New Traditions

One thing that really seemed to change when I got divorced were our family traditions. Suddenly, they seemed a little empty when it was just the two of us. It became almost easier just to forget about all of our old traditions rather than remind my daughter that her father wasn’t there to share them. For us, the first holidays that came up after the divorce were the summer ones, July 4th, and because we live in Utah, July 24th. Parades, barbeques and fireworks were something we did as a family. That first year we ate sandwiches and watched the … Continue reading

Large Family Recipes: Pancakes

When you have a larger family, the standard recipes sometimes don’t apply. Most recipes are crafted to feed four people at a time, but what if you have more, or your family includes hungry teenagers? You need large family recipes that will work. Pancakes can be a little tricky when you upscale them. The amount of baking powder, for example will be off if you simply times everything by three or four for example. after a few experiments, I’ve come up with a pancake recipes that is delicious, inexpensive and will feed my family. Plus it gives me a few … Continue reading

Get Breakfast at Starbucks for Two Dollars!

Are you a morning person? Did you know that Starbucks has breakfast items? You can grab your morning coffee, and get some tasty breakfast food at the same time. Starting on January 4, 2011, Starbucks if offering some of their breakfast items for just $2.00, when you buy any beverage. This deal is only good until January 10, 2011. I admit it, I am not a morning person. I enjoy breakfast foods, sometimes, but I generally end up eating those kinds of foods in the afternoon, as lunch, instead of as breakfast. Even if you hate breakfast you might like … Continue reading

Chocolate Flavored Toddler Formula

The babies who have been in our care were all formula fed. They didn’t have any issues with the formula and tolerated the formula provided through WIC. These babies were good eaters and consumed enough ounces appropriate for their development. When babies turn one they move up from formula to whole milk. Their bodies aren’t ready for whole milk before one year. Formula manufacturers don’t want to lose this lucrative market just because a child doesn’t need formula anymore. To fill this niche, next stage toddler formula was created. Toddler formula has many of the same nutrients found in whole … Continue reading

Oatmeal: A Simple Way To Increase Milk Supply

At a recent meeting with a group of young, breastfeeding mothers, I learned that oatmeal is supposed to boost milk supply. While it is not scientifically proven, many mothers report an increase in milk production after eating oatmeal, or products containing oatmeal. I’ve never had a problem with too little milk; in fact, the only “problem” I’ve had is too much milk. I’ve always counted myself lucky that supply was never an issue, because I have a strong desire to breastfeed well past my daughter’s first birthday. Although I’ve never had a problem with too little milk, I want to … Continue reading

Merry Christmas Breakfast Recipes

Christmas morning is not the time to be serving cold cereal and dry toast for breakfast. The special day deserves an extra special morning meal. However, it shouldn’t require you spending hours in the kitchen while the rest of the family enjoys playtime with their new gifts. So, what do you do? Consider whipping up the following simple, yet festively sweet breakfast recipes: ORANGE AND CRANBERRY CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST Ingredients: 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1 loaf Texas Toast 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups half and half 1 teaspoon vanilla … Continue reading

Encouraging Your Teens to Eat Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day… so the saying goes. But try telling that to your family! My younger brother used to hit the snooze on his alarm clock until the last possible second, then throw on some close and rush off to high school without eating. There are lots of “good” reasons for skipping breakfast: I wanted to sleep in. There’s nothing good to eat. It takes too long to make something. I’m not hungry when I first wake up. I want to lose weight. But research has shown that eating breakfast can help boost concentration … Continue reading

Making a Memorable Breakfast

Next week is my brother’s birthday. If he had the day off from work he would be treated to his favorite breakfast of Lemon Pancakes. Unfortunately, he has to spend the night before his birthday at the firehouse where he works, and I highly doubt the guys there will be surprising him with a plate of Lemon Pancakes to celebrate. If you are looking for a unique spin on a breakfast classic, then consider making the recipe below. In addition to the pancake directions, I’ve included a recipe for my brother’s favorite muffins. Perhaps his wife will bake a batch … Continue reading

Super Saturday Morning Breakfast

I’m all for lazy Sunday brunches, but I grew up with a dad who relished making a huge breakfast each Saturday morning. Our big breakfasts included everything from pancakes and coffee cake to made-to-order omelets plus ham, bacon, sausage and fresh fruit. If you are looking to create a new tradition in your family, I would highly suggest adding these simple and delicious recipes to your breakfast menu: BREAKFAST PIZZA Ingredients: 4 ounces softened cream cheese 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1 (12-inch) pizza crust 6 eggs 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons butter Salt and pepper 6 pieces of cooked and … Continue reading

More Egg-cellent Egg Recipes

You can tell Easter is right around the corner because area supermarkets are running specials on eggs. I’m not planning to color eggs this week (though I know some schools and civic organizations are sponsoring egg hunts this weekend), but I couldn’t pass up the deal and purchased a couple dozen. I am now in the process of organizing my egg recipes so I can put these protein rich ovals to good use. If you too are looking for simple yet tasty ways to incorporate incredible, edible eggs into your menu, consider the following: SPRING VEGETABLE OMELET Ingredients: 2 tablespoons … Continue reading