Hosted by: Reesa Morala, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

In this episode, Andrea Knox, LMFT, mom of two, and author of You'll Bounce Right Back: The Motherhood Myths That Fail Us and the Tools We Need Instead, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the realities of transitioning into parenthood. Andrea shares her journey of confronting the gap between her expectations of parenting and the reality she experienced. She opens up about her struggles with postpartum depression, feelings of failure, and the pressure to compare herself to others.

As they explore parenting insights, challenges, and valuable tools, Andrea also shares her delicious Portobello Pizza recipe—a simple, healthy dish perfect for busy parents. Discover how Andrea redefined her approach to motherhood and embraced her authentic journey.

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💬 What parenting challenges have you faced? Share your story in the comments!

🍄 Tried the recipe? Let us know how it turned out!

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!

If you are a parent ready to share your real-life parenting struggle and dish up a recipe with Reesa, apply here!

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

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

Disclaimer