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Support your body’s hardworking circulatory system with a meal that’s rich in iron and vitamin C! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe I had heard so many good things about the second trimester of pregnancy- no more morning sickness, an increase in energy, the arrival of the famous “pregnancy glow”- and I was ready for it . I had the impression that once I entered the second trimester, I would be jumping out of bed before the alarm clock went off and getting all those things done that I hadn’t been able to do in those first three months. But I was still throwing up a few days a week and the snooze alarm continued to be hit. And where the heck was my glow? I quickly realized pregnancy symptoms don’t magically stop when your first trimester is over, especially when it comes to energy levels. It’s true that your second trimester typically comes with an increase in energy, but a lot of it is being used to fuel the increased production of red blood cells. And while this (and just the action of growing a human in general) can cause a normal amount of fatigue at any point during your pregnancy, fatigue can also be a sign of anemia. Anemia is when you are deficient in iron, and it usually happens around week 20 of your pregnancy. One in five women will develop anemia during their pregnancy so it’s fairly common. Iron is vital for helping your body keep up with the increased production of blood circulating throughout your body, so getting an adequate amount is very important. If you haven’t already, try incorporating more iron-rich foods into your diet. Vitamin C helps increase your body’s absorption of iron, so eating meals with ingredients that include both is a great way to increase your iron intake. In this recipe, tender steak provides you with iron and fresh herbs and veggies provide you with vitamin C for maximum benefits. What ingredients do I need for steak chimichurri salad? Flank steak Extra virgin olive oil Fresh parsley Fresh cilantro Fresh garlic Dried oregano Red wine vinegar Red pepper flakes - you can substitute with about 1 Tbsp of chopped red chilis kosher salt Black pepper Red onion Red bell pepper Corn kernels - fresh or canned and drained Cherry tomatoes Avocado Salad greens - whatever kind you like best, I prefer to use a mix Helpful products for making this recipe: Wireless meat thermometer Chef's knife Mixing bowl Which ingredients in this recipe are high in Vitamin C? Cherry tomatoes Red bell pepper Fresh parsley How much does this recipe make? This recipe makes six ¼ cup servings of chimichurri dressing and about six 5 oz servings of flank steak. Helpful tips for grilling flank steak: No matter what type of red meat, I always salt it beforehand for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Not only does this season the meat from within, but it helps break down tough muscle fibers to make the meat more tender. Letting the steak come to room temperature before salting helps the salt absorb better, and it helps the steak to cook evenly. Flank steak is a relatively thinner cut, so cooking it beyond medium rare can cause it to get tough and chewy. It also cooks quickly so make sure to keep an eye on it! Let your steak rest for about 10 minutes before you cut into it to keep it nice and juicy. What are some signs of anemia during pregnancy? Fatigue Weakness Dizzyness Rapid or irregular heartbeat Restless leg syndrome Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: For the chimichurri dressing: 1 ½ cups olive oil 2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped 4 ⅔ Tbsp red wine vinegar 6 garlic cloves 2 tsp red pepper flakes 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp course salt 1 tsp black pepper For the salad: 2 lbs flank steak ½ Tbsp salt 1 tsp black pepper ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned and drained) 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ cup red onion, chopped 6 oz mixed salad greens 2 ripe avocados, sliced or cubed Directions: For the chimichurri dressing: Make the chimichurri dressing and let it rest in the fridge for at least one hour before serving For the salad: Mix your chopped veggies and salad greens together in a large bowl and set aside For the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before grilling and leave it out so it can come to room temperature Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450 degrees on a gas grill) Cook the steak until the meat thermometer reads 130 degrees (about 4-5 minutes on each side) Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest 10 minutes before slicing To serve: Portion out your salad and top it with the sliced steak and chimichurri dressing Sources: Harms, R. W., Johnson, R. V., & Murry, M. M. (2004). Mayo Clinic: Guide to a healthy pregnancy . HarperResource. Redd, N. A. (2018). Pregnancy, omg! St. Martin's Press .

Moist and chewy cookies are packed with chocolate, nuts and dried fruit for a delicious treat that doesn't use refined sugar. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe There are women out there who absolutely love the experience of being pregnant. The glow, the feeling of creating life, the transformation of your body as it creates this tiny human. I am not one of those women. By the end of the second trimester I. was. over. it. Yes, I was creating new life, but I was also breaking a sweat just from trying to get my shoes on and I was having actual dreams about eating sushi off a conveyor belt. I would say things to my belly like, “I’m ready whenever you are!” and “I can’t wait to meet you!” hoping he would get the hint. At 36 weeks it was too early for me to try and do things to jump start my labor, but there were things I could do to prepare for it. My incredible doula gave me exercises I could practice on a birthing ball as well as different labor positions to learn. There is a lot of research on the benefits of walking during the third trimester of pregnancy, so I made sure to get a daily walk in even if I was cranky and tired. I also learned that if I wasn’t already incorporating dates in my diet, now was the perfect time to start. A study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who ate six dates a day beginning four weeks before their due date were significantly more likely to: Go into spontaneous labor Not need prostin/oxytocin Have a shorter labor Another study found that the average cervix dilation among women who consumed dates during late pregnancy was higher than women who consumed none. Cervix dilation is important as the more dilated your cervix is, the more likely you will be able to deliver vaginally. This was the information that immediately had me adding dates to the grocery list because I have always been terrified of surgery, and one of my biggest fears was having to give birth via cesarean. Other health benefits of dates: They are high in fiber which can help with constipation after pregnancy They are high in antioxidants to keep your immune system in tip top shape and prevent you from getting sick They contain phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium- minerals that are important for preventing bone-related conditions like osteoporosis. They are a healthier alternative to refined sugar. This is especially helpful if you have gestational diabetes and want to satisfy your sweet tooth without spiking your blood sugar. How do I substitute sugar with dates in baking? Date paste! This is simply a mixture of dates and water that is blended to a thick, smooth consistency. For the majority of baking recipes, you can swap refined sugar one-for-one with date paste (for example, one cup of date paste for one cup of sugar). It can take several minutes of blending to get a smooth consistency, but it will get there! Seven days after I started eating my six dates a day my water broke. As much as I want to think it was the dates, I think my baby just got the hint that I was ready to have him out of there. Now I have a precious baby boy AND a new favorite sugar substitute for baking! What can I say, life is good. What ingredients do I need to make this recipe? For the cookie base: Pitted dates Eggs Coconut oil Vanilla extract All purpose flour Baking powder Baking soda Kosher salt For cherry chocolate chip cookies: Unsweetened cocoa powder Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped milk chocolate Dried cherries For white chocolate cherry pistachio cookies: White chocolate chips Dried cherries Pistachios Helpful products for making this recipe: Food processor Mixing bowls Measuring cups set Slice and bake cookie mold How many servings does this make? You will get about 18 three-inch cookies from one batch How can I customize this recipe? I’ve included two of my favorite ways to make date cookies, but you can do a variety of different mix-ins to make them your own. Just make sure you end up with about ½- ¾ cup of your favorite finely-chopped ingredients. Here are some suggestions: Walnuts Pumpkin seeds Butterscotch chips Dried cranberries Raisins How much date paste does this recipe make? You will get about one cup of date paste, which is enough to make one batch of each type of cookie. How do I store extra date paste? Store extra date paste in the fridge, and use within one week. You can also freeze it and thaw in the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it. Can I make naturally sweetened date cookies ahead of time? This is a great freezer dough! Simply store in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap in the freezer. The dough will keep for about six months. Thaw the dough in the fridge the night before and bake as directed. How long do date cookies last? These cookies are very moist, so I would make sure to eat these within 3-5 days after baking (moist cookies can mold faster at room temperature). Is it safe to eat dates while pregnant? Yes! Dates are high in antioxidants and fiber and they contain bone-strengthening minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Naturally sweet, they are also a healthy substitute for refined sugars. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: For the date paste: 1 cup of tightly packed dates (about 8 ounces by weight) ½ cup water For the cookie base: 1 egg ½ cup date paste 5 Tablespoons coconut oil ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all purpose flour ¼ tsp baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon kosher salt For cherry chocolate chip cookies: ⅛ cup (2 Tbsp) cocoa powder ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped milk chocolate ¼ cup dried cherries, finely chopped For white chocolate, cherry, and pistachio cookies: ¼ cup white chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup dried cherries, finely chopped ¼ cup pistachios, finely chopped Directions: For the date paste: Blend dates and water in a food processor or blender until it reaches a smooth consistency and set aside. This could take several minutes so be patient! For the date cookies: In a large bowl, beat the egg and then add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder (if making the first recipe), baking soda, baking powder, and salt and then mix into the wet ingredients Add the date paste and combine until a ball of dough forms Knead your mix-ins into the dough Roll the dough back and forth on a flat surface to create a log shape that’s about 9-12 inches long. Place the dough in your slice-and-bake cookie mold and let them chill for 30 minutes- 1 hour in the fridge. If you don’t have a cookie mold, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cut the chilled cookie dough using the pattern on your cookie mold. If you aren’t using a mold, use a sharp knife to cut them into ½ inch thick rounds Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place cookies at least 1 inch apart Cook for 8-10 minutes and let them cool on a cooling rack before enjoying To store: 1. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Sources: Al-Kuran O;Al-Mehaisen L;Bawadi H;Beitawi S;Amarin Z; (n.d.). The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labour and Delivery . Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21280989/ Kordi, M., Aghaei Meybodi, F., Tara, F., Nemati, M., & Taghi Shakeri, M. (2014, July 1). The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on cervical ripening in nulliparous women . Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health. https://jmrh.mums.ac.ir/article_2772.html Razali N;Mohd Nahwari SH;Sulaiman S;Hassan J; (n.d.). Date fruit consumption at term: Effect on length of gestation, labour and delivery . Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28286995/ Shojaei, B., Loripoor, M., Sheikhfathollahi, M., & Aminzadeh, F. (2021, July 30). The effect of walking during late pregnancy on the outcomes of labor and delivery: A randomized clinical trial . Journal of education and health promotion. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8395880/

Fluffy pancakes are packed with carrots for a delicious dose of Vitamin A that supports your baby's developing vision. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe At 10 weeks, your baby is already wrapping up the majority of their eye development. This means they've got corneas, pupils, eyelids and even tear ducts... pretty impressive for something that's only the size of an orange. By the third trimester, their eyes can open and respond to bright light, and they can even detect the color red since it's the color of your uterus! Here is a really cool timeline of a baby's eye and vision development from BabyCenter: There are two big things you can do to support the development of your baby's eyesight in these early weeks... enjoy lots of sunshine and eat a lot of foods with Vitamin A. Researchers have found that preterm babies who were conceived during the darkest months of the year were more likely to develop certain eye disorders, so even if it's winter, try to spend a few minutes outside when you can. Then come inside and warm up with a delicious stack of carrot cake pancakes. This recipe contains two cups of grated carrots which is 204% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, so even just eating two or three pancakes will give you a significant amount. Also, please take a minute to appreciate these llama-stamped pancakes: What ingredients do I need to make this recipe? All purpose flour Baking powder Cinnamon Nutmeg Salt Unsweetened applesauce - you can substitute with canola or melted coconut oil Vanilla extract Brown sugar 2 cups carrots Milk- any kind works, I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk Carrots Cream cheese Powdered sugar Chopped pecans - optional Helpful products for making this recipe: Griddle Spatula Mixing bowls Grater Food processor Measuring cups and spoons set How many servings does this make? You will get about 10-12 pancakes that are 3 ½ inches. Can I freeze carrot cake pancakes? These freeze great! You can layer them between sheets of wax paper and store in a freezer-friendly bag or container. I skip the wax paper when I'm feeling lazy and don't tend to have any issues separating them. To reheat, toast them in the toaster on medium heat or microwave in 30 second increments until they're warmed through. What other foods are high in Vitamin A? Fish Eggs Dairy products Orange and yellow vegetables Leafy green vegetables Tomato products Mangos Cantaloupe Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: For the Pancakes: 1 ¼ all purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp salt 2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup brown sugar 2 cups carrots, finely grated 1 cup milk of choice 1 egg ½ cup chopped walnuts for topping (optional) For the Glaze: 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature ½ cup powdered sugar 5-6 Tbsp of milk Directions: For the Pancakes: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small mixing bowl Mix the applesauce, vanilla extract, brown sugar, milk, and egg together in a large mixing bowl Finely grate the carrots and stir them into the wet ingredients Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until combined Turn the stove on to medium heat and spray a griddle with canola oil or melt 1 Tbsp butter or coconut oil. Working in batches, pour several 1/4 cup portions of batter onto your griddle Once small bubbles begin to form on the top, it's time to flip them (about 2-3 minutes) Cook an additional 2-3 minutes and set finished pancakes aside on a plate. Top with cream cheese glaze and chopped pecans if desired For the Glaze: Blend all of the ingredients with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until combined To store: 1. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 1-3 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months Sources: Harvard School of Public Health. (2023, March 7). Vitamin A. The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-a/ Howland, G. (2023). Mama natural week-by-week guide to pregnancy and childbirth. Gallery Books. Scogna, K. (n.d.). Baby Vision Development: When babies open their eyes, see light, and more. BabyCenter. https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-baby/how-your-babys-eyes-and-vision-develop-in-the-womb_20004926 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, June 15). Office of dietary supplements - vitamin A and carotenoids. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

Infused with seasonal spices, this merry mocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic drink for celebrating the holidays. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe There’s always plenty to celebrate during the holiday season, but when you’re pregnant, it just feels extra special. Maybe you just found out and are still riding the wave of all those wonderful excited feelings. Maybe you’re planning to surprise your family with the big news. Maybe it’s your third trimester and you’re wondering if Christmas this year will be spent in the delivery room. I was almost five months pregnant in December. This was far enough along that I wasn’t too nauseous to enjoy all of the holiday party snacks and homemade Christmas cookies, and I had enough of a bump that maneuvering through a room full of people holding drinks was going to cause some cocktail casualties. It was so fun getting our first round of gifts for the baby, showing relatives our latest sonogram, and enjoying our last Christmas as a family of two. Since my family lives out of state, my husband and I always travel to Virginia to spend the holidays with them. I was so happy that I got to participate in most of our annual traditions- making pinwheel cookies, watching the Muppet Christmas Carol, and helping my mom find at least one present that she hid too well to remember where it was. The only thing I wouldn’t be able to partake in were the Christmas morning mimosas my sister makes every year. Not a big deal, but she offered to let me take over her duties and create a non-alcoholic drink that could also be adapted for those that wanted to imbibe. This spiced pear mocktail was the answer. Simple syrup is infused with the warming flavors of cinnamon and cloves before being blended with pear juice and topped with bubbly ginger ale or champagne. For extra flair, I used frozen cranberries as ice cubes, added a sprig of rosemary, and lined the rim with cinnamon-sugar. Everyone loved it so much that we agreed it should be added to the traditional Christmas morning menu. What ingredients do I need to make a spiced pear holiday mocktail? For the drink itself: Spiced simple syrup Pear juice- I like the Knudsen brand Ginger ale For the optional garnish: Cranberries- fresh or frozen (frozen berries make great ice cubes) Fresh rosemary sprigs Cinnamon Sugar Helpful products for making this recipe: Jigger Ice cube molds A fun set of glasses Can I make this drink alcoholic? For friends and family who want to add alcohol, you can swap out the ginger ale with champagne. What are some other ways I can garnish my glasses? You can substitute the fresh rosemary sprig for a cinnamon stick or put a thin slice of pear on the edge of the glass. Can I make this spiced pear holiday mocktail ahead of time? You can make the spiced simple syrup up to a few weeks ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare, so making it beforehand will definitely save you some time. Because this drink has carbonated ingredients, I don’t recommend mixing everything until it’s time to serve so that the bubbles don’t go flat. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: For the mocktail: 1.5 oz spiced simple syrup 3 oz pear juice 3 oz ginger ale For the optional garnish: 1 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp cinnamon 4-5 cranberries 1 sprig fresh rosemary Directions: Make the spiced simple syrup if you haven’t already, and let it cool (about 30 minutes) If desired, wet the rim of your glass and dip it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture Mix simple syrup and pear juice in your glass until blended Add ice and top with ginger ale Add any desired garnishes and enjoy!

45 Gift Ideas for the Expecting Mamas in Your Life This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Stumped on what to get your pregnant friend or relative? This guide is full of ideas to help you find the perfect holiday present. Or maybe you're a mama-to-be who isn't sure what to ask for this year and you're looking for suggestions. Many of these are self-care items that would be great gifts for non-pregnant people as well. 1. Comfortable Slippers The Dearforms brand is known for making incredibly comfy slippers and these are extra cute. Available on Amazon 2. Cooling Blanket Pregnancy hot flashes are no fun, and the fabric of this blanket lets you feel cozy and covered without the warmth of a traditional blanket. Available on Amazon 3. Maternity Pajama Set These cute and comfy pajamas will grow with Mama’s belly, and the nursing top makes them great for postpartum too. Available on Amazon 4. Essential Oil Diffuser A lot of pregnancy symptoms can make it hard to get comfortable, and a diffuser is an easy way to create a soothing, relaxing environment to relieve stress and help you go to sleep. Available on Amazon 5. Essential Oils A variety of different scents lets you create the perfect blend to match your mood. Available on Amazon 6. Soda Stream Make non-alcoholic beverages more fun and encourage your pregnant friends to stay hydrated with a machine that carbnates all kinds of delicious drinks. Available on Amazon 7. Tacos for Two Shirt Because what could be better than a shirt that celebrates babies and tacos?? Available on Amazon 8. Bump Box These boxes are filled with a mix of fun and practical pregnancy-related products. There’s one for each trimester so you can give your mom friends a gift catered specifically for where they are in their pregnancy journey. Available on Amazon 9. Sonogram Frame This adorable frame will be a treasured keepsake for expecting parents long after their baby is born. Available on Amazon 10. Meal Prep Containers Help moms-to-be get extra prepared before their baby arrives with a set of freezer-friendly meal prep containers. Available on Amazon 11. Tinyhood Membership Online parenting classes that cover everything from pregnancy to newborn care are a great gift for first time parents. Available at Tinyhood.com 12. Pregnancy Journal This thoughtful journal lets expecting moms record all of the special moments during their pregnancy for something they can look back on for years to come. Available at Amazon.com 13. Heating Pad This is a great gift for any pregnant women who are dealing with back pain. Available at Amazon.com 14. Bath Pillow There’s nothing like a relaxing bath to soothe sore muscles, and a quality bath pillow makes these soaks even more luxurious. Available at Amazon.com 15. Womb Earbuds Did you know that babies in the womb can hear at just 20 weeks old? These earbuds let pregnant mamas play music for their baby to listen to. You can record a special message or read a book for Mom to play for the baby too! Available at Amazon.com 16. Fuzzy Sweater This super soft oversized fleece cardigan is a great addition to any maternity wardrobe, especially for chilly nights. Available at Amazon.com 17. Stanley Insulated Tumbler It's super important to stay hyrdated when you're pregnant, so give a gift that helps your preggo friend meet her h2o goals in style. Available at Amazon.com 18. Body Pillow It is so hard for someone pregnant to get comfortable in bed. This specially designed pillow helps relieve soreness and get the mom-to-be in the right position so she can get some quality sleep. Available at Amazon.com 19. Calming Bath Soak Nothing will feel better after a long day of being pregnant than soaking in bath salts full of essential minerals. Available on Honest.com 20. Yoga Ball Yes, you can still exercise when you're pregnant! A yoga ball lets expectant mothers practice specific exercises to prepare for labor and delivery, as well as use it for postpartum exercises after their little one arrives. Available at Amazon.com 21. Light Therapy Lamp Vitamin D is essential during pregnancy, and it can be hard to get enough of it during the dark winter months. This UV-free light provides all of the benefits of natural sunshine. Available at Amazon.com 22. Bamboo Sheets Hot flashes and night sweats are a common issue during pregnancy. A nice set of breathable bamboo sheets will help wick away moisture and keep expecting mamas nice and cool. Available at Amazon.com 23. Back and Neck Massager Being pregnant usually means dealing with back and neck pain, and this is an Amazon favorite for helping provide relief. Available at Amazon.com 24. Slip-on Sneakers Bending over in your third trimester is no small feat, and a quality pair of shoes that you can just step into will be a gift that gives over and over. Available at Amazon.com 25. "Expecting Better" by Emily Oster This is a great resource for expecting moms who have a lot of questions about the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. Available at Amazon.com *** Link to Pregnancy Books List **** 26. Belly Band Pregnant women dealing with back pain will love a quality belly band that helps support their bump. Available at Amazon.com 27. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker Pregnancy brain is real, and moms-to-be will love being able to track lost items like their phone, wallet, and keys. Available at Amazon.com 28. Frida Mom Skincare Set This gift addresses all those fun pregnancy-related symptoms like swelling, chafing, stretch marks and dry skin. Available at Amazon.com 29. Headache Relief Mask Being pregnant can bring about some gnarly headaches, and this hot and cold therapy mask can provide fast relief. Available at Amazon.com 30. Letters to Baby Give the gift of connection with a stationary set for expecting parents to write thoughtful letters to give their child at a later date. Available at Amazon.com Stocking Stuffers Under $25 1. Sonogram Christmas Ornament Moms will love looking back on that little photo every holiday season. Available at Amazon.com 2. Preggie Pop Drops Ginger candies are a great gift for any moms-to-be dealing with morning sickness. Available at Amazon.com 3. Bio-Oil This hydrating oil is a miracle worker when it comes to treating and preventing stretch marks on pregnant bellies. Available at Amazon.com 4. Face Mask For something a little indulgent to look forward to at the end of the day, this pregnancy-safe sheet mask is a great little treat. Available at Amazon.com 5. Nausea Wristbands These wristbands hit specific pressure points to help relieve nausea, making them great for morning sickness. Available at Amazon.com 6. Compression Socks They may not be the most attractive accessory, but a pair of compression socks covered in cute animals can make wearing them a little more fun while they keep that blood circulating and help with swollen feet. Available at Amazon.com 7. Shower Steamers Aromatherapy adds an instant upgrade to your bedtime or morning routine, something anyone in the trenches of pregnancy will appreiate. Available at Amazon.com 8. Pregnancy Activities Cards For your friend that's having trouble finding pregnant-friendly things to do, this set of cards will give her a bunch of great ideas, and help her create fun memories of her pregnancy too! Available at Amazon.com 9. Sleep Mask Quality sleep is hard to come by during pregnancy, and a soft, silky sleep mask may be just the thing to help expecting moms catch some extra zzzzs. Available at Amazon.com 10. Mocktail Recipe Book Giving up alcohol for nine months can be really hard, but with a delicious mocktail, your pregnant friends can still participate in Happy Hour. Available at Amazon.com 11. Scented Candle If you’re looking for a funny gift that also provides a little bit of luxury, you won’t do better than this lavender-scented candle. Available at Amazon.com 12. Cozy Socks Encourage the pregnant mama in your life to let others pamper her with a cute pair of socks that are also super soft. Available at Amazon.com 13. Makeup Bag This is an adorable pregnancy gift for any dog lovers who are already moms to a fur baby. Available at Amazon.com 14. Mama Bracelet For a thoughtful gift, this adjustable bracelet is the perfect accessory for any moms-to-be. Available at Amazon.com 15. Pregnancy Affirmation Cards Affirmation cards are perfect for any pregnant mamas who could use words of comfort and encouragement during their pregnancy journey. Available at Amazon.com Is there anything you would add to the list? Leave a comment below with some of your favorite gift ideas! Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Sweet, salty, and extra rich, don't expect leftovers when you bring this to your next party. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe I think it’s safe for me to assume that you don’t have to be pregnant to crave a combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Now that my first trimester has passed and I’m feeling human again, I’ve been having people over for dinner. My husband and I like to trade off who makes dessert, and I’ve recently added this chocolate peanut butter tart to my dessert rotation for two reasons: In my opinion, the balance of sweet and salty makes this one of the best flavor duos in existence. You only have to bake the crust, and my morning sickness has been replaced with hot flashes so the oven has become my biggest kitchen adversary. The biggest thing you need to remember for this recipe is that it needs to chill in the fridge for several hours, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prep this before you plan to serve it. The second most important thing to note is that there is no rule that says this should only be made when people are coming over. Make this for your sweet-and-salty-craving pregnant self and eat it straight out of the pan with a fork. Add a Property Brothers marathon on HGTV and an internal debate on which one is cuter, and you’ve just described my perfect Friday night. What ingredients do I need for this recipe? All-purpose flour Powdered sugar Unsweetened cocoa powder Salt Unsalted butter Eggs Vanilla extract Smooth peanut butter Maple syrup Coconut oil Heavy cream Milk chocolate chips Dark chocolate chips Helpful products for making this recipe: Tart pan Can I prep this recipe in advance? This dessert can be made a day or two in advance and kept in the fridge, covered with cling wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. You can also freeze the tart dough, just give yourself several hours for it to thaw in the fridge before using. What are some ways I can customize this tart? Here are a few suggestions: Adjust the sweetness of the ganache by doing either all milk chocolate or all dark chocolate. Omit the peanut butter and cover the top with fresh raspberries instead. Use a pre-made crust and make it more of a no-bake pie rather than a tart. What if I don’t have a microwave? You can heat the heavy cream on the stove in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and bring it to a simmer (DON’T BOIL). Once it reaches a simmer, set it aside and continue on with the recipe. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and a five star review below! Ingredients: Chocolate Tart Dough: 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp cocoa powder ¼ tsp salt 1 stick of butter, melted 1 large egg ½ tsp vanilla extract Peanut Butter Filling: 4 oz smooth peanut butter 1 ½ Tbsp maple syrup 2 ½ Tbsp coconut oil, melted Chocolate Ganache 8 oz heavy cream 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips ½ cup dark chocolate chips Directions: For the tart dough: Preheat oven to 350°F Whisk the flour, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt together in a medium-sized bowl Mix vanilla extract, egg and melted butter together in a small bowl and then add to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until they form a soft dough Place the ball of dough in the middle of a 9.5 inch tart pan with a removable bottom Start pressing and spreading the dough evenly with your fingers until it reaches up the sides of the pan Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the fillings For the peanut butter filling: Melt the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking until it becomes runny Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside For the chocolate ganache: Pour the heavy cream into a medium-sized microwavable bowl and microwave until very hot, about 1 ½ minutes Remove the bowl, add in the chocolate chips (don’t stir), cover with a lid or dish towel, and let them sit for about five minutes. Then give them a good stir until smooth To assemble: Spread a thin layer of the peanut butter mixture onto the bottom of the tart shell (keep about ½ cup) Pour the ganache over the peanut butter mixture Using a liquid measuring cup, slowly pour the remaining peanut butter mixture over the ganache to create rings, going from the center to the edge of the tart (refer to photos) If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a toothpick to feather it! Simply drag a toothpick from the center circle to the edge and repeat all the way around the tart Let the tart firm up in the fridge for 3-4 hours and then serve

Whether you're trying to keep morning sickness at bay or you simply want a cozy breakfast that tastes like the holidays, these pancakes are a delicious option. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe There’s no way around it, morning sickness is terrible. You feel hungover, but you’re not because you’re not allowed to drink wine, the reminder of which, is extra sad. Morning sickness typically begins around six weeks and typically lasts through week 14. I made it to week nine before the morning sickness kicked in, and I am so so grateful I didn’t have to battle it out for the whole eight weeks. In the midst of it, I also experienced what several women experience in the early stages of pregnancy, a heightened sense of smell or hyperosmia. For me, I kept smelling garbage no matter how clean the house was. Let me tell you, this did not help with the nausea. After a few weeks of popsicles and toast, I had some girlfriends come over for a movie night. Feeling optimistic, I ordered pizza for everyone, but I couldn’t even look at it without feeling sick. It was a dark time. In a desperate attempt to find something new to eat and help with the nausea, I began thinking of different foods that had ginger in it, and though gingerbread cookies sounded too sweet, I thought a gingerbread pancake might do the trick. Not only was I able to keep these down, but the strong smell of ginger and cinnamon while they cooked also gave me a brief break from the constant scent of imaginary trash. Double win! What ingredients do I need for gingerbread pancakes? All Purpose flour Baking powder Baking soda Ground ginger Fresh ginger- this is optional but I was really determined to get those anti-nausea benefits Ground cinnamon Salt Molasses- make sure it's unsulphered and not blackstrap (the flavor is way too intense) Vanilla extract Brown sugar Eggs Unsalted Butter- can substitute with coconut oil Milk- I've used both 2% milk and vanilla almond milk with great results Maple syrup- for serving Helpful products for making this recipe: Zester Griddle Can I freeze leftover pancakes? These pancakes freeze very well, making them great for a quick morning breakfast. Let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-friendly Ziploc bag. I didn't have any trouble pulling them apart to reheat but if you want to be extra sure, you can place a square of wax paper between each pancake before freezing. How do I reheat leftover pancakes? I recommend using the toaster! Put one in each slot and toast at medium heat. You may need to toast them twice to get them warm all the way through. I needed one time at the five-level setting, but every toaster is different. How many pancakes does this make? You will get about 12 four-inch pancakes. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp cinnamon 1 ¼-1 ½ cups milk of choice (begin with 1 1/4 cup and add an additional 1/4 if batter is too thick) ½ cup unsulphered molasses (not blackstrap) ½ tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs 4 Tbsp unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted, plus more for serving 3 Tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional) Directions: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon in a medium-sized mixing bowl and whisk together In a separate large mixing bowl, combine molasses, vanilla extract, eggs, 3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil, brown sugar, and grated ginger Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until they are fully incorporated. Heat a griddle over medium heat Spread 1 Tbsp butter across the griddle (use nothing if you're using a nonstick griddle) Use a 1/4 dry measuring cup to pour your pancakes (or 1/3 cup if you want larger pancakes) Once tiny bubbles begin to form on the top of the batter they are ready to be flipped. Cook for about another minute and set the finished pancakes on a plate Serve with butter and maple syrup if desired Notes: Set your oven on warm and put the finished pancakes on an oven-safe plate to keep them nice and warm before serving. Sources: Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy

Simple syrup infused with cinnamon and cloves adds festive flair to your favorite holiday drinks and treats. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe Every Christmas morning, my sister makes mimosas for the family to sip on while we open presents. Since I was five months pregnant last year, she suggested having me make a mocktail that could easily be adapted to include champagne. That way, we would have a drink that the preggos and kiddos could have and the others could still enjoy a nice cocktail. The first ingredient I knew I wanted to add was this delicious spiced simple syrup. The cinnamon and cloves add just the right amount of spicy warmth for a cold winter morning. If you're having trouble getting into the holiday spirit, set a pot of this on the stove and wait for the scent of cinnamon and cloves to fill up your kitchen. It’s ready in less than an hour and you can make it weeks ahead of time, so when you’re ready to make your drinks all you have to do is mix and serve. What ingredients do I need for making spiced simple syrup? Cinnamon sticks Whole cloves White sugar Helpful products for making this recipe: Small saucepan Slotted spoon or fine mesh sieve Glass bottle with lid How can I use spiced simple syrup? I love putting this in fall and winter drinks like this spiced pear holiday mocktail. You can add it to icing for topping pumpkin bread and apple cakes, drizzle a bit alongside maple syrup on pancakes and waffles, and stir it into hot tea or apple cider. How do I store spiced simple syrup? After it’s cooled to room temperature, pour into a glass bottle or jar, seal, and store in the fridge. How long does spiced simple syrup last? Because it’s made primarily from sugar, this will keep in the fridge for at least three months. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 3 cinnamon sticks 2 whole cloves Directions: Add all of your ingredients to a small saucepan and turn your stove to medium-low heat Let the mixture come to a simmer (don’t let it reach boiling point) and let it simmer for ten minutes, stirring frequently, and making sure all of the sugar has dissolved Remove from heat and let the mixture come to room temperature (about 30 minutes) Use a slotted spoon or fine mesh sieve to remove the cinnamon and cloves Pour the simple syrup into a jar or bottle, seal, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to use it

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away which means lots and lots of leftovers! There are so many great recipes out there that utilize leftover turkey so I've compiled a list of my faves for you to try. In my opinion, simply reheating leftover turkey in the microwave just leads to a dry, stringy bird. But after days of prepping and cooking the last thing you may want to do is spend time figuring out how to serve leftovers. To help with this, I've gathered up 20 of my favorite recipes for using up leftover turkey so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying another good meal around the table with friends and family. Happy early Thanksgiving...may your fridge be full and your pants be stretchy. Leftover Turkey Recipe Roundup Turkey Enchiladas - from Hungry Hobby New England Turkey Chowder- from A Family Feast Turkey Noodle Casserole- from Simple Joy Turkey Wild Rice Soup- from The Cookie Rookie Turkey Pot Pie- from Sally's Baking Addiction Turkey Fried Rice- from Ahead of Thyme Turkey Broccoli Casserole- from The Toasty Kitchen Turkey Hash- from Chisel and Fork Turkey Tetrazzini- The Recipe Rebel Turkey Gumbo with Sausage- from Little Spoon Farm Turkey Shepherd's Pie- from Carl's Bad Cravings Turkey Cranberry Sliders- from I Heart Eating White Turkey Chili- from Taste and Tell Turkey Noodle Soup- from Averie Cooks Turkey Salad Sandwiches- from Diethood Turkey Carnitas- from Serious Eats Turkey and Stuffing Casserole- from A Taste of Home Turkey Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps- from Skinnytaste Turkey Quesadilla- from The Cookie Rookie Turkey Lasagna- from Where is My Spoon There you have it! Did you try any of these? Do you have any favorite leftover turkey recipes you'd like to share? Leave a comment below!

Give your ice cream a summery upgrade with a big spoonful of rich cherry sauce! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe I was so excited when I officially entered my third trimester…the home stretch! However, this enthusiasm began to wane as it became harder and harder to sleep through the night. I would wake up with terrible leg cramps, and the constant need to get up and pee made me certain this kid was using my bladder as his own personal waterbed. No amount of giant weirdly-shaped pregnancy pillows would get my back to stop hurting, not to mention it’s pretty hard to get comfortable when your belly is the size of a beach ball. After a lot of trial and error I was able to find a few things that helped me get some shut eye: Stretching before bed helped me avoid leg cramps A cooling bamboo blanket helped with the night sweats Dimming the lights and using an essential oil diffuser helped me get sleepy I also researched foods high in melatonin with the hopes that snacking on these before bed would make it easier to fall and stay asleep. Melatonin is a hormone that increases in the evening and puts you in a calmer state that can help promote sleep. I found out that tart cherries are a great source of melatonin so I began thinking about how I could use them to make a dessert (I’ve gotten really good at finding creative excuses to eat dessert these past few months). This cherry sauce has four ingredients and uses one saucepan, so there’s really no reason not to make it. It’s the perfect way to jazz up a bowl of vanilla ice cream and hopefully help you catch some extra zzzz’s. What ingredients do I need for cherry sauce? Tart cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen and thawed) Lemon juice (fresh or bottled) Sugar Cornstarch Helpful products for this recipe: Cherry pitter Can I substitute sweet cherries? If you can’t find tart cherries, you can use sweet cherries instead. They contain melatonin as well, just not as much as tart cherries. If you choose to use these, I recommend reducing the amount of sugar to ¼ cup. How much does this recipe make? This recipe makes about eight ¼ cup servings How do I freeze leftovers? After the sauce has cooled completely, spoon it into a container or mason jar, seal, and freeze.Thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to use it. You can serve this cherry sauce chilled, at room temp or you can re-heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until it reaches your desired temperature. What are some ways I can use cherry sauce? My go-to is vanilla ice cream but this would also be a great topping for yogurt, cheesecake, and angel food cake. You could also spread it over a thick slice of toast for a luxurious breakfast! Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: 16 oz tart cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen and thawed) 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled) ¾ cup sugar 2 ½ tsp cornstarch Directions: Add cherries, lemon juice, and sugar to a large pot and mix Sprinkle cornstarch over the top and stir to combine Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, letting it come to a soft boil Let it continue boiling, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened (about 10-12 minutes) Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes) Store the leftovers in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for up to six months Sources: Melatonin for sleep: Does it work? Melatonin for Sleep: Does It Work? | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022, April 11). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/melatonin-for-sleep-does-it-work Meng, X., Li, Y., Li, S., Zhou, Y., Gan, R.-Y., Xu, D.-P., & Li, H.-B. (2017, April 7). Dietary sources and bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409706/

Enjoy a sweet and spicy lunch that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe Your baby is developing all kinds of crazy amazing things during the second trimester. One of them is taste buds! This happens during week 14 of pregnancy, right in the early stages of your second trimester. Did you know a mother’s diet can impact their baby’s food preferences while they are still in the womb?! My husband and I love spicy food, and I have always been a big fan of different flavors-Thai, Indian, Moroccan- you name it. While I fully anticipate a dinosaur chicken nuggets stage at some point in my child’s life, I do hope they end up being adventurous eaters. There are just so many incredible flavors to experience and I would hate for them to miss out! These quesadillas are a great option for a lunch that comes together quickly and is full of bold flavors to wake up those little baby taste buds. You also get a nice dose of lean protein, calcium, and vitamin C! What ingredients do I need for bruschetta chicken pasta salad? Chicken breasts BBQ sauce- Use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety Pineapple- This can be fresh or canned, as long as it's chopped into small chunks. Jalapeño Red Onion Tortillas- I used white flour, but you can absolutely swap those for whole wheat to incorporate some extra fiber. Cheese- I recommend mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack. Make sure whatever cheese you use is Pasteurized. Unpasteurized foods can lead to food-borne illness, which is especially serious when pregnant. Helpful products for making this recipe: Skillet What is the difference between a dice and a mince? A mince is basically a very tiny dice. I like to use this with spicy or strong-flavored ingredients so you don’t get too big of a mouthful. For example, in this recipe, I recommend mincing the jalapeño and red onion because both are bold flavors. Can I prep this recipe in advance? Yes! You can cook and dice or shred your chicken the day before, and chop all of your pineapple and veggies. If you’re making BBQ sauce from scratch, you can prepare that beforehand as well. What variations of this recipe can I do? You can omit or increase the amount of jalapeño depending on your spice tolerance. Leftover shredded pork is a great alternative to chicken, and you can use either homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store brand. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 4 tsp jalapeno, minced ½ cup red onion, minced 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple, diced 1 cup prepared BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) 2 cups shredded mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack cheese 4 large or burrito-sized tortillas Directions: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper Heat 1 Tbsp of canola or vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat (or heat without oil if you’re using a nonstick skillet) Add the chicken and let it cook for about four minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees While the chicken is cooking, mince the red onion and jalapeño, and dice your pineapple into small chunks Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and dice or shred once it's cool Turn the skillet up to medium heat and add the jalapeño, red onion, pineapple, chicken, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until combined Let the mixture cook until it's warmed through, about four minutes Heat a separate skillet that’s large enough to fit your tortillas over medium heat Heat 1 Tbsp of canola or vegetable oil in the skillet (omit if you’re using a nonstick skillet) Add one tortilla and spread one cup of the chicken mixture even across it Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese evenly over the mixture Top with another tortilla and let it cook for about three minutes Flip and cook another three minutes or until the cheese is melted and there is a nice golden color on the bottom of the tortilla Remove the quesadilla and set it aside on a plate Repeat with the remaining ingredients Cut each quesadilla into fourths and serve Sources: ​​Delahunt, A., Conway, M. C., Callaghan, S. L., et al. (2022). Maternal Dietary Quality During Pregnancy and Child Appetitive Traits At 5-Years-Old: Findings from The ROLO Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study. Appetite. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2022.106291. Howland, G. (2017). The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. Gallery Books. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, January 22). Do you know which foods to avoid when you're pregnant? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 13, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20043844

Enjoy a flavor-packed sauce that's ready in less time than it would take to pick up a jar from the store! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Jump to Recipe Mexican food shows up on my dinner table at least once a week, if not more. The flavors and endless combinations of ingredients always keep it from getting boring. One night I was in the middle of prepping enchiladas when I realized I had forgotten to buy a bottle of enchilada sauce. After a quick scan of my kitchen pantry, I gathered up some ingredients and tweaked the amounts until this recipe was born. I’m all about minimizing dishes so I tried making it the same way I make salsa- by simply combining everything in the food processor and blending it until I was happy with the texture. So so easy! Why I love this recipe: The consistency resembles a salsa, which I prefer to the thicker consistency of a bottled sauce. Everything goes straight into the food processor or blender, which means less dishes. Not having to cook it over the stove means this is ready in just five minutes! What Ingredients do I need for smoky enchilada sauce? Diced or crushed canned tomatoes Peppers in adobo sauce- this is the star ingredient! Chicken stock - you can substitute with water Onion- white or yellow Salt Cumin Chili powder Garlic powder- I found fresh garlic to be too overpowering Helpful products for making this recipe: Food processor How do I store leftovers? This will keep in a covered container in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze in a container or mason jar for up to six months. To use, thaw in the fridge the night before you plan to use it. What are some different ways I can use enchilada sauce? Besides the obvious enchiladas, this is a great sauce for amping up nachos, breakfast burritos, and chicken tortilla soup. I particularly like using it for spaghetti squash enchilada boats. Did You Make This Recipe? Let me know! Mention @preggokitchen or tag #preggokitchen Did You Like It? Please leave a comment and five star rating below! Ingredients: 28 oz crushed tomatoes 5 adobo peppers ½ cup chicken stock ½ white or yellow onion 2 ½ tsp salt 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 Tbsp cumin 1 ½ tsp garlic powder Directions: Roughly chop your onion and add it to a food processor or blender, along with all the remaining ingredients Puree for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency Use in your favorite enchilada recipe!