There are many reasons to cook other than simply to eat three meals a day. You can cook to celebrate, surprise, reward, help heal, and more. Many of these recipes can be made gluten free, paleo, dairy free, and many more.  With so many bloggers active and live, your choices are endless.

One of the parenting struggles of being a busy mom or dad is trying to plan meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every Friday, we will share our weekly recipe round-up of great gluten free and paleo recipes for you and your family. Our hope is that this is helpful in deciding what you want to make for dinner and makes meal planning a little easier for you.

Here are this week’s three fantastic favorite recipes:

Moules Marinieres – Mussels in Garlic and White Wine

Seafood is always better from a seafood supplier or seafood market. The choices are more likely to be very fresh and have a variety of kinds and sizes. Emma shared a super easy and quick recipe for “Moules Marinieres – Mussels in Garlic and White Wine”. This recipe is great for a dinner party or for a special occasion. They take roughly 30 minutes to prepare and cook, that includes cleaning the mussels. This meal pairs well with a grain free bread and a white wine such as Chardonnay.

Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup

Now that school has started back up, germs are quickly on the move. Whether your children go to school or are homeschooled, having a cold soothing meal up your sleeve is a good idea. Sandi shared her amazing recipe, “Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup”. This soup is so great for when you have a cold. It is known as the “Jewish Penicillin”.  If your family enjoys chicken noodle soup then this is a great substitution and much healthier because it doesn’t have all the “junk” in it. It does take a little over two hours but it is completely worth it, in both cold symptom soothing and in taste.

Healthy Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte

Are you someone who loves having people over for dinner and doesn’t mind when they linger deep into the evening? Stefani shared a phenomenal “Healthy Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte” recipe that isn’t full of garbage and sugar. The recipe starts with a homemade cup of coffee (hot or cold brewed). It is mixed with canned coconut milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spices, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup. This is the perfect seasonal beverage to enjoy together while the kids play.

Gluten Free Waffles

Gluten free waffles are a great way to start any breakfast. I have always loved the taste of waffles. I love them so much that I enjoy them plain with no syrup. Because of my love for breakfast, I used to feel sad that there were foods that I would have to give up due to my gluten free lifestyle. I hope that my gluten free waffles help you enjoy living a gluten free life without feeling that you are missing out on good, real food. Enjoy the waffles and happy parenting! – Remy’s Dad