Recipe Box Swap

Randi hosts the Recipe Box Swap on her blog the first Thursday of the month. She usually has a theme, but anything goes this month. This is my first time to participate. But you need a little history before I get to the recipe.

Our house has undergone some changes in the use of food over the last several years. First, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Then, my mother was given a choice for a food lifestyle change by her doctor. We were forced to begin looking at our favorite recipes in a new light.

What was not allowed: beef for dad, pork for both, fish could be eaten if it had fins, tails and scales - I thought they all had that. Turkey and chicken were in. Elk, buffalo, and venison, too. Getting expensive. We had lots to learn and the list didn't end there. No tomatoes or carrots. This doesn't even cover the allergies some had to peanut butter, gluten (no grains for mom), corn and beans.

Caffeine and sugar were given the heave-ho. Mom and Dad both gave those up! The boys and I still struggle with it - we are not restricted as they are. But the reality is it would be healthier for us if we did. We also share the expense of groceries and the temptations of what is available.

The list is way too long to list here and now. I'll have to do a separate post on this later. The issues and foods are many and varied.

So, here's our favorite recipe. Sorry, no picture this time around.

Vegetable Spaghetti

Yellow Squash

Zucchini

Red Bell Pepper (any color works)

Purple Onion

Garlic

Celery

Mushrooms

Spaghetti Squash

Favorite spaghetti seasonings to taste

Olive oil

Ground Turkey

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Place face down on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Brown the turkey meat. Chop all the vegetables and add to the olive oil for a few minutes - cook to your desired crunchiness or softness. Mix vegetables with the turkey meat. Turn it off.

For those that can have tomatoes, add Hunt's spaghetti sauce or your favorite sauce. Let simmer.

When the spaghetti squash is done, take a fork and scrap it into a big bowl. If you have never used a spaghetti squash, you don't have to dig deep just lightly skim it with the fork and it flakes out into "spaghetti". Top with the vegetable mixture and if you can have it some parmesean cheese. We never have any leftovers! Its also a hit at pot lucks.

God has blessed us. Dad is cancer free. Mom, well she lost 100 pounds and her fibromyalagia. My children and I are learning to be healthier and exercise more. Learning early these changes just might save my kids from a cancer scare later in life. Whatever happens we know God will be there.

What about your house? Anybody else have to adapt?

PS: When you're done here click on the recipe box and see what other delicious recipes you can grab this month.