Kid-Friendly Recipes
Roasted Pumpkin Butter
Naturally sweetened and perfectly spiced, this foolproof, no-scorch recipe adds something special to toast, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods and more. Plus it freezes well and makes a lovely gift. If you’ve never made pumpkin butter before, this foolproof recipe is reason to start! The flavor of homemade pumpkin butter is truly in a…
PB&J Breakfast Bars
Healthy, filling and easy to make, Rachael Ray herself thinks these tasty bars are a total win! Convenient for grab-and-go breakfasts and anytime snacking. As if a compliment by Rachael Ray isn’t cool enough, the following recipe comes from a cookbook I recently reviewed call The Teen Kitchen －and Amazon just named it one of the best cookbooks…
Veggie-Loaded Pasta with Sausage
Reader tested and family approved, this complete meal comes together easily and is equal parts healthy and satisfying. A few tips provide added convenience at dinnertime－and for those who’ve tried gluten-free pasta and been unimpressed, I have a helpful hint that might change your mind. When I cook pasta, I typically aim to work…
Parmesan Garlic Bread
An unexpected ingredient makes for better browning in this flavor-packed Parmesan spread, which can be kept on hand for a quick, crowd-pleasing side to soups, pastas and salads－and feel free to use with a variety of breads beyond the customary baguette. Garlic bread is to spaghetti what milk is to cereal. Ok…maybe a toasty…
Quick Classic Marinara Sauce
The long-simmered flavor reminiscent of your grandmother’s classic marinara sauce can be yours in short order thanks to a brief list of key ingredients and one easy method! A great tasting marinara sauce is often associated with a long simmer on the stovetop. Many sauce recipes also require a lengthy list of ingredients to…
Salty Sweet Gourmet Sprinkles
Sprinkles are all grown up thanks to this stellar 3-ingredient combination that’s perfect for holiday gift giving! 🎁 The season of gift giving is upon us, and so often we need just a little something to give to a teacher, a co-worker or party host. But it’s fun when that “little something” has a…
Clementine Jack-o’-lanterns (plus a few other Halloween treats)
These healthy snacks make a fun project for children, whether at home or school parties, and are a welcome lunchbox surprise. There’s a fun story behind them (plus an important tip for making the ink stick). And because every good celebration can benefit from some themed trivia, I’ve included some Halloween fun facts to use as conversation…
Threaded Hot Dog or Sausage Spaghetti (aka “Spider Dogs”)
Move over meatballs! This squirmy pasta dish makes a fun project for kids and a crowd-pleasing Halloween-themed meal. For a more “mature” version, substitute your favorite cooked sausage for the hot dogs. I’m pretty sure a spoonful of laughter and silliness makes any dinner taste better –and when the preparation of that meal can…
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Mix and match an extensive list of options to create a healthy, economical alternative to store-bought flavored instant oatmeal packets. Perfect for busy mornings, college dorm rooms, camping, traveling (all you need is hot water) and a fun project with kids! Apparently America’s relationship with boxed cereals is in a slump. Amidst a recent…
PB&J Breakfast Chia Pudding
An option to overnight oats, healthy, prep-ahead PB&J Chia Pudding is surprisingly delicious and satisfying. Feel free to use your favorite jam in place of the chia jam recipe and customize with your favorite fruits and toppings. Cha-cha-cha chia! 🎶🎵 I know what some of you are thinking. Pudding made from chia seeds? Maybe…
Strawberry Granitas
Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth granitas can be made with a variety of seasonal fruits for a refreshingly light dessert or snack all summer long. Start with this simple recipe for Strawberry Granitas and customize to taste with a variety of options. No fancy equipment needed! My husband and I hosted a big cookout over Memorial Day weekend.…
5-Ingredient Very Berry Smoothie (and make-ahead smoothie packs)
Loaded with filling protein, healthy fats, and a hearty dose of fruit (and optional veggie), this 5-ingredient very berry smoothie checks all the metaphorical boxes—and tastes great, too. For grab-and-go convenience, smoothie packs can be quickly assembled and stored in the freezer. For years, my childhood friend Christine and I would occasionally grab a…
