Cooking With Kids: Will’s Fruity Salsa
February 8, 2010
This post would be more accurately titled “Letting Kids Do the Cooking,” but I don’t want to interrupt the flow of this weekly feature (which I totally love, by the way). And besides, this was still cooking with kids, since I did all the prep work and set Will’s mise en place out for him. But he was responsible for the idea, the push and the actually making of the dish.
And that dish was delish. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the rhyme.)
Will was inspired by a photo of a fruit salsa that he saw. He immediately asked to make it. And while I wasn’t game for the actual pictured salsa (too many odd ingredients), I was more than happy to help him create his own version. We used frozen mango that we defrosted in a bowl for a few hours. The pineapple is from kid-friendly cups of pineapple that I keep in the cupboard. We always have red peppers on hand (everyone in the house eats them, YAY!)–same with the lime. And we just had to pick up the cilantro at the store.
The result? A kid-made, kid-friendly salsa that we devoured during the game last night. I love fruity salsas and this one, with its hint of citrus and whisper of cilantro is a perfect non-hot version.
» Filed Under Appetizers, Easy Recipes, Recipes, cooking with kids | Leave a Comment
Raising a Healthy Family: You Are In Charge of Your Kids’ Health!
February 5, 2010
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children is to raise them to be healthy in all elements of their life. We have the power to teach them about healthy eating, inspire them to be active and encourage them to live well.
First Lady Michelle Obama recently unveiled an official campaign to combat childhood obesity and although she met with criticism for sharing her family’s pediatrician’s words about her daughters’ body mass indexes, the message should be heard loud and clear. Parents need to take responsibility for their children’s behaviors and make small changes to ensure their kids grow up healthy.
Earlier this week, I had a chance to talk to Jacque Miller, a behavior nutritionist in Arizona who works with a childhood obesity program, about raising healthy families.
“I think the biggest things for the parents to know is that they are in charge of their kids’ health. The kids are not the ones starting the car and driving through (fast food joints) … Parents are the ones in charge of their family’s health,” says Miller.
So, what can you do? Here are some tips from Miller: Read more
» Filed Under Healthy Eating, Raising Healthy Kids | 2 Comments
Lighten Up Your Super Bowl Appetizers
February 5, 2010
The Super Bowl has always been one of my very favorite events of the year. The array of appetizers, the cheering, the laughs … it’s just fun. Where other big party holidays have all sorts of pressures for gift giving, making it exciting for kids and having just the right loot on hand, Super Bowl Sunday is more laid back. It’s an easy-going party night in a world of high-strung parties.
But it’s not exactly the most waist friendly event of the year. Nachos, wings, pizza, lasagna … it can all add up fast. The good news? Your Super Bowl spread doesn’t have to derail your healthy lifestyle.
Instead, make some good choices when planning your appetizers … these ones are perfect for a healthier game day spread. Read more
» Filed Under events | 1 Comment
Easy Daikon Salad Recipe
February 3, 2010
I have a big confession to make: I’ve been eating daikon radish for more than 10 years but only recently learned what this delicious, crunchy veggie was called. In fact, I only learned what it was called by process of elimination, followed by research, after a friend asked me what it was at a restaurant …
In a way, it’s kind of good that I didn’t know what it was when I first tried it because I might have been more reluctant to give it a shot. Really, it could have stopped me from enjoying this delightful vegetable. Yes, it’s true: Back when I was younger, I was admittedly less adventurous with eating.
Thankfully, I have wonderful friends who convinced me to try all sorts of new things. And most of the time, I ended up loving them. Except for the octopus … never again.
Anyway, this is about this beautiful, pearly colored radish. If you’ve never tasted one before, then you don’t know what you are missing. It’s unlike anything else: a little sweet, crisp and with this amazing freshness to it. Oh, I can’t say enough good things about daikon.
This Daikon Salad is easy peasy to make and only takes a little bit of chilling before it’s ready to enjoy. And enjoy you will! Try this salad alone, with shredded carrots and peanuts or even in a wrap with grilled chicken. It’s also delish served alongside dishes like pad thai or chicken satay.
So, how did the family like it? Well, Will adores it and could eat a whole batch himself (a boy after my own heart! I could too). However, Paige wasn’t a fan and my husband wouldn’t try it. But that’s okay: more for Will and I!
Are you a daikon fan?
» Filed Under Recipes, salad, vegetables, vegetarian | 3 Comments
Honey Lime Dipping Sauce Recipe
February 2, 2010
“Mommy, tomorrow is hog day!” Will told me excitedly last night.
Now, Will is a smart boy who tends to remember everything (no, really, everything … he brought up a great time he had with our cousins in the summer two years ago this past week. The boy is four and a half – how did he even remember that?). So, it was safe to assume that he heard about this hog day somewhere … the question was where and what exactly was it.
It took me a good minute or two before I put one and one together …. Groundhog Day.
Right. So, today is Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Great! Thanks, Phil! That means, according to the lore, that there will be six more weeks of winter. Oh yay. Just what I wanted to hear on this dark, dreary day. Aren’t you excited?
Eh, the weather might be a bummer, but this dip is bright and sunny and so, so tasty. Will said that it tasted like frosting and was yummy. I’m not sure about the frosting part (maybe a cream cheese frosting? Sort of?). Meanwhile, Paige, 2, couldn’t stop eating it. She would have licked the bowl, if I let her. (Don’t worry, I didn’t! I swear!) But, heck, I couldn’t stop eating it either.
It’s pretty simple to make (just three healthy ingredients!). I used a low-fat yogurt, but you could use full fat, Greek, whatever you like … Just add, stir, serve … does it get any easier? Plate it up alongside some sliced apples, mini waffles or whatever else you can think of and go to town with dipping. Or just grab a spoon and eat it … It’s really delish.
» Filed Under Feeding Kids, Recipes | 10 Comments
Cooking With Kids: Basic Principles of Safety
February 1, 2010
I wish I could pinpoint the moment where my son first entered the cooking life in my kitchen. Perhaps we were whipping up pancakes for breakfast or maybe it was an evening where he used the salad whirler to drain all the water from the lettuce for salad. It’s become such an ingrained part of our daily life that I can barely remember a time when Will didn’t help.
Whatever the case, in his nearly four years in my kitchen, Will has learned to cut (a soft item like avocado) with a butter knife, use the food processor to make a quick and smooth guacamole and to operate the stand mixer. He understands basic safety rules and follows them. And he can suggest new pairings for foods with confidence. Did I mention that he’s only four?
Meanwhile, my two-year-old daughter really wants to contribute too and has to some degree. She can add ingredients, stir easy things and is a master at unloading the dishwasher (with my help, of course). She also understands the basic safety rules.
Safety is the cornerstone of indoctrinating your children to the kitchen and must always come first. So, before you start cooking with kids, make sure they know the basic rules of the kitchen. What are they? Read more
» Filed Under cooking with kids | 1 Comment
Healthifying My Life Update
January 29, 2010
This week, I was featured on MomTrends as part of the site’s Fit Mom series. When I received the email from Nicole Feliciano, who writes MomTrends, that my profile was up, I was a little giddy. Not only did Nicole say some nice things, but it was an amazing feeling to show off my successful efforts to shed my weight from marriage and two pregnancies. You can check it out here.
I’ve lost about 12 pounds since just before Thanksgiving. I feel better, I look better and I have more energy. Lately, I have conquered some serious vendetta goals. For instance, I’ve been running lately as part of my workout. Last week, I ran for a whole 11 minutes. It might not seem like much to most people, but to someone who has never been able to run due to breathing issues, it’s huge.
But here’s the thing: being a healthy mom and getting fit isn’t easy. Heck, it’s hard. There’s always temptations – the cupcake at a kid’s birthday party, the on-the-run lunch, the kid’s leftovers. And there is always reason to slip up: being too tired, feeling weak, being stressed out. So to be fit and healthy takes a good deal of constant effort. You have to be vigilant and make conscious choices to do the right thing. Read more
» Filed Under Thoughts | 3 Comments
Honeybell Orange Rosemary Vinaigrette Recipe
January 28, 2010
I miss summertime. We’ve had a taste of warmer weather (notice I didn’t actually say warm) lately, and it was starting to spoil me. My thoughts have drifted to all the things that my little family will do this summer: growing our food, making weekly trips to the farmers’ market, heading to the beach. And while it’s been fun to dream, Mother Nature made sure today that I remember which season we’re in.
This morning’s snow was a complete surprise to me. I think I had just about married myself to the idea that even though it’s January still, that the harsh temperatures and need to shovel was behind us. It so totally is not.
Regardless of what season I am in, some days I like to eat lightly. Today was one of those days.
But then, it really doesn’t matter what time of year it is or what the weather is … I love salads all the time. Sometimes, I go for bold toppings — glazed nuts, homemade croutons, roasted tomatoes. Sometimes, I want my dressing to be the star with a bold, aged balsamic vinegar. But other times, I just want simple, easy, light.
This dressing is great for the days where you just want something simple. Although it’s built around the sweet juice of a Honeybell orange, it’s not overly sweet. It does have unmistakable orange notes though. It’s a subtle dressing, one that tastes great without overpowering anything. It doesn’t mind if it’s paired with other ingredients that want to shine too.
And really, it’s a dressing perfect for a simple salad like this one: Romaine hearts, gorgonzola cheese and sunflower seeds. And really … it doesn’t need anything else. Read more
» Filed Under Recipes, dressing, salad | 3 Comments
Whole Wheat Applesauce Graham Muffins with Streusel Topping Recipe
January 27, 2010
It’s not unusual for breakfast in my house to be buttered cinnamon raisin toast and a banana or yogurt. Most days during the week, I like to keep things really, really simple. The kids have school, I have work … we just don’t have time to fuss with complicated breakfasts.
But sometimes I like to surprise the kids with something a little different … a little special. Pancakes make too frequent an appearance on our table on weekends and when my husband is home from work, but muffins are a rarity … and one that the kids love hot from the oven.
With whole wheat pastry flour glaring at me from the cupboard, I decided to adapt a recipe from Tablespoon to make these muffins with an extra punch of whole grain goodness. Add some streusel and you’ve got a great morning surprise.
The result was a moist muffin with hints of apple and graham and cinnamon. It’s homey and comforting, soft and sweet. Does it get any better?
What do you make for a special breakfast?
» Filed Under Bread, Breakfasts, Recipes | 1 Comment
A Glimpse into My Pantry and My Top 10 Pantry Items
January 27, 2010
When it comes to kitchens, I have to admit that I am bit of a voyeur. I love seeing what other people conceal behind pantry doors. Seriously, I can’t help it, the allure of spices and non-perishables leaves me oh so curious. Paprika, cinnamon and sugar, oh my! But don’t get me wrong: I would never actually snoop in other people’s pantries … really. That’s a bit much.
It’s that sense of curiosity that keeps me going back week after week to check out Other People’s Pantry on The Perfect Pantry. I’ve gleaned great organizing ideas and tips from the weekly posts, which showcase pantries from all over the world. It’s also wildly interesting to see how a pantry in Brazil differs from one in Ohio.
Anyway, a little while back, I noticed that Lydia, who writes The Perfect Pantry, was looking for more pantries to feature. Since I had recently gotten control of my pantry with some new organizing tools, it seemed like the perfect time to share mine, so I sent her a note. Next thing you know, I was sending photos and descriptions over.
That was about a month ago … my pantry appeared this weekend. It was really exciting to see how my ideas resonated with others.
So, speaking of my pantry, I was thinking about the things that I just cannot live without in my pantry. There are some ingredients that are just musts for me. So, I figured I would share my top 10 must haves. Of course, I made a few self-imposed rules: I limited this list to items with a longer shelf life (so potatoes, onions, garlic and the like were out). And I let myself lump together a few like-items (flours, sugars, etc).
But, being the kitchen voyeur I am, I want to know what yours are too! Share your top 10 must have pantry items in the comments! I can’t wait to hear about the things you love.
» Filed Under Blog news | 4 Comments
