Butternut Squash Pie

The harvest of butternut squash is storing well for winter and I’m using one today to develop a butternut squash pie for my family, Thanksgiving Day. God’s design for this winter squash is something to be admired. The skin hardens to protect the flesh inside and it stays well protected for months.

It gets so hard, I don’t even bother to peel it when I’m ready to use it! Instead, I place it on a baking sheet to bake at 350 degrees. After about 45 minutes in the oven, I let it cool until it’s ready to handle.

vines of Butternut squash

Benefits of This Butternut Squash Pie

  • The pie is naturally sweet so you and I can use less sugar.
  • It tastes like pumpkin pie, so you won’t need a store-bought unknown source of pumpkin to bake with, you can create your own.
  • It’s super easy to make!
  • It has the same antioxidant benefits of all butternut squash recipes. They have beta-carotene and A-carotenoids. This is helpful to deter macular degeneration and cataracts and help protect the epithelium (the inner lining of our blood vessels). We need all the heart protection we can get.
  • One cup has a large amount of vitamin A (212%), some C (35%), B6 (10%), and a little potassium and magnesium.
  • God’s plan for your physical health is evident in the things He created. We see this every time we read how many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are placed in the plants and what they do for our bodies! On the other hand, we know man’s ultra-processed items destroy the cells and cause chronic disease.
  • Let’s get our families away from that practice and towards a less toxic cooking experience.
Harvested butternut squash

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.

Psalm 111:4-6 ESV – He has caused his wondrous works to be – Bible Gateway

Butternut Squash Pie

Recipe for Butternut Squash Pie


Butternut Squash Pie

  • 2 Cups Butternut (Prebaked)
  • 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 3 Eggs
  • 3 ounces Maple Syrup
  • 1 Pinch All natural Stevia
  • 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1 Fresh-Milled Pie Crust

Fresh-Milled Pie Crust

  • 1 1/2 Cups Fresh-milled grain (soft white)
  • 6 tbsp butter or 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp stevia syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 9 tbsp water
  1. To make your pie crust, mix the salt with the flour, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like crumbles. Add the stevia syrup (homemade stevia is 1/2 tsp, store bought is just a couple of drops because it's much more concentrated). to the water

  2. Add the water, start with 6 tsp, depending on humidity, it may need more. You'll know if it looks dry and it not forming a ball to add more. Roll it out and cover your pie dish.

The Pie Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl combine your butternut squash with the spices, maple, syrup, eggs, and milk, and a pinch of stevia. Mix all ingredients together until well blended.

  2. Pour into the pie crust and bake about 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Cool and serve!

**The nutrition facts for the fresh-milled pie crust are not in the nutrition calculator system, so there is more fiber in the fresh-milled pie crust than what is displayed.***


I hope you give this zero refined sugar pie a try for your holiday! I love developing recipes from God’s garden goodness, He supplies such abundance and gives so much thought and care into what we need, it is easy to be thankful!

If you are looking for other recipes using your butternut squash here is another one you might like! I do an entire workshop on using butternut squash too, so look at my booking a workshop page to see if you and a few friends might want a girl’s night out to enjoy this creative workshop!

I look forward to serving you and offering you add free recipes and browsing on this site! Share this recipe with a friend or on your social media so others can be encouraged too!

References:

Tang G. Bioconversion of dietary provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1468S-1473S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.2010.28674G. Epub 2010 Mar 3. PMID: 20200262; PMCID: PMC2854912.




Kale & Butternut Squash Quesadilla

Super simple and delicious Kale and Butternut Squash Quesadilla’s will be just the right side to your chicken chili! I know, I’m wearing out that butternut squash, but when a girl can’t eat tomatoes but loves Mexican food…something has to give! So, I ‘m giving it all the chances I can for making a healthier meal. All you’ll need is a slice of Havarti cheese and the recipes for Quinoa Chia Tortilla Shells and Butternut Squash/soup below.
Butternut Squash Soup

All you have to do is heat your skillet, spread your butternut squash over half of the tortilla, place your fresh cut kale over that, sprinkle with some onion salt. Split one slice of Havarti cheese evenly over the kale; then fold your tortilla shell over and brown in the buttered skillet about 3-5 minutes each side! Yum! You never know, Kale and Butternut Squash Quesadilla’s may just be your new favorite too!

Remember, what’s in the garden is so good!

The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:12

Genesis 1:12 HCSB – The earth produced vegetation: – Bible Gateway




Jalapeño Chicken & Butternut Squash Enchilada

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”
Psalm 75:1
We have so much to be thankful for! How many countries have fully loaded produce sections with everything we need for our harvest feasts? None like our country. In light of that reality, I love having a special day dedicated to giving credit where credit is due!
Credit to our mighty God, who provides everything we need in addition to more, for helping other countries. Although, “In God we trust”, may be our nation’s motto, it’s not just a motto. Scripture is clear:
“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon Him?
Deuteronomy 4:7

 

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psalm 33:12
With all these blessings and our God ever present to hear our call to Him, we can express our thanks every day. I am especially thankful to Him for friends, family and patients I’ve met over the years. It is a privilege and joy to revamp favorite recipes to help them stay on a healthier eating plan. Moreover,  without losing the flavors they love!
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce to you an enchilada dish removed of all it’s highly processed cheese and cream! Although it does have some cheese, it’s not the 2 cups you find in most enchilada recipes.

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You might ask, “Why is cheese a problem?”
Cheese is one of those preservative  and salt laden items that cause the blood to be more acidic. The more acidic our blood, the more inflammation we have in our joints, our blood vessels, and our gastrointestinal tract. Not good. Since, that means more pain, artery clogging, and mental fogginess.
Moreover, using your own fresh tortillas bring added flavor and nutrients to this dish! Recipes for making your own tortilla shells are HERE.
Also, I’m also using leftover butternut squash soup to use as my “sauce” on these enchiladas, that recipe can be found HERE

Jalapeño Butternut Squash & Chicken Enchiladas

A healthier, tasty, alternative to preservative laden enchiladas can be made using homemade tortillas. Using leftover chicken breasts, butternut squash soup, and premade tortillas shells make this dish easy as well.

  • 6 Soft Tortilla Shells (See Recipe link above)
  • 2 Cups Butternut Squash Soup (See Recipe link above)
  • 2 Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast
  • 1 15 oz. Can of Great Northern Beans
  • 1 4 oz. Can Jalapeño Peppers
  • 1/4 Cup Small Chopped Onion
  • 2 Cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
  • 2 Ounces Cream Cheese
  • 1/4 Cup Monterrey Jack Cheese ((optional))
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Drain and place the beans in a small mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, onion, jalapeños, minced garlic, and cream cheese. Combine all ingredients well and set aside.

Take a 1/4 of cup of the butternut squash soup and spread onto the bottom of an 8 x 8 square pan. Take a tortilla shell and place a couple of tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center, then roll and place into baking dish. Repeat this process until all the filling is gone and the pan is full.

Cover the rolled enchiladas with the remaining soup and cover with the shredded Monterrey jack cheese. Bake for 30 minutes then serve.

 

So, I hope you enjoy this belly filling chicken enchilada remake with butternut squash and jalapeños! It’s loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and best of all…flavor!

 

 

 




Roasted Butternut Squash & Green Beans

Roasted Butternut Squash is definitely a great side dish for fall. Paired with Garden fresh green beans and onions and this trio will compliment any main dish.

I particularly like this side dish because it’s low carb, nutrient rich, and you can plop it in the oven, set the timer and go do something else for a 30 minutes!

Check out the vitamin packed goodness of this winter squash HERE!

Although getting to this buttery goodness can sometimes be tricky, it’s worth it. In fact if you’ve let rest in the sun to harden for winter storage, tackling the outer skin can even be a hassle. Some people like to use a microwave to loosen the skin on their squash. While others will use their InstaPot or stovetop to steam/boil 5-10 minutes to loosen. I like to bake mine 30 minutes, let it cool a few, then remove the skin.

However you choose to prepare your squash I hope you enjoy it with your family as much as I do mine. Since, Thanksgiving will be upon us soon, I’m sure many are looking for lower carb, healthier options to serve with their bird. They can give thanks this one fits the bill.  God bless you and keep you today!

Remember…What’s in the garden is good!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1
 


Roasted Butternut Squash & Green Beans

Harvest Time side dishes are easy.

  • 1 Large Butternut Squash
  • 1 Pound Fresh Green Beans
  • 1 Small Onion (Chopped)
  • 1 TBSP Olive Oil (Organic Extra Virgin)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  1. Preheat oven to 400 Degrees. Wash Squash and Green Beans.

    Pick one of two ways to prepare your squash:

    1. Microwave, boil or use an InstaPot to steam the Squash for 5 minutes to loosen the outer skin. Cool enough to handle then peel and dice.

    2. Bake the squash ahead of beans for 30 minutes, then cool enough to handle, peel and dice.

    In a separate dish place the washed green beans and chopped onion, season with salt, onion powder and olive oil. Add the peeled partially cooked squash. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Side Dish
American





Give Thanks for Mexican Butternut Squash Wraps

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:8

I give thanks to the Lord for another day to enjoy His goodness! The goodness from this winter squash harvest will last several months stored properly in a cool dry place. We’ll begin with using some left over butternut squash soup to begin making delicious wraps.

Butternut squash wraps can replace any tomato based salsa for people who have chronic reflux disease. Or if they are avoiding nightshade plants.

However, anyone can enjoy these easy squash wraps! Especially if they are having a craving for Mexican food.

Click HERE for Butternut Squash Soup recipe

You’ll also need some Tortilla Shells–Click HERE for recipes!


Mexican Butternut Squash Wraps

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (Chicken or Turkey)
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 Cups Fresh Mixed Greens
  • 4 Small Tortilla Shells
  • 1 Cup Leftover Butternut Squash Soup
  • 1 Teaspoon Each coriander, chili powder, paprika
  • 1/2 Cup Monterrey Jack Cheese
  1. Sauté the ground meat with chopped onion, minced garlic and spices. Prepare tortilla shells (heat if necessary in microwave 10 seconds) Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the warmed butternut squash soup on a shell, place 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture over that, then top with a sprinkle of cheese and a cup of greens. Enjoy!

Main Course
butternut squash, wraps


Enjoy these wraps today! And don’t hesitate to call upon the name of our Lord, He loves you so much!

Why are Nightshades a Problem for some people? Nightshades are thought to contribute to inflammation and chronic gastrointestinal permeability. This can result in reflux disease (GERD) in some people. The enzyme solanine is a natural pesticide found in these plants to protect them from disease. This substance may cause inflammation when consumed and contribute to arthritis pain, inflamed blood vessels, and irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. There are no clinical studies on people to support this claim, however some medical personnel are advising patients to try removing them from the diet for a period of time to determine if there is relief of symptoms.

Follow this fibromyalgia link for more information: Fibromyalgia Resources




Butternut Squash! Amazing!

Amazing butternut squash has so many benefits to build and sustain our bodies!

Did you know that butternut squash when picked after its peak ripeness is able to protect itself from disease? Who knows the interpretation of a thing? The adaptability of a every species in the garden continually amazes me. What does not surprise me are the benefits! I love how it helps build the immune system and contributes to maintaining muscle and bone mass alongside a well balanced eating plan.

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Here in Ohio, this year’s volunteer crop of butternut squash sprouted spontaneously from our compost pile as my husband tilled its richness through the rows of potatoes.

God not only placed in the seed its genetic code to multiply, but also the protective ability to harden it’s skin as it lies in the sun ripening for winter. The clue to picking this at the height of it’s protection is after the fruit reaches its peachy tan color.

Once the peak color is present the fruit is ready for use in my soup.

Since I don’t want to damage the vine or the remaining fruit I carefully cut it leaving a one inch stem. I pick the first for a taste test and leave the rest.

The remaining squash lye on the vines several more weeks as hardening of the outer skin begins and the cooler temperatures at night cause the vines to wither and fade. I can’t help but picture the elements of life for this plant with our own task of self-preservation. We too develop a hard exterior at times when repeated exposure to invaders occur. Mentally and physically.

Butternut squash’s amazing benefits begin as its minerals and vitamins are extracted. These macronutrients help our immune system counteract free radicals. Therefore, counteracting the over processed and highly preserved items we tend to consume. At the same time, our minds are bombarded with fear of pandemics, deadlines, relationship woes, or a health crisis.

Moreover, how do we cope? How do we grasp onto sanity and bring forth preservation? The key of course is wisdom. The same wisdom that changes the face of the man in our verse above. We have the pleasure of applying the wisdom of God’s word to our daily lives so we can experience a change in our own faces.

Just as our butternut squash is filled with lush nutrient flesh to build and sustain our bodies, God’s word is filled with soothing Psalms to nourish our souls. 

Learn more about Butternut Squash Benefits Here:

Preparing the squash for this mineral and vitamin packed soup is easy:
1. Wash thoroughly with water.
2. Bake the whole squash on a oven safe dish for one hour at 350 degrees.
3. 40 minutes into baking add a bulb of garlic to roast alongside the squash, it will roast 20 minutes and 3 cloves will be added to the soup.

Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll need the following:

  • One Large Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Three Cloves Roasted garlic
  • 4       Tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
  • 1       Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 2       Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Rosemary
  • 1/4    Teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1       32 Ounce Box of Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 1/2    Teaspoon Salt

Take the cooled roasted butternut squash and peel the outer skin. Slice down the middle and remove the seeds and strings. Dice the remaining flesh into cubes. You can proceed one of two ways: Place the squash in a blender with the 32 ounces of broth to puree or place in a soup pot with the broth and use an immersion blender to puree’. Your choice. I like to use my blender. So, I add the spices, roasted garlic, hers, salt, and broth to my blender and puree’. I then add it to my soup pot with the almond milk. Heat until warm and serve.




Black Bean and Squash Medley

Psalm 63:5

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

Don’t you just love the confidence of this psalmist? My soul will be satisfied. No could be’s here…

He’s all in. I’m all in too! I want my soul rich with the word of God and my belly full of what He puts in the garden.

It sure does help praise Him with joyful lips. Because I know He is in control.

Let your lips enjoy this fresh from the garden dish today!

Black Bean and Squash Medley

1 Cup Fresh zucchini

1 Cup Yellow Squash

1 Cup Butternut Squash

1/2 Small Onion

1 Clove Minced Garlic

2 Cups Rinsed Black Beans

1 Tsp Oregano

1 Tsp Coriander

1 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley

2 Tbsp. Organic Olive Oil (If doing fasting mimicking omit the oil and sauté in vegetable broth)

Preheat a large skillet on the stove. Chop all of the above vegetables. Add the olive oil to the skillet then the chopped onion, zucchini, garlic, and squash. Sauté’ about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Add the black beans and spices. Heat beans through and Top with fresh parsley.

This dish is good for your taste buds and good for your skin, with 40% of your RDI of Vitamin A! Your cells may also like the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal benefits of oregano! Coriander is good for digestion and lowering LDLP cholesterol!.

This dish also has potassium, magnesium, folate.

What God put in the garden is good!

Enjoy!




Mental Fog & Fatigue: Am I Getting Enough Iron?

Sometimes I ask myself if I am getting enough iron when mental fog and fatigue wear me down. There are several conditions and ways that iron absorption is hindered in our bodies. Today, I’d like to cover a few of them and get to the root of preventing it for you and me. Sound good?

What Iron Does in The Body

Iron is an essential mineral in hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues via the red blood cells. It is also essential for muscle metabolism and connective tissue repair. Cellular synthesis, neurological function, physical growth, and hormones all need iron to function, too! (1)

Is it any wonder that we experience brain fog, fatigue, nervousness, poor exercise endurance when we don’t get enough iron? Iron deficiency anemia is common in underdeveloped countries, but with certain conditions it is here in the United Sates, too.

Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates the use of iron throughout the body and alters its use and absorption for various conditions like fighting infection, or chronic inflammatory states. (2) We will see iron come in two forms.

Two Types of Iron:

  1. Heme-Iron—is more bioavailable for the body to use and is found in lean meats like beef, poultry and fish.
  2. Nonheme Iron —comes from plants and iron fortified foods.
enough iron

Who’s at Risk for Not Getting Enough Iron?

There are several people groups and physical conditions that interfere with iron absorption. One group is childbearing women, who’s monthly cycle and high demands on the body, use up iron stores in the cells. Growing children and adolescent are another group.

A third group are people facing chronic disease and have inflammation, celiac disease, malabsorption issues in the gut or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. (3) When considering these conditions, it’s important to remember the underlying cause and effects:

  1. Chronic Inflammation stresses the body and puts a higher demand on all the cells, therefore requiring increase use of available nutrients. (2)
  2. Malabsorption issues are a result of damage to the intestinal lining or gut microbiome and the ability to store and use the iron in the red blood cells is hindered. (2)

Simple Ways to Get Enough Iron in the Body

There is always good news, my friend! God gives us everything we need to heal our bodies, reduce inflammation and provide the necessary resources to refuel and absorb our iron. Proverbs 1:5 says to let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance.

It is imperative to know what God’s design for our bodies is and how the food He provides increases health and wellness! An anti-inflammatory diet containing berries, green leafy vegetables and bright orange vegetables, as well as vitamin C rich foods, is going to help decrease chronic inflammation.

Some of my butternut squash recipes, that are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, are here to help you with this process!

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance

Proverbs 1:5

It is also good to understand how some common cultural habits may interfere with our iron absorption. Take for instance drinking tea or coffee with our meals. Both beverages are known to interfere with iron absorption. Oops! That’s one I am guilty of enjoying with my meals. Instead, I’ll be ordering more hot water with lemon or skipping a drink with my meal altogether!

A source from the University of Louisville says drinking milk interferes with iron absorption and others say it doesn’t. (1) With conflicting professional resources in reputable sites like the National Institute of Health, maybe it’s best to be cautious, just in case.

It’s interesting too, that phytates from grains and cereals are mentioned as interfering with iron absorption. Soaking beans and legumes can reduce this effect, while using sourdough breads and the milling and soaking process of breadmaking has a similar effect. The University of Louisville source also reports casein, whey, egg whites, and soy proteins inhibit iron absorption in people, so being aware of potential disruptors is a good idea. (3)

Bottom Line

Yearly exams and bloodwork will alert you and me to our iron levels, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of our levels. Being aware of what God provides in the garden to heal and sustain is a good idea, too! We don’t want too much iron, that can interfere with our heart and kidneys. But we do want the delicate balance designed by our Creator to stay put.

Friend, that means eating what He supplies in the garden to reduce inflammation and avoid these chronic conditions. That way we are getting enough iron and all the other vitamins and minerals we need to do the work He has called us to do.

You are not alone, and if you need extra help, I am willing to walk alongside you as your RN Health & Wellness Coach! Contact me here for more information.

References:

Begum S, Latunde-Dada GO. Anemia of Inflammation with An Emphasis on Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 11;11(10):2424. doi: 10.3390/nu11102424. PMID: 31614529; PMCID: PMC6835368.

Chinzon D, Domingues G, Tosetto N, Perrotti M. SAFETY OF LONG-TERM PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS: FACTS AND MYTHS. Arq Gastroenterol. 2022 Apr-Jun;59(2):219-225. doi: 10.1590/S0004-2803.202202000-40. PMID: 35830032.

Ems T, St Lucia K, Huecker MR. Biochemistry, Iron Absorption. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448204/




Ultimate Cabbage Rolls

The ultimate cabbage rolls for you will certainly be different than they are for me. However, when you have issues with nightshade items like tomato, causing digestive upset, you learn to do things differently.

One way, my cabbage rolls are different is the sauce. I use butternut squash for my sauce instead of tomato. It’s easy, you just mix 2 cups of baked butternut squash and add 1 cup of broth (I like bone broth), 1 clove of fresh minced garlic (or 1 tsp garlic powder –use what you have), a teaspoon of chopped rosemary, and 1 tsp of salt.

Another way my cabbage rolls are different is I line the cabbage leaf with either kale or spinach to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

A third way my cabbage rolls are different is I use quinoa instead of rice for a filling. I want more fiber, protein, and nutrients here as well, making them the ultimate cabbage rolls. Now, if you are one of my low carb friends you know what to do!

The benefits of God’s garden goodness cannot be beat!

I have another cabbage roll recipe here, Oregano and Mushroom Cabbage Rolls, where I list the benefits of cabbage and oregano. Hey, not to worry, you can’t have too many ideas for cabbage rolls!

But things like antioxidants, cancer fighting kaempferol, fiber, protein, and minerals are all beneficial ways to maximize the nutrition in our meals. While we are at it, we can nurture our souls with God’s Word!

When I was studying Deuteronomy this morning I was impressed with God’s faithfulness to an unfaithful people. Israel’s story of weakness and forgetting to rely on God for everything is also my own. Maybe it’s yours’s too.

We can both take heart today from God’s reminder in Scripture:

Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Deuteronomy 8 ESV – Remember the LORD Your God – “The – Bible Gateway


Ultimate Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 Head Cabbage (Lightly Cooked, firm yet pliable)
  • 2 Cups Butternut Squash Sauce (See Recipe)
  • 8 ounces Kale or Spinach
  • 1 Cup Quinoa
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey
  • 6 Mushrooms
  • 2 Carrots
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 3 Sprigs Oregano (or 2 tsps. dried oregano)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (use real salt)
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 Cup Romano Cheese (grated)
  1. In a Insta Pot or large pot bring your cabbage to a simmer and cook until just tender and pliable. Drain the water off and let it cool.

  2. Get your precooked quinoa and butternut squash ready (I cook these on my prep day so I can use them throughout the week)

  3. In a medium skillet sauté the ground turkey with the chopped onion, carrots, mushrooms and garlic until the meat is done. Add the quinoa, oregano, salt and pepper. Set it aside to cool.

  4. In a 9×13 baking dish spoon 1 cup of the butternut squash into the bottom of the pan and spread it out to cover the bottom of the dish. Set it aside, it is ready for the cabbage rolls to be placed.

  5. Assemble a leaf of cabbage onto a large cutting board, add two or three leaves of kale or spinach and scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, grate a little Romano cheese over it and roll it up until covered. Place it in your prepared 9×13 dish. Repeat until all the cabbage and filling is gone.

  6. Use the remaining butternut squash to drizzle over the rolls and top with the shredded Romano cheese.

  7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.


I hope you enjoy these ultimate cabbage rolls and check out the rest of the recipes offered here to make your life a little more whole and a little less complicated. Filling our guts with healthy fiber and vegetable dishes like this is a good start.

I am here for you if you need coaching!




10 Best Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

I’m sharing 10 ways to use your leftover turkey today!

You’ve praised and thanked God for this year’s provision and survived your 3rd turkey dinner of the week. Feeling full as a tick about to explode, you may be wondering what to do with the rest of your leftover turkey. Rest assured, in today’s post I have a few ideas that will help you’ll enjoy enhanced and varied flavors of the leftover bird.

#1 Way to Use Leftover Turkey–Turkey Tortilla Soup

I love to make a Turkey Tortilla Soup. It’s as simple as using my Chicken Tortilla Soup-Autoimmune Style and substituting the chicken for turkey. This soup base has a puree of boiled beets, carrots, onion, and garlic that make an amazingly tasteful broth for the soup. Best of all its anti-inflammatory, something we need after a little too much celebrating.

If you’re used to the old-fashioned way, and can tolerate tomatoes without inflammation, feel free to use a large jar of salsa in place of the beet puree. The recipe is easy and will be ready within the hour. Spice it up with some fresh or dried oregano, garlic, onions, and chopped zucchini. It’s delicious!

# 2 Way to use Leftover Turkey—Turkey Salad

This is a no brainer, right? Chop some turkey, add a little cranberry sauce, chopped fresh celery, pecans, and you have a delightful turkey salad to eat for lunch on some fresh tortillas and greens! Staying on track with your health plans is doable during the holidays! Click here for my full Turkey Salad Recipe.

#3 Way to Enjoy Leftover Turkey—Turkey and Butternut Squash Enchiladas

You will enjoy the simplicity of this very tasty dish. Using 2 cups of the leftover turkey (instead of chicken in the original recipe) combine it with 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 tsp of oregano, 1/2 cup chopped onions, and a small can of green chilies, in a small bowl. Mix well and place 2 tablespoons of the mixture on a fresh tortilla and roll up nice and neat, place it in a 8×8 pan. Cover with butternut squash sauce. See full recipe Here

# 4 Turkey Pot Pie

Yes, easy leftover turkey pot pie is so good! All you have to do is combine 2 cups of chopped turkey in a large soup pot, add 2 bags of frozen mixed vegetables or your own leftover vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots), add 3 cups of broth bring to a simmer and add 1 cup of milk (I use plain almond milk) mixed with 2 tablespoons of flour, (or thickening regent of your choice), and seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder). Once the liquid thickens, place onto your favorite pie crust and top with remaining crust. Bake according to Pie directions about 25-35 minutes at 350 is what I usually do. It’s so delicious.

turkey cranberry salad

5. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Replace the beef or lamb, in your favorite Shepherd’s pie recipe, with turkey. Combine the turkey with mixed vegetables, 3 cups of broth, spices, and flour milk mixture. Brink to a simmer until thickened, and then place in a 9×13 dish, cover with your left-over mashed potatoes and bake at 350 until heated through.

6. Buffalo Turkey Dip

Yep, this is going to go very well with some nachos! Combine 2 cups of leftover turkey with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 block of cream cheese, 1 can of green Chilles (with the juice) and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Heat on the stove or place in a small crockpot until ready to serve.

7. Mini Turkey Pizzas

A turkey mini pizza uses a tortilla wrap, cover with butternut squash sauce (baked squash, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp salt blended in a blender) or your favorite tomato or yummy green pesto sauce, cover each tortilla with 1/2 cup shredded turkey, 1/2 cup red onion, and 1 cup chopped kale. Top with a sprinkle of aged parmesan, or Romano cheese, or a dab of mozzarella.

8. Turkey Frittata

Oh, so good. Line a oven-safe skillet with avocado oil, shred a sweet potato over the bottom about an inch thick, season with a little salt, paprika, and pepper. In a blender grate fresh turmeric and a teaspoon each of cardamom and pepper with 8 whole eggs. Blend well and pour onto shredded sweet potato. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage or Brussel sprouts, 1/2 cup chopped orange or red peppers. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are fully cooked. Enjoy!

9. Turkey Cabbage Rolls

This is very tasty and delicious way to use your left-over turkey. In a pan, slightly boil 1/2 head of cabbage until just tender, about 20 minutes. Pull out of the water to cool until its ready to handle. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded turkey, 1/2 cup of onion, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tesp pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 clove of mince garlic, mix well. When the cabbage leaves are cooled, remove one and place a tablespoon or two of the turkey mixture into a leaf, roll it up and place it side down into a casserole dish. Continue until all the mixture is gone. Preheat oven to 350. Cover the cabbage rolls with 2 cups of cream of mushroom soup (I use 1 package of fresh chopped sauteed mushrooms in avocado oil, then combine 2 cups of broth and 1 cups of milk (I use almond) and 3 tablespoons of flour, mix while all are cold and add to the heated mushrooms, stir until thickened). Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

10. Turkey Avocado Cups

This refreshing and filling little appetizer looks great on a serving tray and is a nice treat during Saturday festivities. All you have to do is mix 2 cups of leftover turkey with 1 large, mashed avocado, 1/2 cup red minced onion, 1/2 red minced red pepper, and 1 minced clove of garlic, with the juice of 1 lime. Place a tablespoon of the mixture in some fresh baked phyllo shells and enjoy!

leftover turkey

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8 ESV – Ezra Reads the Law – And all the people – Bible Gateway

I hope you enjoy these 10 easy ways to use your leftover turkey this weekend! I pray you have a blessed holiday season and remain thankful for all of God’s many blessings!

I’m here for you if you need coaching through the holidays! Staying on track and eating good food is possible, all we need is the right attitude.