Tasty Tuesday: Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

I came across this recipe on the wonderful world of Pinterest.  What caught my eye? The words "Baked" and "Southwestern."  Here in our house, we LOVE all flavors Southwestern. If it calls for Cumin or Chili Powder? We're in.

But "baked" is what got me the most. Who doesn't love Egg Rolls?  But let's face it: they are deep fried pieces of fatty goodness. TOTALLY not part of a healthy diet.  I had NO idea that:

1) you could buy egg roll wrappers at the grocery store
2) that the actual egg roll wrappers were not bad for you - it is the frying that makes them unhealthy.
3) you can bake egg rolls instead of frying!

Reading this recipe was quite the learning experience for me.

Also? The recipe is meatless.  So you can serve them up to your vegetarian friends. But as one who eats meat, you'd never miss it!

The recipe comes from the inspiring food blog, Annie's Eats.

~~~~~

Baked Southwestern Eggrolls

(linked from Annie's Eats)

2 cups of frozen corn, thawed

1 10oz pkg of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 15oz can of black beans, drained

1 4oz can of chopped green chiles

4 green onions, chopped

2 cups of shredded cheese (Annie recommends a Mexican blend. I use low-fat Cheddar)

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I don't add this, incase Little Chica wants to try some)

1 pkg eggroll wrappers (I like the Nasoya brand)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly spray a cookie sheet (or cover with parchment paper).

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the eggroll wrappers.

Take an eggroll wrapper, and place it on the counter in front of you so it looks like a diamond (one of the points facing down toward you). Place 2-4 TBS of the filling in the center (Annie says 1/4 cup, but if you want to spread it further, you can use a little less).  Bring the bottom tip of the egg roll up and over the filling and roll slightly.  Then bring in the 2 side tips into the center and continue rolling.  When you get to the top tip, dip your finger in water and brush the edge/tip.  Bring the moistened tip over the top and seal.  Repeat with the rest of the filling and wrappers. 

Place on greased cookie sheet, seam side down.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15-17 minutes (until lightly brown), turning once.

~~~~~

We eat these as a main meal. My portion is usually about 3, with a side of corn chips and salsa.  Serve this up with some salsa and sour cream, although they need no doctoring because they taste so good!  I've also made some of this chicken, and shredded it up and added it to the egg rolls.  

If you aren't sure where to find egg rolls in your grocery store, check by the tofu in the produce section.  In my store, it's in the organic aisle.  In other stores, it is in with the fresh fruit and vegetables.  

Once your imagination gets going, you find there are so many things you can stuff in egg rolls wrappers and bake. Next week I'll bring you a recipe for Breakfast Egg Rolls!

Have a good week!

You can read more about Steph's life and recipes at her blog, Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Mom.

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Ask Shelby: Better Mothering

Here is May's installment of "Ask Shelby" from Chester County's own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley.

Dear Shelby,

With Mother’s Day this month, I’m realizing I’m not always being the kind of mother I want to be. I yell more than I’d like, I’m not always as patient or kind or attentive as I want to be. How can I turn things around?

Signed, Exasperated Mom

Dear Exasperated,

I think most parents feel this way at some point or another. It’s hard to be as kind, patient, and consistent as we want to be as parents when the stress of daily life makes it feel like the to-do list will never be done. The first thing I will suggest is to make sure you are taking good care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, get some exercise, and have time for things you enjoy (movies, running, knitting, reading, etc.). Everyone needs stress relief so they can function at their best. Small efforts to “fill your tank” will go a long way in helping you be a better mom.

I will also suggest visualizing how you want to act as a mother. When you wake up in the morning, take 60 seconds to sit or lay in bed and picture yourself kindly, patiently interacting with your kids. As you drive home from work or errands, visualize yourself mothering in the way you value. The more intentional you can be, the more you will respond to your kids in ways you like, and not just react to them out of stress or impatience.

Here are a few other suggestions I often use with clients:

1. Whisper instead of yell. Getting down to your kid’s eye level and quietly but firmly giving them a directive can be much more effective than yelling. It models self-control, it shows them you have the power (when you yell and seem out of control it can seem like they have the power to drive you to the point of losing it), it reduces any fear kids might have about loud yelling and that overall chaotic feel of a house filled with yelling, and it eliminates the humiliation kids feel when yelled at in public.

2. 5:1 ratio of positive/affirming comments to corrective/negative comments. Catch your child being good. Notice when they are kind, polite, caring, funny. “Thank you for waiting patiently.” “Wow, your picture is so colorful.” “That was a funny joke.” “I love to listen to you sing.” Kids and adults need lots of positive affirmation every day.

3. Spend time with your child playing and being in the moment. We all have those days where it feels like all we do is boss our kids around and try to contain the chaos. Today, create opportunities where you can simply enjoy life with your child. Go for a nature walk and look at leaves and flowers. (Be patient, go slow, look at all the bugs and dandelions your kid points out.) Go to a park and play tag. Color together. Ride bikes. Be in the moment. Choose not to juggle laundry, phone calls, and paying attention to your child. Find 10 or 20 or 30 minutes a couple of times today that can be all about being in relationship with them.

The fact that you are aware of your mothering behaviors and want better for your family tells me you are already a pretty wonderful mom!

Shelby

Shelby Riley, LMFT is the owner of Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LLC. She is currently the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT). Remember to check out Shelby's website www.shelbyrileymft.com for useful information about therapy for individuals, couples, and families.