I'm thrilled to unveil a brand new series here on the blog that's near and dear to my heart: Mom Meals. But before we dive into the delicious details, let me take you on a little journey.

Back in the days before motherhood graced my life, I'll admit—I used to be a bit judgmental about "mom meals." You know the ones I'm talking about—casseroles, spaghetti, one-pan dinners, meatloaf... the classics. After graduating from culinary school, I got a tad bit snooty about these dishes. I turned up my nose at anything that seemed too "basic" or "ordinary."

But oh, how things have changed since then!

Now that I'm knee-deep in the wonderful chaos of motherhood, I've come to realize just how essential those so-called "mom meals" truly are. There's something magical about being able to whip up a simple, delicious, and nutritious meal in 45 minutes or under—especially when you've got little ones clamoring for your attention.

But here's the kicker: Just because we're embracing the convenience of mom meals doesn't mean we have to sacrifice on ingenuity or flavor. That's where this new series comes in.

I'm taking those classic mom meals and giving them my own special spin. We're talking upgraded ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and yes, even a few sneaky ways to sneak in some extra veggies for those picky eaters.

And speaking of sneaky veggies, let me introduce you to our first recipe in the Mom Meals series: Kale Pesto Pasta.

This nut-free pesto is not only incredibly flavorful and customizable, but it's also a fantastic way to sneak in some leafy greens for even the most veggie-averse kiddos. Plus, I'll let you in on a little hack of mine: I like to save any leftover sauce by freezing it in silicone ice tray molds. That way, I always have a stash of homemade pesto ready to go whenever the craving strikes.

So buckle up, fellow moms, because we're about to embark on a culinary journey filled with creativity, flavor, and plenty of love. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes coming your way soon!

Until next time,
Ryan

Why it Works:

Nutritious and Delicious: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By incorporating kale into a pesto sauce, you're adding an extra boost of nutrients to your meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, when paired with wholegrain pasta, you've got a wholesome and satisfying dish that's both nutritious and delicious.

Versatile and Customizable: One of the great things about pesto is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Don't have kale on hand? No problem—substitute with spinach. Prefer a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, making kale pesto pasta a recipe that you can truly make your own.

Kid-Friendly and Sneakily Healthy: Let's face it—getting kids to eat their greens can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But by blending kale into a flavorful pesto sauce and tossing it with pasta, you're able to sneak in those essential nutrients in a way that's both kid-friendly and delicious. Plus, the vibrant green color of the pesto is sure to intrigue even the pickiest of eaters, making mealtime a little less stressful for parents.

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Tools You'll Need

Food processor or blender

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Pro Tips To Help You Out

DO blanche and drain your kale. It will help to soften the bite and texture of the greens. Draining the kale will make sure your pesto isn't soggy.

DO use high-quality parmesan cheese, preferably the kind that isn't pre-grated.

DO use Italian flat-leaf parsley and not the curly stuff. In my opinion, the flavor is more robust and herby.

DO use a high-quality olive oil for for pesto.

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