The Power of Comfort Food

On Friday, when my children arrived home, safely, it was all that I could do to not to gather them all up and never let them go. After recent events, I know I am not the only parent out there that felt that way. We’ve all been shaken up. Anyone who has ever loved a child, a sister or a friend has had to face this harsh new reality. There was no way, that night, that I was going to deny my children most anything. It is a good thing that no one asked for a pony. Instead, they asked … Continue reading →

Lunch Box Winners

How can you prevent boxed lunches from becoming boring? Fill those lunch boxes and bags with some winners, and you’ll have your kids happy to be back to school. My kids rarely want to buy lunch at school, which is good on the budget, but bad on me because I have to keep coming up with new choices that will keep them interested. Here are some of the favorites in my household that are sure lunchbox winners. Tortilla Wraps and Salad Wraps Take a flour tortilla or a large piece of lettuce, add your favorite meat, cheese and vegetables and … Continue reading →

The Macaroni and Cheese Wars

My mother-in-law and I have a difference of opinion about Macaroni and Cheese recipes. I like to put all sorts of different cheese into it and either cook it in the crockpot or bake it in the classic style. She likes to use only Velveeta and cook it over the stove. Hmm, the problem in my smugness, is the kids and my husband usually prefer her version. I have a hard time letting go of my holier than thou attitude about Macaroni and Cheese recipes, but I have to face the music that my version, while perhaps a bit healthier, … Continue reading →

Kitchen Playdates by Lauren Bank Deen

The other day at the library, I just had to pick up this colorful book, Kitchen Playdates by Lauren Bank Deen. The cover shows happy kids busy in the kitchen cooking and the book promised ideas and recipes that could be made with kids. My kids have always loved to cook with me, especially when it comes to baking. They like to measure, stir, chop and more. One of my daughter’s favorite possessions is her monogramed apron, and my youngest son contents himself with a towel wrapped around his waste. My oldest son begs for more responsibility in the kitchen … Continue reading →

School’s Out: Watermelon Waffles

Now that school is out, our mornings are a little less frantic, and the kids are constantly looking to be entertained. Cooking with kids can be a fun learning experience that takes advantage of the lazier days. This summer, I vow to try out at least one fun recipe a week with my kids. The youngest ones learn all about measuring and mixing, while the older ones can learn actual cooking skills in the process. Here is a fun recipe to start off with. It feeds a family of six, but you can half the recipe if you have a … Continue reading →

Kid Friendly Meals

If you check out some of the more popular recipe websites, you may find very little in terms of a variety of recipes that are kid friendly. Oh sure, there will be recipes there, but I think they are seriously lacking. Just today, I took a look at one of my favorite recipe websites, allrecipes.com and clicked on the “kid-friendly meals” tab. I was served twenty different recipes that were considered kid friendly. The only problem is that out of the twenty different recipes, only three were for meals other than pizza! And, two of those three used pasta as … Continue reading →

Creative Lunchbox Additions

Millions of students across the country headed back to class today. For many parents these first few weeks of September mark the honeymoon phase of the new school year, especially if you pack your child’s lunch everyday. In a few months your kids will likely be as tired of your home packed lunches as you are making them. To preserve your sanity and your children’s taste buds consider adding a bit of spice to your kids’ lunchboxes with the following international offerings: ITALIAN Kids love pizza, so why not pack your own by topping mini-bagels with tomato sauce, pepperoni and … Continue reading →

Healthy Back-to-School Snacks Your Kids Will Actually Eat

If you are a health-conscious parent, then you face a daunting task this time of year. You could go all natural and fill your children’s lunch boxes exclusively with fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, but the likelihood that they would happily devour the healthy goods you packed for them is slim. Your other options include making your own tasty and nutritious snacks or packing “healthier” store-bought options, like the ones listed below: Snikiddy Chocolate Chippers Cookies: The sweet treats contain less sugar than other cookies on the market. They also come in portion-controlled packets, and kids who tested them high … Continue reading →

Nutritious Back-to-School Treats

Healthy doesn’t have to mean horrible tasting. Of course, trying to explain to your 8-year-old why you are filling his lunchbox with carrots and celery sticks instead of chips and chocolate (for the 18th time in less than 24 hours) isn’t without its challenges. Instead of battling with your child over what’s inside his lunchbox, consider experimenting with nutritious snack options that taste great, such as: *Popcorn (pop your own – it’s cheaper and healthier) *Dried fruit *Trail Mix or GORP *Peanut butter or cheese crackers *Fruit muffins *Banana bread or carrot and nut cake *Granola bars *Pancakes made with … Continue reading →

Cool Summer Cupcakes

Fish and flowers on cupcakes? It’s not as bad as you think, especially when the colorful decorations are made of pure sugar. You don’t need a special occasion to make these fun cupcakes. Simply whip up a batch with your kids and celebrate what’s left of summer. BLOOMING CUPCAKES Ingredients: 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) devils food cake mix Oil, water, eggs as directed on box to make cupcakes 16 pieces Fruit by the Foot 24 large green gumdrops 48 large assorted gumdrops 48 pretzel sticks Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make cupcakes are directed on package making sure you … Continue reading →