The Real Family Eats: Dishing on real parenting struggles and favorite recipes

How Postpartum Anxiety Changed My Parenting: Insights From Chloe E

Send us a text with your feedback here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2405278/fan_mail/new] Join Reesa and guest Chloe E. as they dive into the realities of parenthood, food memories, and the anxiety that can come with both. In this episode, Chloe shares her deeply personal story and tips for navigating shifting family routines. * Chloe’s lemon pepper chicken thigh recipe and the comforting memories it holds * Practical cooking steps and tips for maximizing flavor * Honest discussion about postpartum anxiety and feeding worries * The challenges of trusting your child’s cues versus societal expectations * How Chloe built confidence to parent her own way and advice for others on giving themselves grace   ______   Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with Rice and veggie   -4 chicken thighs -Orange juice -Lemon pepper -Vegetable oil -2 cups of rice -Green beans -Salt & pepper   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a glass bowl, cover thighs with veg. oil and lemon pepper, be generous! In a pan, cover bottom with veg. oil and heat to med high, place skin side down and hear the sizzle. 4-5 minutes each side. Depending on the thickness of the thigh, sometimes need longer. When thighs are nicely browned, add lemon pepper and orange juice to the pan. Place the pan in the oven for 30 minutes. Cook rice in instapot. In another pan, place green beans in water and bring to a boil, cook until al dente and remove from water. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper. This is a homemade recipe, so it's a lot of feel and roll with it for me. ****** Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide! Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe! For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/ [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats] If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest] If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area. Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988 Go to your local hospital or call 911

Build Confident Kids Through Family Cooking and Creative Recipes

Send us a text with your feedback here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2405278/fan_mail/new] On this episode of The Real Family Eats, Reesa sits down with Lace, founder of Tech and Taste, to talk all things family cooking, resilience, and empowering kids in the kitchen. Get ready for practical advice, honest stories, and a killer air fryer burger recipe. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: * How Lace’s "Lacey’s Banging Air Fryer Burgers" are the easy, flavorful answer to bland homemade burgers * Lace’s journey from the UK to Colombia, overcoming unexpected setbacks and parenting challenges abroad * The importance of getting kids involved in the kitchen early to build confidence and life skills * Tips for picky eaters and strategies to make family meals less stressful for everyone * The story behind Tech and Taste and The Flavor Room and how food, business, and community come together Don’t miss out on the recipes, real talk, and inspiration for your family mealtimes! Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/iamlaceflowers [https://www.facebook.com/iamlaceflowers] https://www.instagram.com/techandtastes [https://www.instagram.com/techandtastes] https://www.techandtastes.com/ [https://www.techandtastes.com/] _____ Air Fryer Burgers with Hand-Cut Seasoned Chips and Crunchy Slaw Ingredients   For the Burger Patties: 500g mince beef (makes 2 adult burgers and 1 baby burger - adjust for your family's needs) 2 cloves garlic, diced or crushed 1 small white onion, diced 1 Tbsp ghee for frying Sea salt and black pepper for seasoning   For the Hand-Cut Chips: 1 large potato or 2 medium potatoes Garlic powder Smoked paprika Sea salt Black pepper Oil (just a smidge)   For the Burger Station: Brioche buns (1 per burger) Red onion, cut into rings Shredded iceberg lettuce or rocket Ripe avocado for mashing Beef tomato, sliced Cheese slices (smoked German cheese recommended) Chipotle sauce (or ketchup for kids)   For the Crunchy Slaw: 2 medium carrots, grated White cabbage, shredded White onion, sliced Mayonnaise Black pepper Find the full recipe at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats/v/parenting-tip-for-confident-kids [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats/v/parenting-tip-for-confident-kids] ****** Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide! Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe! For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/ [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats] If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest] If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area. Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988 Go to your local hospital or call 911

Finding Hope After Loss: Jamie’s Guide to Grieving While Parenting

Send us a text with your feedback here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2405278/fan_mail/new] Get real about parenting and personal growth in this candid episode of The Real Family Eats featuring guest Jamie B. We dig into Jamie's journey through loss, business ownership, and redefining what matters most as a parent. * Jamie’s experience of loss and how it impacted her perspective on parenting and work * The challenges and coping mechanisms involved in grieving as a business owner * Practical steps and advice for homeschooling after public school wasn’t the right fit * How external judgments affect grief and what meaningful support actually looks like * Jamie’s transition from vet tech student to successful dog grooming business owner Tune in for real-talk and tangible takeaways for parents facing tough transitions.     From Jamie Buccheri: Homeschool mom of two and business owner of three.     Connect:  @jamie.buccheri   ______   Pickle & Olive Martini ("The Dirty Dirty")   Ingredients: 2 oz gin or vodka (your choice) 0.5 oz dry vermouth 0.5 oz pickle juice 0.5 oz olive brine 1-2 pickle slices (for garnish) 2 green olives (for garnish) Optional: a splash of lemon juice for brightness   Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice. Add the gin/vodka, vermouth, pickle juice, and olive brine. Shake well until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a skewer of olives and a pickle slice (or get fancy with a mini dill wrapped around the olive). Salty, tangy, and totally unfiltered—just like your podcast episode.   Bacon-Wrapped Dates (Stuffed or Not)   Ingredients: 12 Medjool dates (pitted) 6 slices of thin bacon (cut in half) Optional stuffing: Soft goat cheese Blue cheese Almonds   Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If stuffing: slice the date open (but not all the way through) and add a teaspoon of cheese or one almond inside. Close it up. Wrap each date with half a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy. Let cool slightly and drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze if you’re feeling boujee. Sweet, salty, smoky—like a mic drop wrapped in bacon. ****** Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide! Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe! For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/ [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats] If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest] If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area. Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988 Go to your local hospital or call 911

Finding Yourself After Divorce: Renee's Journey to Resilience and Healing

Send us a text with your feedback here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2405278/fan_mail/new] Renee Rose joins The Real Family Eats to share her personal journey through parenting, divorce, and finding strength as a single mom—all while cooking up a European-inspired carbonara. In this honest conversation, Renee and Reesa get real about the struggles and wins of parenting when life doesn’t go as planned. * Renee’s story on becoming a single mom and thriving while raising two sons * The challenges of navigating divorce—twice—and what helped her finally move forward * What inspired Renee’s quest to recreate authentic European carbonara at home * The importance of self-care for parents and how Renee learned to put herself first * How tough transitions built resilience, love, and lasting bonds with her children     From Renee: I have been a single mom for many years and an educator for decades. I now have 2 grown sons who have moved out of our home and have lived independently for many years.   ______   Spaghetti Carbonara   Courtesy of: https://easyweeknight.com/spaghetti-carbonara/ [https://easyweeknight.com/spaghetti-carbonara/] ______________ ****** Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide! Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe! For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/ [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats] If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest] If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area. Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988 Go to your local hospital or call 911

Embracing Imperfect Parenting and Homemade Cosmic Brownie Cookies with Dr. Taylor Harper

Send us a text with your feedback here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2405278/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Real Family Eats, Dr. Taylor Harper, a child psychologist, mom of two, and children’s book author, joins Reesa for a refreshingly honest discussion about parenting, homeschooling, and real life in the kitchen. Skip the fluff and get the truth behind the chaos, challenges, and small victories of raising kids. * Tips and mindset shifts Dr. Harper uses to manage parenting stress and stay present * Honest talk on homeschooling, socialization myths, and choosing what’s best for your family * How to handle big personalities in kids, including creative ways to channel energy (like WWE wrestling and throwing games) * Real strategies for managing parental anger, apologizing to your kids, and fostering emotional connection * The importance of finding small breaks, self-care rituals, and letting go of unrealistic social media standards Don’t forget to check the links for Dr. Harper’s books and resources at the end!     From Dr. Taylor Harper: Im a child psychologist who focuses on sibling bonds and sel. Im also a mom who lets my kids swear and normalize the struggle.     Connect:  @ drtaylorharperatbettertogether ______   Cosmic Brownie Cookies   1/2 c unsalted butter softened 1/2 c light brown sugar 1/4 c granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp light corn syrup 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 c dark cocoa powder 1 1/4 c all-purpose flour   Toppings: 3/4 semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 c heavy cream Rainbow chip sprinkles   Instructions: Preheat oven to 350F In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and light corn syrup and mix on low speed until combined.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything can combine.  Add in baking soda and salt and mix for another 5-10 seconds until combined. Lastly, add dark cocoa powder and all-purpose flour and mix on medium until combined.  Scoop dough into 1/4 c sized scoops, roll into balls, then gently flatten each dough ball into a 1/2" thick disc; this will help them spread instead of be puffy.  Bake at 350F for 11-12 minutes. Do not overbake. The centers may look a tiny bit wet but will continue to bake on the hot pan, allowing them to firm up without overbaking.  Allow to fully cool before decorating. ****** Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Reesa is a parenting specialist with a niche in supporting couples. Find Reesa hosting couples and parenting workshops nationwide! Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe! For the video version of this episode find us at: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/ [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats] If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here: https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest [https://www.embracerenewaltherapy.com/real-family-eats-guest] If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need personalized support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area. Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988 Go to your local hospital or call 911