Here's an easy recipe that we love. It's a lot like lasagna, except you don't have to deal with difficult lasagna noodles. I like to freeze some of the leftovers in individual serving ziploc bags for easy hot meals on busy days.16 ounces ziti pasta (you can substitute rigatoni or penne)1 pound ground beef32 oz. jar chunky garden-style pasta sauce1 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, divided8 ounces shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, divided16 oz. container low-fat cottage cheese2 egg whites1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9"x13" baking … [Read more...]
Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels
August 24, 2007 By
Here's a follow up to Melissa's request on our forum for toddler party foods. I suggested making turkey and cheese pinwheels which got Melissa thinking. She went to allrecipes.com and found an easy and delicious recipe for Pizza Pinwheels. 1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 24 slices pepperoni 1 (14 ounce) can pizza sauce 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. On a large baking sheet, pinch the 8 crescent roll dough triangles into 4 rectangles. Layer each rectangle with 6 slices of pepperoni and even amounts of mozzarella cheese. Roll tightly … [Read more...]
Recipe: Squash and Tomato Salad
August 1, 2007 By
I had this salad at a friend's party and had to get the recipe. It's a great alternative to hot veggies as a side dish during the summer and a great dish to bring to a party. It's also healthy for the little ones...if they give it a try.3 ½ cups sliced yellow squash1 pint grape tomatoes (cut in half )½ cup purple onion (thin vertical slices)¼ cup fresh basil chopped (less if you use dried basil)½ cup crumbled feta cheese¼ cup white wine vinegar1 ½ teaspoons olive oil? teaspoon saltDash of pepper1 garlic clove, minced1. Blanch squash (instructions below). Combine with tomatoes, onion, … [Read more...]
Picky Eater: Pumpkin Pancakes
July 10, 2007 By
Here's another sneaky recipe for picky eaters. This one is for pumpkin pancakes. According to wikipedia, pumpkin is botanically a fruit, referring to a plant part which grows from a flower; however, it is widely regarded as a vegetable in culinary terms, referring to how it is eaten.1/2 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin2 large eggs2 tablespoons canola oil1 cup milk2 cups all purpose baking mix (Jiffy or Bisquick)1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice1. In a bowl, mix together the baking mix, sugar and pumpkin pie spice.2. In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin, eggs, oil and milk.3. Add flour mixture all … [Read more...]
Picky Eater: Blueberry Muffins
June 22, 2007 By
Shannon has posted some great recipe suggestions (to get healthy food into picky eaters) on our forum. Here's a nutritious recipe from her for Blueberry Muffins.1 3/4 cup all purpose baking mix or self rising flour 1/4 cup wheat germ1/2 cup sugar1 egg1 cup blueberries3/4 cup milkHeat oven 375?. Mix to good wet consistency. Use ice cream scoop to scoop into muffin pan (sprayed with nonstick spray or lined). Cook 12-15 mintues until brown.Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamins E & C. Wheat germ is an excellent Source of Vitamin E and Folic Acid.To get some other great tips … [Read more...]
Picky Eater: The Sneaky Chef – Part 2
June 16, 2007 By
A couple of days ago, I gave you the recipe for Triple Stuffed Potatoes from The Sneaky Chef cookbook. Now for dessert. How about Store-Bought Chocolate Pudding with Green Juice (yep, that's spinach)?_____________Make-Ahead Recipe #5: Green Juice3 cups raw baby spinach leaves (or 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, or frozen chopped collard greens)1 cup waterIf using raw spinach, thoroughly wash it, even if package says "prewashed." Bring spinach or collards and water to boil in a medium pot. Turn heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.Pour into a fine mesh strainer over a container or … [Read more...]
Picky Eater: The Sneaky Chef – Part 1
June 15, 2007 By
Recently on the The Today Show, I saw a chef who was preparing some recipes from her cookbook titled The Sneaky Chef. Missy Chase Lapine hides healthy foods in kids' favorite meals. I was so excited to buy the cookbook, but when I actually flipped through it, I realized that these recipes are great if your kids actually eat mac n' cheese, pizza, hamburgers, spaghetti. But, like I said, Jack is VERY picky. He doesn't eat any of that!I tried a couple of recipes (including the Triple-Stuffed Potatoes below) that I thought had the best chance of success and other than making a huge mess in my … [Read more...]
Picky Eater: V8 Splash
June 13, 2007 By
I have a 20 month old who is a VERY picky eater, so I decided to do a "Picky Eater" series of posts with some advice I've received and some things I've already tried. Feel free to post any advice or questions on the Picky Eater thread on our forum.Jack would eat bread, cheese and ice cream at every meal if he could. My husband tells me not to stress about it, but I say that's easier said than done. I put new food on his plate all the time and try it over and over again to see if one day it might be a success. But even if it's a success one day, it's not a guarantee that he'll like it the next … [Read more...]
Recipe: Chicken Salad
June 8, 2007 By
Bridget is in a recipe rut, so she asked for some good summer recipes on our forum. Here's one I have for chicken salad.3 cups cubed, cooked chicken (about 1 1/2 lbs.; see cooking instructions below)½ cup mayonnaise¼ cup sour cream1 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. onion salthandful of toasted almondsMix mayo, sour cream, salt and onion salt in a bowl. Add the chopped chicken and mix together. Top with toasted almonds. Serve with crackers, on wheat bread or over a bed of mixed greens.To boil chicken breasts:· Add 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken breasts to pot of water· Bring to a boil· Reduce heat and … [Read more...]
