Veggie Pancakes (Week 46, 52 New Foods) November 28 2012, 5 Comments

Veggie pancakes? You bet! Carrot and zucchini come together to make a tasty, easy veggie pancake perfect for brunch or to munch at lunch!  

Easy Butternut Squash Soup: Recipes for Your Holiday Table (Week 44, 52 New Foods) November 12 2012, 2 Comments

This easy butternut squash soup recipe is a must for your holiday table! It’s a healthy version of my favorite holiday soup – and can be made ahead to give you more time to celebrate with friends and family.

Butternut Squash Puree: Recipes for Your Holiday Table November 12 2012, 4 Comments

Butternut squash puree is easy to make and turns simple soups into hearty, healthy holiday dishes! 

Persimmon: Recipes for Your Holiday Table (Week 43, 52 New Foods) November 05 2012, 23 Comments

We tried several persimmon recipes and the kids voted for this easy and delicious baked persimmon dish. Move over baked apples! Persimmons will be the feature at our holiday table this year.

Gifts that Give Back November 27 2011, 2 Comments

Spread joy and love this season by giving gifts that give back to support a good cause. Give knowing that your gift is helping others, which is the best gift of all.

Can Every Day Be Thanksgiving? November 18 2011, 3 Comments

Why should Thanksgiving be the only memorable meal of the year? There are many aspects of Thanksgiving that we can incorporate into everyday meals. 

Healthy Holidays October 07 2011, 1 Comment

I love the holidays. My children are giddy with the sounds, sights, and smells of the season. Like many parents, I enjoy spending time with my kids and sharing treasured holiday traditions through cooking, baking and eating! But a full calendar of holiday celebrations can quickly add up to a less than healthy holiday menu. A few tips for how to keep the holidays healthy and happy this year!

Pace yourself – Back to back parties can run parents and kids ragged. Space out parties! Plan for a rest day in-between big events to allow little bodies to recover.

Play each day – Schedule time each day to get out and play! On mild days, ride bikes to the park. On rainy days, a game of hoops at the gym can be a fun afternoon activity for the whole family. If time is working against you, crank up the tunes and have a dance party. Just get moving!

Include a healthy option with each meal – Offer a couple of healthy options at each holiday meal. Steamed veggies, like green beans or broccoli, are beautiful on their own and make a colorful compliment to a holiday table.

Lighten up – If you’re heading off to a big family dinner, plan for lighter fare earlier in the day. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on yogurt parfaits to infuse a little holiday flavor into your breakfast. Homemade, hearty chicken noodle soup can make for a veggie packed, lighter lunch option.

H2O is the way to go – Put out a pitcher of water on your kitchen table so kids can easily help themselves throughout the day. Remind kids (and yourself) to fill ‘er up.