Peach Pecan Waffles

These waffles were breakfast-for-dinner after some busy weekends where these didn’t make the timing. I love the peaches and pecan flavor in and on the waffles. Waffles are also ideal to make ahead and toast/bake when serving!

The Three Bite Rule - Peach Pecan Waffles

Peach Pecan Waffles 
Ingredients: (serves ~4)

waffle mix & required ingredients (for 3-4 waffles)
1 can/jar cling peaches (chopped and juice reserved)
1/3 cup pecans
whipped cream

The Three Bite Rule - Peach Pecan Waffles

Directions: 
Preheat the waffle iron.
Then, mix the waffle batter substituting half the water needed for the juice from the peaches. Cook the waffles according to your iron’s instructions – mine instructs to fill, flip, and cook for 4 minutes. Before closing the waffle iron, sprinkle in about 1 tablespoon of pecans per waffle and save some of the pecans for topping. 

The Three Bite Rule - Peach Pecan Waffles

When the waffles are cooked, top with peaches, pecans, whipped cream, or as you like them. 
Enjoy! 

The Three Bite Rule - Peach Pecan Waffles

For dinner, we ended up with adults having 3/4 of a whole waffle and kids having 1/2 a waffle. In the morning we always seem to want less. We had bacon and the kids went for all the toppings on the side. I make these savory waffles all the time and freeze them for on-the-go breakfast options since they don’t need syrup/dip/sauce.

May Recap 2023

May is full – we come to life when spring is here. We’re back full-swing into baseball (see what I did there?) and we were kept on our toes for our first dance recital (haha, I can’t stop!).

In the kitchen, I was obsessed with these taco beans and they’ll be on repeat for sure.

The Three Bite Rule - Taco Beans

I made a dairy-free lasagna because I’ve somehow become the go-to person for recipes accommodating dietary restrictions for my volunteerism at Lasagna Love and this option is so cheap and easy without unfamiliar ingredients.

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

We went with lots of toppings on Sesame Noodle Bowls as a new way to see pulled pork.

Sesame Noodle Bowls - The Three Bite Rule

Again with the beans, what can I say…these Greek Beans were a fun dish and good alternative to a lettuce-based salad.

The Three Bite Rule - Greek Bean Salad

I have been thrilled to have comfortable weather and get outside more. Work has been very busy with reunion. We got to see Thomas’ art at the school art show. I wish some of these cool school events fell in March or April too. There’s a culture night, fun run, parent-teacher conferences, a book fair, and so many end of the year festivities. I’m off for a girls weekend and cannot wait. June will bring a special birthday burger!

The big kid:
He had a field trip (and did not get carsick…winning!), and several more birthday parties, and baseball. He took an after school class for building with all different materials. He’s thoroughly into Plants versus Zombies. He followed along with NBA playoffs and it really makes me love the juxtaposition of imaginary play seeming so cute and little with a mature knowledge of pro basketball player names.

The little one:
Her dance recital was so cute! She loved the rehearsal and did so great. Then the recital night came and she was so worried – tears! – and I was shocked. We watched the video clips I had from the night before, talked about what it would be like, and made a plan that we’d get ready and go but if she decided not to do it, we’d just clap for her class. She was all set when we got there. They were very long nights, but she loved it and wears the ballet costume regularly. The tap one was tight and harder to get on so we haven’t played in that one.

Goals:
Year of workwear! I got a 3/4 length sleeve shirt which helps bridge the spring workwear gap. Working all weekend for Reunion at work was a good reminder of what other clothes I’m looking for!
Salads or side-dishes: Greek bean salad!
prep ahead bfasts or lunches for weekdays: I made some savory waffles and they’re one of my fav on-the-go breakfasts. During a busy week at work I had quiche ready which was so helpful.
Monthly dates: We didn’t really make this happen.
Declutter/cleaning: I bagged up lots of tiny 18 month shorts and 2T swimsuits.
Workouts as a routine: Yes! I did a Sweat & Sculpt series that has been great.
What I’m reading: I read Coronation Year which was only ok, especially after how amazing I thought her book ‘The Gown’ was. I enjoyed a memoir Fatty Fatty Boom Boom by Rabia Chaudry. The best one I read was The Measure by Nikki Erlick.

Taco Beans

I took our love for beans, especially pizza beans, and gave them a taco twist. They were such a hit – especially with our littlest eater. The toppings and customization make it easy for a win.

The Three Bite Rule - Taco Beans

Taco Beans: 
Ingredients: (serves 4)

2, 15-oz cans of seasoned black beans (or see alternative below)
1 cup corn
1/2 chicken breast (optional)
1 avocado
cilantro
cheese
pickled onions
any condiments: salsa, hot sauce, salsa con queso, sour cream
chips

The Three Bite Rule - Taco Beans


Directions: 
Warm the beans through, over low heat for ~10 minutes. (Alternative if using plain canned beans: drain, rinse, and add to a pot with 1/2 cup veggie broth and a sprinkle of cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste). 
While beans are cooking, slice the avocado, chop cilantro, and prepare all the toppings
Assemble bowls with beans and any toppings, as you wish. 
Enjoy!

The Three Bite Rule - Taco Beans

Mr. J and I went with almost all the toppings, but the kids loved their beans with cheese, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.

Dairy-free Lasagna

I’m deep in the lasagna world through my volunteerism with Lasagna Love and wanted to share an option for a dairy-free/vegan lasagna. This is not the only or best way to make a cheese-less ricotta substitute, but it is likely the cheapest and easiest to source. Let’s turn white beans and summer squash into “ricotta”.

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

This wouldn’t be a fake-out for those who normally eat cheese, but some cheeseless options are costly or difficult. A popular option for “ricotta” is bulk buying raw cashews which is expensive, and sometimes using an unfamiliar ingredient – like tofu, or sourcing dairy-free options can be tough for some people or in some stores. I find that this white bean & squash mixture is a solid substitute for ricotta amongst sauce and noodles and some herbs.

Dairy-free Lasagna
Ingredients: (serves ~4)

9 lasagna noodles
1 can white beans (drained but liquid reserved)
1 small summer squash/yellow squash/or pealed zucchini
1 teaspoon dried basil/oregano/Italian seasoning
1-2 cups of dairy-free shredded mozzarella
~2 cups of tomato sauce

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350-degrees and chop the squash.
Saute or steam the squash until cooked through.
Drain the beans but reserve the liquid and add the beans into a food processor with the cooked squash (my photos are of a double batch).

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

Blend together adding ~1/2 the bean liquid, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Scrape down the sides and blend until smooth. Add more liquid (or water) if desired. Stir in herbs.

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

Cook the noodles until totally pliable.
Assemble the lasagna – I did 9 roll ups so I didn’t have to trim noodles for a few servings, but this could be a 9×9 pan too as a more traditional layered lasagna.
Lay the noodles out, spread on the ricotta-substitute and sprinkle with dairy-free cheese and roll up.

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

Spray the pan with non-stick spray, add some sauce to the bottom, and lay the rolls into the pan. Top with more sauce.

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil, top with remaining “mozzarella”, and bake for another 5-10 until the cheese melts. The broiler may help as dairy-free cheese doesn’t melt exactly the same.
Enjoy!

The Three Bite Rule - Dairy-free Lasagna

I liked it! I made a double batch to have some in the freezer. This is a thin & minimal use here, but I think it gives the impression of ricotta. I will use the remainder for my next dairy-free lasagna request or, maybe I’d mix some 1:1 with ricotta for a protein boost, or with a dollop of pesto. It also could thicken a chowder or add some nutrition to alfredo.

Greek Bean Salad

We love a lettuce-less salad. Beans are a hit at our house and while chickpeas are the expected, these white beans are the unexpected. It was handy to make it quickly or it could be prepped ahead of time too.

The Three Bite Rule - Greek Bean Salad

We had this with grilled chicken and some orzo. Make it with falafal or it can be a light meal solo!

Greek Bean Salad
Ingredients:

1 can white beans
1 cucumber
1 cup grape tomatoes
6-10 mint leaves
2-3 tablespoons pickled onions (or red onions)
1/4 cup feta
1/8 cup Italian dressing

Directions:
Drain and rinse the beans.

The Three Bite Rule - Greek Bean Salad

Chop the cucumber, slice the tomatoes, chiffonade the mint.
Stir everything together with the dressing and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or until serving.
Enjoy!

The Three Bite Rule - Greek Bean Salad

This would be a welcome side at a potluck or BBQ. It is a great one to make in advance- though I’d add the mint just before serving so it doesn’t wilt too much.

Does this leave you with leftover feta? Make some tacos and mix up some Street Corn to serve on the side using the feta for a totally different feel.