A picture speaks louder than words and the one below has me smiling from ear to ear because recipes that an entire family can enjoy are keepers.    It also reminds me of my own children’s smiles when they were young and these cookies would be waiting for them after school.

My friend, Lisa, has four adorable children and she chose to make the Monster Cookies and Thai Pasta Salad.  Her review of the recipes can be seen below Mikey’s adorable picture.

“WE LOVE YOUR MONSTER COOKIES!!!!  I didn’t add or subtract anything in them.  They’re perfect!  Mikey & Gabby helped in making them (which included licking the utensils!)  I loved being able to dump everything in one bowl and then giver’ a whirl!  We used by accident M&M’s new pastel colors and Mikey was sad there were no yellow in them!  For the chocolate chips, I used Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips.

Next we tried the Thai Pasta Salad.  It was also a hit!  I didn’t have the spiral noodles so I used elbow.  I also didn’t have cayenne pepper so I used a sprinkling of curry powder and doubled the chicken.  It tasted delicious and has inspired me to try more Thai dishes.”  Lisa Marie Allen

Lisa – thank you for taking the time to try the recipes, send the pictures and write up a review.  Your salad looks delicious.

Both recipes can be found in Deliciously Inspired’s Cookbook – A Few Favorites for $4.99 and includes the 13 recipes listed below.  It can be downloaded onto your computer or iPad and used in that manner or printed out in black and white or color.  To Purchase – Click Here

Recipes:

Gluten Free Brownies – an easy treat for those who have sensitivities to wheat or those who don’t – they are that good!

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal – perfect for the fall – make up extra because they freeze well and make future breakfasts a snap.

Best Ever Pancakes – Hankering for pancakes?  Make some up but at the same time assemble the dry ingredients, place in a Ziplock bags and next time you want pancakes the wet ingredients are the only thing needed – so much better than store bought mix.

Fruit Smoothie Kits – You’ve seen the packages in the freezer section of the grocery store and they are expensive.  Save money and create variety by making your own flavor combinations.

Mini Crustless Quiche – Making small little quiches is so easy when you know a few tips.

Thai Pasta Salad – The seasonings in this dish are very  flavorable.  Can be made with regular, spelt or gluten free pasta, with or without chicken.

Quinoa & Black Beans – Beans + Quinoa = Protein.  Add chicken if desired and top with green onion, avocado, etc.

Turkey Sloppy Joes – These are so good plus you get to have control over the bbq sauce used which gives you some control regarding the amount of sugar.  Looking for a good gluten free hamburger bun, check out Canyon Bakehouse.

Chicken & Lentils – This recipe can be used as a stand alone meal or a filler for a wrap.  Of course if you are looking for a meatless meal, omit chicken and use vegetable broth.

Monster Cookies – How can you go wrong with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate?  They aren’t the prettiest cookie but they may be one of the tastiest.   Plus they are gluten free.

Extra Special Cookies – This is a flour based cookie that uses peanut butter and coconut.  They are sprinkled with a healthy topping.  

Yogurt Parfait – Layers of a healthy flavored greek yogurt, granola, coconut and fruit – can you say breakfast, dessert or snack?

Stuffed Apples – Kids and adult approved snack.  It’s almost like getting to decorate a cupcake or cookie without the cupcake or cookie 🙂