to keep the added sugars in my diet lower, if possible.  However, if you are an athlete (or very active), this calorie and carbohydrate level may be perfect after a hard training session.  

 Our Favorite Snacks in the Boxes

Nii Bars (lifestyle box)- they had a great texture and didn’t taste too sweet.  

Pumpkin seeds (both boxes)- my husband reallyenjoyed these in his lunch box for a mid-AM snack.

Mini Rise Bars (low carb box)- these were the perfect size when you just need a little “something” but don’t want to fill up; at around 100 calories, they would also be a sweet end to your meal.

 

  

After tasting the snacks and reviewing the nutrition information for each of the pre-portioned snacks, I believe that the Low Carb box is the BEST option for those that are trying to lose weight or manage weight keeping calories, carbs and sugar in check.

 

However, the Healthy Lifestyle box OR Low-Moderate Carb + High Protein Box, may be a good option for very active individuals who may need a bit more carbohydrate/sugar and calories to fuel a workout.  

 

Maybe you looking for some easy and nutritious portable snacks that travel well.

OR

Maybe you are simply getting bored with your current snacks and want something interesting to liven up your eating plan.

OR

Maybe you are weary of purchasing those faux “health bars”, “fiber bars” and “energy snacks” at the grocery store, and just want a convenient snack that won’t sabotage your health goals.

OR

Maybe you value the convenience of having healthy snacks delivered right to your doorstep.

 

Bright Snack may have a box that works perfectly with your specific health goals.  To read about each box, the snacks included and the also view ALL the nutrition information, click here to find out more.  

 

Don’t run out the door unprepared.  Earn a reputation for yourself! Become intentional about what you are feeding your body, breakfast, lunch, dinner AND SNACKS.  

  

TRUTH: The wise man looks ahead.

Proverbs 14:8a (TLB) Disclosure: Although this post is sponsored, the opinions are completely my own. 

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Hearty Beef and Bean Pumpkin Chili

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”  After busy days of shopping, preparing, partying and merriment, there are those nights when you just want to get cozy on the couch, stare into a blazing fire and enjoy a steaming hot bowl of comfort food.  Call me a crazy romantic, but this is what I dream of!

After our busy weekend hunting for our voluptuous Fraser Fir Christmas tree, (we call her “Daphne”) and then decorating her until she glowed and sparkled, along with volunteering, housework, grocery shopping and food prep, I was ready for a relaxed evening with a few of my favorite things like yoga pants, snuggling, a warm fire, chili and a favorite Christmas movie (mine is White Christmas with Bing Crosby…absolutely love!!).

If you need some inspiration for some yummy comfort food, I have a stellar recipe!

Over the last several months, I have been tweaking a chili recipe, adjusting the flavors and ratios so that it is robust, thick, super nutritious and has a kick of heat! I believe that the perfect ‘traditional’ chili recipe is rich, hearty and sticks to your bones.  It should have the perfect zing of spices, earthy, meaty richness, and deep burgundy color.  You shouldn’t eat it and think ‘healthy’.  You should eat it and think, ‘this is everything I want it to be, and MORE!’

While I realize that every family has their spin on chili, I beg you to try this one at least once and promise you won’t be sorry!  This Hearty Beef and Bean Pumpkin Chili recipe is incredibly filling and comfort food at its finest, well, maybe not ‘fine’ but definitely the most delicious taste of rustic you have ever had!

The secret ingredient in my recipe is the pumpkin.  If you have had your fill of pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes or my smooth and spicy pumpkin butter recipe, don’t be dismayed.  This chili does not taste like pumpkin, but instead, it gives a rich flavor and thick texture that makes it taste like it has been cooking all day. While many recipes use flour or masa to thicken the chili, this recipe is flour and gluten-free.

The spice list might look long but don’t fret- I guarantee that all of these spices are already in your pantry AND by making your own spice blend, you can control the sodium as opposed to buying seasoning packets in the grocery store.

Many grocery stores offer low sodium or reduced sodium beans- use these if you can find them because the recipe uses the liquid from the beans as well. Some bean brands are lower in sodium than others (I have found that some Organic brands are not labeled ‘low sodium’ but tend to be lower).  Look for a sodium content of 100-200mg per serving.  If unable to find low sodium beans, you can use the regular version and instead add no salt added tomato sauce (like Hunt’s brand) and/or no salt added chicken stock (like Swanson Unsalted Stock brand).  There are a variety of ways to tweak a recipe to adjust the nutrition!

If you need a fast recipe- here you go!

If you want a crowd pleaser- this is it.

If you are looking for a recipe that boasts leftovers better than the first night- don’t look any further.

Whether you are looking for fast, easy or comfort in a bowl, this chili will not disappoint!

Hearty Beef and Bean Pumpkin Chili

Jennifer Hunt, RDN, LD
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • ½ medium sweet onion chopped
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 15 oz can black beans reduced sodium
  • 3, 15 oz cans dark and/or light red kidney beans reduced sodium
  • 15 oz can 100% pure pumpkin puree

Spice Ingredients

  • 5 tsp chili powder
  • 4 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp basil
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef in medium soup pot. Once meat is almost cooked through, add in onion and cook until translucent. 
  • Stir in spices, salt, pepper, and herbs and cook for 1 minute. Add in broth, pumpkin, tomatoes, beans (with liquid) and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer on medium-high. 
  • Turn down heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

Serving size is about 1 1/2 cups
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories 254; Total Fat 4g; Saturated Fat 1g; Cholesterol 26mg; Sodium 596mg; Carbohydrate 39g; Dietary Fiber 13g; Sugar 6g*; Protein 21g
*all sugars are naturally occurring; no added sugar

NOTE: For all of you that have read my series (Living with a Picky Eater Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), you will know that my husband is not fond of onions or tomatoes, two ingredients in this recipe.  The reality is that I make a lot of recipes and halve them making 2 different versions.  It doesn’t require any additional time and rarely any extra effort.  I wanted to give an accurate picture of what life really looks like in our family!  However, I do want to note that he adores his version of this chili recipe (sans onions and diced tomatoes) and loves taking the leftovers for lunch!

 

TRUTH:  Then Jesus suggested, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” For so many people were coming and going that they scarcely had time to eat.  —Mark 6:31 (TLB)

 

DISCLOSURE

This post contains affiliate links.  If you purchase a product through this link, your cost will be the same but Healthy Inspiration will receive a small commission to help with the operating costs of this blog.  Thank you for your support!

 

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