Andrea Knox, LMFT, mom of 2 and author of You'll Bounce Right Back: The Motherhood Myths That Fail Us and the Tools We Need Instead, talks with Reesa, our resident couples therapist for parents about their real parenting struggles. They are sharing navigating parenting challenges, the parent support and resources they found along the way, and any parenting tips they have discovered through their journey. While they chat parenting insights and stories, they are recipe sharing balancing parenting and family meals. Andrea talks about transitioning into parenthood and shares her Portobello Pizza recipe. Andrea discusses her journey navigating expectations of what she thought parenthood was going to look like versus what actually happened. Andrea opens up about her struggles with postpartum depression and battling thoughts of being a failure in comparison to others. Make sure to subscribe, like, and follow for more recipes and parenting tips.

Find her on:

Website: www.andreasknox.com

Insta: @andrea.sumara.knox

Book: https://a.co/d/72YvyCR

Portobello Pizzas With a Side of “Kid Pizza”

Portobello Pizzas

Total Servings: 4; Serving Size: 1.5 Mushroom Pizzas

INGREDIENTS:

6 Large Portobello Mushroom Caps

1 jar Marinara sauce

Italian Seasoning (optional)

1 8oz Package Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Chopped Fresh Basil

Pizza Toppings of Choice:

Our favorite: Halved Cherry Tomatoes + Sliced Black Olives + Diced Yellow or Red Bell Peppers

Other options: Chopped pepperoni, crumbled cooked sausage, diced onions, etc

(Note: see additional ingredients for Kid Pizzas below)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (UNLESS pizza dough below requires a different temperature- use

the dough temperature). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (rimmed is

important because the mushrooms release juices during cooking)

2. Prepare mushroom caps by removing/discarding stems, rinsing and patting dry (paper towels or

a dark towel recommended because the mushrooms can stain light towels)

3. Place mushroom caps gill side up on baking sheet and spoon on a thin layer of marinara sauce

onto each cap. Spread sauce with back of spoon. Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning for added flavor

(optional).

4. Sprinkle toppings evenly across mushroom caps. Cover each mushroom with a generous layer of

shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil.

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, and mushrooms are

tender when pierced with a fork.

6. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!

Kid Pizzas (If your kids think mushrooms are disgusting like my kids - we make these in tandem because we can share ingredients for both types of pizza)

Serving size: 1-2 small slices; Total servings: 4-6

INGREDIENTS:

Storebought fresh or frozen pizza dough, or if you are extra motivated, make your own!

Marinara sauce (share from above)

1 8oz Shredded Mozzarella cheese (in addition to above)

Flour for handling dough

Added toppings (optional): anything else your kid likes on pizza!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using frozen pizza dough, thaw in refrigerator in advance.

2. Prep pizza dough and preheat oven according to pizza dough label (may require resting at room

temp for a few minutes- this can be done while assembling above pizzas). **NOTE: If the pizza

dough requires a different temperature than the Portobello Pizzas, adjust to the temperature

required for the dough and monitor cooking of Portabello Pizzas- they will turn out fine!

3. On a floured surface, stretch dough into a pizza shape. Transfer dough onto a baking sheet or

pizza stone.

4. Spread marinara sauce onto dough and sprinkle with cheese.

5. Bake pizza according to dough instructions, peeking at bottom of pizza to ensure doneness.

6. Slice up and enjoy!

• Host: Reesa Morala, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 104709. Reesa is a couples counselor for parents providing therapy in person in Murrieta, CA and virtual couples therapy in California. Reesa, also, hosts couples workshops and parenting workshops worldwide.

• Make sure to like, follow, and subscribe - https://linktr.ee/EmbraceRenewalTherapy

If you or your loved one is struggling with any of the topics discussed, here are some resources:

• You'll Bounce Right Back: https://www.amazon.com/Youll-Bounce-Right-Back-Motherhood/dp/B0D1GNLJX7

• Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/

• Suicide and Crisis Line: Text or Call 988

• Go to your local hospital or call 911

Have a real parenting struggle you are ready to share? Be a guest and apply here!

Disclaimer:

The content provided on this podcast/YouTube channel is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or treatment. While we aim to share valuable insights and promote mental well-being, our discussions and content are not a substitute for professional mental health services.

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.

The views and opinions expressed by the host(s) and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast/YouTube channel. We encourage listeners/viewers to consult with a qualified mental health professional for advice tailored to their individual circumstances.

Your mental health is important. Please take care and seek appropriate support as needed.