I’ve just been sitting here staring at this screen and trying to decide how to start, actually how to write this entire post. It’s easy to talk about a quinoa stuffed peppers casserole, but this is bigger. It’s something that Cade and I feel so strongly about, but that also means that it’s a lot of pressure to get our message across. Whenever we talk about these sort of things people tend to either get passionate with us or totally ignore the whole thing. So, here we go, we are hoping that you all will read on and learn why we’ve partnered up with Project Sunlight and Unilever to talk about the 16 million children in America who are going to bed hungry. 16 MILLION.
16 MILLION. Just think about all of those kids standing in a room and you looking over each of them. Which ones would you pick to go hungry? I don’t think I could turn them away. Remember that man who paid off those delinquent student lunches? People are doing good things all over the world and it makes a difference. It doesn’t have to be $1200 worth of lunches paid for, but there is something you can do. In fact, I’ve got two ideas for ya and I’m convinced that together we can make a difference. I encourage you to forget that 16 million and instead just go after the one. Go after one child that this could make a difference. Children don’t choose to not know if they will be fed that day. It isn’t their fault and as adults we must do something.
We showed our children this video and talked to them about the ideas below. Our goal is to always be aware, especially around the holidays, and to move on inspiration. Even if we don’t know someone if we feel the need to stop at a home and leave groceries on the doorstep we will do it.
1. Make a meal for someone or host a potluck night and invite a family in need
This quinoa stuffed peppers casserole is super easy to make, really filling, and has great nutritional value. Plus, it easily can become a soup the next day and last even longer. One thing Cade and I are big on is being mindful of others and then when we feel inspired we make an easy, family friendly meal and show up on someone’s door. I don’t even have to know them at all. It’s about bucking up and making a difference and though it’s always a little uncomfortable for me, it always feels amazing afterwards. Or you could call up a few neighbors and host a potluck. Invite a family that is struggling and let them know that it looks like the food is covered but you’d love for them to help with set up or take down so they don’t feel useless. Then make sure you have leftovers and insist on them taking them home.
2. Pay for someone’s groceries
When we grocery shop we tried to watch those around us and if there is someone that looks like they could use a little love or assistance, without judgement or hesitation we purchase their groceries. It doesn’t matter if it’s small like milk, and eggs, or a few more things. You just never know how that little extra could help them purchase more groceries on their own later and slowly start to get back on track.
Listen, I know that this can be uncomfortable, but at what point do we create change ourselves instead of expecting someone else to or ignoring it? 16 Million kids, you guys. 16 Million. One child at a time and we are going to change things. And maybe one day they will become great leaders and do something amazing themselves. If you have any thoughts or want to share your experiences please use I #shareameal because… or #brightfuture so we can all follow along.
Is Quinoa Gluten Free?
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, brown rice and quinoa are go-to grains for carbohydrate and fibre.
What Are The Nutrients In Quinoa?
Quinoa is a good source of protein, fiber, iron, copper, thiamin and vitamin B6.
One cup of cooked quinoa has about 40 fewer calories than the same amount of white rice.
Quinoa provides 5 more grams of fiber and double the protein of rice, and rice has about 15 times more grams of carbohydrates than the same amount of quinoa.
Is Italian Sausage Made From Beef?
Italian Sausage is most often made with pork.
The Main seasoning is generally fennel.
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Casserole
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red quinoa, cooked
- 1/2 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 1 cup sweet peppers, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, 15 ounces, drained
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray an 8x9" baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage.
- Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove the meat to the baking dish, leaving the browned bits and grease in the pan.
- If needed, add a little olive oil and add the onions and peppers.
- Cook until tender, about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place the peppers and onions in the baking dish with the meat, add the quinoa and tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with both cheeses and bake for 20 minutes or until hot and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with a fresh salad.
Nutrition
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John Fox
This was excellent. I doubled everything, and vegeified it by using 4 bell peppers. Also added some spices — garlic, smoked paprika, salt/pepper, and basil and oregano to compliment the italian sausage.
Sweet Basil
Love the addition of all those spices, John. Thanks for coming back to comment. That means so much to us!
Deni
Peace and Love
Christina
I successfully veggie-fied this for dinner last night! Replaced sausage with a can of chickpeas that I threw in the pan to saute with the onion and pepper. Added some spices (to make up for what’s lost without the sausage), doubled the amount of tomatoes, added in some spicy salsa (1/4C) and used up the last of a wheel of queso fresco on top, instead of mozz and parm. It was DELICIOUS.
Sweet Basil
Ohhhh, chickpeas!!! Fantastic idea! And you do know that queso fresco is one of our FAVORITES, right?!
Nutmeg Nanny
It always breaks my heart when I think of all the children who go to bed hungry. This post comforts me to know that there are people in this world making sure no one goes to be hungry.
Thalia @ butter and brioche
I loved this post, thanks for the great read… delicious recipe too, I have never used quinoa in a casserole before and it is definitely something i will be trying next.
Sweet Basil
Oh you have to try it! We have an awesome pesto version on here too that we looooove!
kita
What a great video. I almost rewound (do you rewind the internet) because I swear I saw a photo of the young husband with comics, and right then she said they connected with comics. How awesome. We have several food drives at my store though the year – its amazing to see how much people are willing to give once they are made aware. Always brings tears to my eyes!
Thanks for spreading the word!
Oh – this stuffed pepper casserole looks pretty darned amazing too!
Sweet Basil
It’s true! People do have good hearts and are willing to help out once everyone has slowed down enough to talk about it.
Liz Latham
That casserole looks incredible! And Project Sunlight is such a great cause!
~Liz@HoosierHomemade.com
Charisa
Thanks for bringing attention to this cause!
Carolyn
I love these ideas for helping the 16 million going hungry. You’re right, it can be uncomfortable but we need to do something!
Sweet Basil
Carolyn,
Absolutely! I’d much rather give than ever regret not giving.
Amanda
What an amazing post, just wow!
fabiola@notjustbaked
I am loving these recipes, just how we eat in our house! Yum.
Sweet Basil
That’s what I like to hear!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Beautiful post topic and the way you wrote about it! Also, fantastic sounding recipe 🙂
Sweet Basil
Thanks so much. I hope we can all step up and help those around us a little.
Matt
Such a great post and what an incredible casserole idea!
Sweet Basil
Thanks Matt. Sometimes it’s hard to remember just how blessed we are to have food on our tables every day.