Success and Failure

I tried two more Deceptively Delicious recipes - tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches. I tweaked the taco recipe and it was a hit with the whole family! Woohoo! Of course I consider tacos to be pretty healthy anyway because of the lettuce, tomato, avocado and fat free refried beans, but hey, add in squash that we would never otherwise eat and a little carrot and it's all the healthier.

Today at lunch I was feeling pretty confident about trying the grilled cheese with butternut squash puree. Until I saw that it called for 1/2 cup of squash puree and 1/2 cup of cheese. Whoa, that's a lot of squash relative to cheese. I was even more leery when I actually started mixing it up. See what I mean?

Pretty much just looks like a bowl of squash. Hmm, if I'm reluctant about it, I'm pretty sure Kyle is going to question it. I added a little bit more cheese than it called for; still it was pretty squashy looking.
I didn't use whole wheat bread because I have these dollar rolls which are yummier and Kyle usually eats up anything I put on them.

Kyle took his first bite. I held my breath. Then he asked, "Do we have lots of these left?"

Score! Nonchalantly I said, "The sandwiches? Yes, we have a couple more."

"No, the rolls. I don't like the cheese."

Bummer. I thought they were good though and Cade ate his up too. I'll make them again and add more cheese/less squash or try it with sweet potato instead of squash (I wonder if this is the record for most use of the word "squash" in one post? squash squash squash).

Can't win 'em all, but I'm encouraged so far!
I'll put my version of the recipes to be sure I'm not breaking any copyright laws.

Tacos
1 lb. ground turkey
1 TBSP olive oil
1/4 c. butternut squash puree
1/4 c. carrot puree
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can diced or crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
minced onion, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, crushed red pepper (I have no idea the amounts on these, you can just use a package and it would be easier)
1 cup water

Add olive oil and turkey to skillet. Fully cook turkey then add vegetable purees, garlic, taco seasonings (or packet), canned tomatoes, and water. Simmer 15 minutes or until you're ready to eat.

While the meat is cooking grate cheese (cheddar, monterrey jack, colby, whatever you have), cut up tomatoes, lettuce and avocado.

My personal favorite is the taco burger, but we usually a combination of shells, tortillas, and/or buns.

Grilled Cheese
3/4 c. grated cheddar cheese
1/2 c. butternut squash puree
1 TBSP Promise spread
Dash of salt
Enough bread or buns for 2 to 3 sandwiches

Mix your cheese, squash, trans-fat free spread, and salt in a bowl, then spread on your bread of choice. Spray a skillet with no-stick spray and heat over low/medium heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil (not sure if this is really necessary). Heat until warmed through.

We are fasting from TV this week! More on that later.