Natasha Red here! Some of my favorite times during the day are sharing snacks with my daughter Reaghan. She usually wakes up from her nap a little hungry, and that’s typically the time of day I need a little snack to hold me over until dinner as well. I love to watch her reaction to new flavors and textures. She has such a little personality already and gives a big “MMMM” when she thinks something is delicious!
Southern Country Ham & Red Eye Gravy
When the rest of the world has been out splashing in the pool and enjoying the summer weather, I have been laying on the couch watching hours of TV. If you know me at all, this is so NOT my personality! I am still recovering from my first trimester of pregnancy and definitely craving comfort food and lots of rest.
One of my favorite shows is Mind of a Chef on PBS. Season 2 hosts Chef Sean Brock from Tennessee and follows him as he travels the south showcasing the incredible history and rich traditions of southern cuisine.
I’m so fascinated by shows like Mind of a Chef because I love learning and growing in my understanding of culinary techniques and also the history of certain dishes. In a couple episodes, Chef Brock mentioned and cooked a very traditional southern breakfast of country ham and red eye gravy. I was so inspired by his attention to detail and respect for his food that I had to try it for myself!
Homemade Blueberry Apple Fruit Leather
Now that my little girl is a toddler, I’ve gotten really into creating fun and healthy treats for her. As a mom who loves healthy food, I’m trying to teach my daughter to enjoy a treat that is both enjoyable and nutritious for her.
It brings me so much joy to create fun food that she enjoys…from gummy snacks, to smoothies, to fruit leather. She gobbles up this slightly tangy, sweet and chewy homemade fruit leather.
Think the old school fruit roll-ups you used to snack on as a kid, but so much healthier. I wrap these up in parchment paper and keep them in plastic baggies for quick snacks throughout the week.
Spinach and Apple Slaw
Natasha here! If you follow my blog at all, you know that I love eating seasonally. It’s something I have been growing in the more I learn about food. It’s hard to tell what’s in season when shopping at the local grocery stores, so I like to do a little internet research to find out or pop by our Saturday Farmer’s Market in town to see what’s out!