It’s Family Meals Month! I don’t know about you, but our life is so crazy right now! We have kids in sports and other extracurricular activities, not to mention that my husband and I have our own agendas as well! We really strive to have dinners together as a family to reconnect and to have a few laughs together. Since we are pressed for time, I love recipes that quick and delicious, and MAJOR BONUS are good for you! Ok, the cookies are healthy-ish, but has some great swaps for traditional white processed sugar and adds in real fruit without sacrificing texture! Plus, it’s a fun recipe to do with your kiddos, so even more connection time!

Southwestern Rice Pilaf (adapted from Karen’s Naturals)

1 cup cooked brown rice
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. chicken bullion
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground or dried oregano
1 bag of Karen’s Naturals Just Veggies
3 Tbsp. of freeze dried green chilies
2 tsp. olive oil
2 cups water

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot. Stir in garlic and sauté until golden. Add in rest of ingredients. Simmer over medium for around 10-15 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies (adapted from Karen’s Naturals)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup agave
1 cup coconut sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. honey
2 cups freeze dried Karen’s Naturals Just Strawberries
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. In the same bowl, add butter and sugars and mix. After mixed, add eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Add vanilla and honey to the mixture. Slowly mix in dry ingredients, followed by freeze dried Karen’s Naturals Just Strawberries and chocolate chips.

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake for about 10-11 minutes, or until cookies begin to brown and are set. Cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.