Kidsville Kitchen Archives - Page 3 of 4

Fast. Easy. Delicious

Marshmallow crispy rice cereal treat colored orange and shaped into small pumpkin shapes, and using green “Mike & Ike” candies as the stem. Easy, and very kid friendly recipe great for any fall holidays! SERVINGS – 12-15 YIELD – 12-15 pumpkins INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons melted margarine 6 cups crispy rice cereal 10 ounces miniature marshmallows green “Mike & Ike” candy orange food coloring DIRECTIONS Melt margarine in large microwave safe bowl. Add marshmallows and heat again in microwave until soft and fluffy. Put in a few drops of food coloring to achieve desired color. Stir in cereal and mix well. Using lightly greased hands, shape into small handful-sized balls. Place onto pan lined with parchment paper and put candy piece in the top for a stem. Pumpkins aren’t generally perfectly round, so it makes this a very kid-friendly recipe. Fast. Easy. Delicious. Made in 30 minutes or less.

Kidsville Kitchen

Key to cooking with pumpkins

Autumn is ripe with vibrant colors and scenery. One of the more vivid sights this time of year are the bright, orange pumpkins that adorn walkways and front porches of homes and businesses. Not only are pumpkins ideal for decorating, but they’re also great to eat.Some people who plan to carve jack-o-lanterns mistakenly believe the same type of pumpkin can be used in their favorite recipes. But what carving pumpkins have in visual flair, they usually lack in flavor and substance. Instead, would-be pumpkin cookers should look to other varieties if they plan to serve pumpkin on the menu. Pumpkins are available from September through December, but they peak in October. Many smaller pumpkins are better and sweeter for cooking. Mini pumpkins, sugar, cheese and pie pumpkins are varieties commonly used in recipes. The big jack-o-lantern pumpkins have stringy, watery flesh and will provide little to no pulp for cooking. Select a pumpkin as you would any other type of squash. Look for a firm pumpkin with no bruises or soft spots. The pumpkin also should have a deep orange color. Store pumpkins in a cool, dark area until ready for use to prolong freshness. Wash the exterior of the pumpkin in cool water before cutting to remove any dirt and bacteria on the surface of the pumpkin so it won’t be transferred to the pulp of the pumpkin. Slice the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and any stringy material. Rinse and save the seeds for planting or roasting. Put the pumpkin pieces in the microwave to cook or you can steam or bake them until the pulp is soft and the pumpkin falls off of the skin. Cool the pumpkins, then puree the pulp until it’s smooth. You may want to strain the pureed pumpkin with a cheese cloth to remove any excess water before using in a pie recipe. Baked breads may benefit from the extra moisture.Pumpkins are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. They’re also low in fat and calories. Pumpkin puree can replace the oil in some baking recipes, much as you would use applesauce.

Kidsville Kitchen

Tips for creating healthy, homemade meals

The start of a new school year means less time to think about dinner. The good news is, with just a little advance planning and these three easy tips, in no time you’ll be whipping up wholesome meals your family will love. Stock Your Pantry Add canned fruits, vegetables, proteins and soups to your back-to-school shopping list. Like home canning, cans seal in foods’ natural goodness and nutrition, making hearty, homemade meals simple and delicious. Get Creative For a healthy, home-cooked dinner, all you need is a can opener, a strainer and some imagination. Canned crushed tomatoes, sliced carrots and chopped spinach create a savory vegetable lasagna worthy of seconds, and canned chicken with white beans, hominy and chicken broth combine for a white chicken chili that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Involve Kids in Meal Prep Moms face a number of challenges when trying to get their kids to eat more fruit and vegetables. According to a recent study conducted by Cans Get You Cooking, canned foods help a majority of moms (76 percent) get fruits and vegetables on the table, and into kids’ diets. Another way to encourage kids to eat healthy meals is to include them in meal preparation, which also teaches skills like measuring, counting and following directions. For more nutritious and flavorful recipes for back-to-school, visit www.Cans-GetYouCooking.com. Vegetable Lasagna Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 12 1 28-ounce cn crushed tomatoes 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese 1 large egg 12 no-boil lasagna noodles 1 14.5-ounce can sliced carrots, well drained 1 13.5-ounce can chopped spinach, well drained 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese – In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. – Heat to boiling; reduce to low and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to blend flavors. – Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 12-by-8-inch baking dish. – In medium bowl combine ricotta cheese and egg until well mixed. – Spoon tomato sauce on bottom of dish to coat. – Place 3 uncooked noodles lengthwise across the pan. – Top with 1/3 of tomato sauce. – With spatula, spread 1/3 of ricotta mixture. – Scatter 1/3 of carrots and spinach on ricotta and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. – Repeat with uncooked noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta, vegetables and mozzarella two more times. – Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. – Cover dish with foil; bake 30 minutes. – Uncover dish; bake 10 minutes longer. – Let cool before cutting.

Kidsville Kitchen

Good Nutrition Shouldn’t Take a Summer Break

Children in need may lose access to milk when school is out While the summer is often celebrated as a carefree time of lounging around, pool dates and hanging out with friends, for many children in communities across the country, it means limited access to the foods their growing bodies need. In fact, more than 22 million children may miss out on milk’s nutrition in the summer months when schools are closed and they don’t have access to free or reduced-price meal programs. Although some programs like the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) help to deliver meals when school is not in session, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP), do not reach children during the summer months. That’s why food banks play an even more critical role in helping children access nutritious foods when class isn’t in session. The need for nutrient-rich milk According to a 2014 survey of Feeding America food banks, milk is one of the most requested items by food bank clients, but on average, they are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon per person per year. That’s why, since 2014, Feeding America has partnered with America’s dairy farmers and milk companies to create a program that makes it easy to provide fresh, nutritious milk to children who need it most in communities across the country. For a small donation of as little as $5 at milklife.com/give, The Great American Milk Drive will deliver a gallon of nutrient-rich milk to a family that’s missing it in your local community. Since it began, the drive has delivered more than 325,000 gallons of fresh, nutritious milk to a network of nearly 200 food banks. Feeding America leads the fight against hunger in the United States by serving more than 46 million food-insecure Americans, including 12 million children across the country. “Milk is an easy and affordable way to provide much needed nourishment to children who might otherwise miss out on it during the summer months,” said Michelle Dudash, registered dietitian and nutritionist. “Many people don’t realize that milk provides eight grams of high-quality protein in each eight-ounce glass and is the top food source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium.” Visit milklife.com/give to learn more about the need for nutrient-rich milk during the summer months and how a small donation can make a significant impact to children and families in your community.

Kids

F-U-N Learning with Food

If you’re searching for ways to get little ones excited about learning, try combining fun and function, using food as your teaching tool. Foods that come in letter shapes are a great way to introduce young learners to the alphabet and make learning delightfully F-U-N. Although it may contradict the popular mealtime mantra to “quit playing with your food,” teaching children to recognize letters using a familiar food, such as cereal, can actually be a great way to promote literacy and a love of reading early on. You can get started promoting the joys of learning with the “snacktivity” below to make snack time as entertaining as it is educational for your littlest family members. Use a nutrient rich cereal, such as Post Alpha-Bits, so when letters start disappearing into those tiny tummies, you can feel good knowing each serving provides 12 of the essential vitamins and minerals growing kids need. For more great recipes your family will love, visit www.postfoods.com. ABC Crispy Bars 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 1 package (10.5 ounces) miniature marshmallows 8 cups Post Alpha-Bits Cereal alphabet-shaped cookie cutters Line 13-by-9-inch pan with foil; lightly grease foil. Microwave butter in large microwavable bowl on high for 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows and mix well. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 45 seconds. Stir in cereal. Press cereal mixture firmly into prepared pan. Cool. Using the alphabet-shaped cookie cutters, cut cereal mixture into 12-15 pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Kidsville Kitchen

Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Little Athletes

Kids may seem to have boundless energy, but running around the soccer field or baseball diamond takes effort — and burns lots of calories. As a parent or coach, it’s important to make sure kids are well fueled. They’ll play better on the field and feel better afterwards. Whether it’s a practice game or the championship, come prepared with these fuss-free, nutritious, on-the-go snacks: • Victory veggies: Bring veggies that are easy to eat, such as baby carrots, celery sticks and bell pepper slices. They provide valuable vitamins and nutrients, and they won’t weigh down young athletes. • First-place fruit: Oranges, tangerines, watermelon and other juicy fruits are chock full of vitamins. And their high water content will help keep kids hydrated. Make these tasty fruit snacks even easier to eat by pre-slicing, pre-peeling and packing them in single-serve bags. Fun fact: olives, avocados and tomatoes are fruits! • Winning flavor: Olives are central to the bold, heart-healthy flavors of the Mediterranean style diet. Often used in cooking or served at meals, they are also a terrific snack. An easy way to include olives in your kids’ pre- and post- game snack routine is with Pearls Olives to Go! These single-serve, liquid-free olives in a cup are available in America’s most popular variety: California-grown Black Pitted Olives. All kids need to do is peel the lid off the cup, which makes them an easy, mess-free addition to the usual snack line-up. They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, GMO-free and vegan. • Powerful protein: A boost of protein after vigorous physical activity helps repair muscles. A handful of almonds or a scoop of trail mix is easy to pack in a re-sealable plastic bag and delivers a nutritious dose of antioxidants and omega-3s. Cheese sticks are another portable protein option. • Replenish and rehydrate: While nourishment is important, don’t overlook the importance of replenishing fluids and electrolytes lost during intense activity. Kids should quench their thirst throughout the game, especially in warmer weather. Water is always the best choice for hydration. To resupply necessary sodium, offer your little athlete a salty snack, like olives, as a healthful, simple and natural alternative to the less healthful go-to snack, chips. Go easy on sports drinks, which can be loaded with calories and sugar and are generally unnecessary for the sports field except in the case of prolonged, vigorous exercise, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Whether you’re prepping for a big game or enjoying a casual scrimmage at the park, don’t forget snacks that will keep your athletic, on-the-go family healthy, hydrated and strong. Make your own after-sports snack pack with olives, veggies, cheese and fruit. (c) Sam Burbank

Kidsville Kitchen

Smart Food Choices to Fuel Kids This Summer

During the laid-back summer months, it can be tempting to let things slide. Though many aspects of your routine may shift into a lower gear, you can still find simple ways to make sure your kids are making healthy food choices to fuel their way through summer. Summer, when there are fewer demands to complete homework and attend school functions, is the perfect time to get kids more involved in the kitchen. Even though school is out, the learning doesn’t have to stop. Here are some tips to help your kids learn smart nutrition and where food comes from: • This season, celebrate why dairy is a wholesome addition to snacks, meal choices and even drinks. Not only do dairy foods taste great, but also they are good for your health and your budget. Options like milk, cheese and yogurt are full of vitamins and minerals, help build strong bones and muscles, control blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, at about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving, milk is a bargain, especially when you consider all the nutrients inside. No other food group delivers this much nutrition in such an affordable, flavorful and convenient way. • Take advantage of the extra time summer allows to teach kids about where food comes from and the practices involved in getting food from the farm to your family’s table. With a focus on educating others about sustainable practices, dairy families across the nation regularly invite the public to visit their farms and learn how milk and other dairy foods make it from their family farms to grocery store shelves. Dairy farmers work 365 days a year to ensure nutritious milk and dairy foods are available now and in the future. • Keep kids well-nourished throughout the day – even when school isn’t in session. Teach kids simple, nutritious breakfast and snack ideas they can create on their own in the kitchen, such as yogurt and fruit smoothies. Not only will they learn a few kitchen skills, but it will also encourage the habit of eating a wholesome breakfast every day. Zucchini Parmesan Rounds Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 Non-stick cooking spray 2 medium zucchini (about 3/4 pound) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces) 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs 1/8 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Paprika, to taste Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly coat baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds, leaving green skin on. Place rounds in resealable plastic bag with olive oil; shake to coat all sides. Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and paprika in small bowl. Press each zucchini round into Parmesan mixture, coating on both sides. Place in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove with spatula. Serve warm. Chocolate Berry Smoothie Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 2 1¼ cups fat-free chocolate milk 1 cup frozen mixed berries without sugar (blackberries, blueberries and raspberries) 1 container (5.3 ounces) fat-free mixed berry Greek yogurt Combine chocolate milk, frozen berries and yogurt in a blender. Blend until creamy. Serve immediately.

Kidsville Kitchen

Get Creative with After-School Snacks

For teens and tweens, after-school snacks can pose a bit of a problem. Many options are geared toward younger (and smaller) bellies, while others may pack too big a punch, affecting appetites for dinner. One deliciously satisfying solution? Snacks they can make themselves. DIY after-school snacks let kids push their creative limits. One way to get creative is using favorite breakfast cereals in familiar types of recipes for a whole new taste. For example, a lightly sweetened corn and oat cereal such as Honeycomb has a one-of-a-kind playful shape that makes it an instantly recognizable and flavorful addition to treats. You can go simple with a snack mix such as this Monkey Munch, or even give muffins a playful and unique twist, as with these Cereal Muffins. Monkey Munch 1/2 cup peanut butter 4 squares semi-sweet chocolate 8 cups Post Honeycomb Cereal 2 tablespoons powdered sugar Microwave peanut butter and chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on high 1½ minutes. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Pour over cereal in large bowl; toss to evenly coat. Place two large sheets of aluminum foil on counter, with long sides of foil slightly overlapping. Spread cereal mixture onto foil. Let stand 2 hours or until chocolate coating is set. Place powdered sugar in fine mesh strainer. Shake strainer over cereal mixture to evenly coat cereal mixture with sugar. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature. Tips: Cooled cereal can be placed in a large brown paper bag instead of on foil. Add powdered sugar to cereal mixture in bag; fold down top of bag to close and shake to coat cereal mixture evenly. Cereal Muffins 1 cup flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup cold butter or margarine 3 1/3 cups Post Honeycomb Cereal, divided 1 cup milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon sugar 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 12-cup muffin tin. Mix flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix 3 cups cereal and milk in medium bowl; let stand 3 minutes. Stir in egg. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened (batter will be lumpy). Spoon evenly into muffin tin, filling each cup 2/3 full. Mix remaining 1/3 cup cereal, 1 teaspoon sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

Kidsville Kitchen

Save Time on Weeknight Meal Prep

With so many dishes requiring time-consuming special preparation, you may find yourself looking for ways to shave a little time. The key is to buy back precious minutes without sacrificing the taste and quality your loved ones expect when they gather for a week night meal. To ensure you’re always ready to create delicious dinners, keep these tips in mind: • Build recipes around staples you already have on hand, to shave off some grocery shopping time. To create a variety of dishes, keep a ready stash of basic items like rice, pasta, potatoes and a large assortment of herbs and spices. • Look for ingredients that offer convenience, such as being pre-cooked or pre-measured. For example, Success Boil-in-Bag Rice is a 10-minute quick-cooking long grain rice, which is pre-measured in a convenient colander bag that can be prepared on the stove or in the microwave. • Save time slicing, dicing and chopping by using frozen or store-prepared fruits and vegetables. Cutting preparation time will leave you free to focus on tending to another dish, or spending more time with your family. With a few time-saving measures in place, you’ll have a dinner so tasty no one will even wonder what shortcuts you took along the way. You’ll also be free to experiment with new recipes, such as this delicious, sweet and crunchy Apple Walnut Dressing. Apple Walnut Dressing 1 bag Success® White Rice or Success® Brown Rice 1 tart green apple, cored and chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice nonstick cooking spray 4 ounces bulk turkey sausage 3/4 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup chopped fresh celery 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon dried sage 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1/4 cup honey Prepare rice according to package directions. Combine apple and lemon juice in large bowl; mix lightly. Set aside. Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Crumble sausage into prepared skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Add onions, celery, walnuts and raisins; cook until crisp-tender. Add apple mixture, seasonings and sage; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add rice, broth and honey; heat thoroughly, stirring constantly.

Kids

Cure Cravings with Satisfying Snacks

When a snack attack hits you, your mood may influence the flavor you crave. Taking a more mindful approach will let you savor what you eat and give you a more satisfying snack experience. Mindful eating is all about being more aware of what foods you choose — such as the connection to your senses and emotions. Being more conscious of snacking habits can help you make smarter, well-balanced choices and be more intentional with your snacks to be sure you’re truly answering your craving. Hone in on your senses of taste and touch with these ideas so you can sit down and savor your next snacking session: Sweet • Enjoy the natural sweetness of fruit with a parfait by layering your favorite fruits with plain or vanilla yogurt and topping with a handful of granola. • Top a slice of banana bread with a smear of rich, creamy spreadable cheese, such as The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss, and add a crunchy protein punch with walnuts. Salty • Slice a potato in paper-thin pieces and bake in a single layer at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Sprinkle with a dash of sea salt before serving either alone or with dip. • Jazz up plain popcorn with an assortment of lightly salted nuts and dried fruit. Crunchy • Dip pretzel sticks in a light coating of melted chocolate (roll in crushed nuts while chocolate is still wet for extra crunch). • For a fresh take on traditional veggies, top mini bagels with a creamy sun-dried tomato and basil spread, such as the Creamy Mozzarella, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Flavor by The Laughing Cow, and add your favorite veggies (cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper, mushrooms, etc.) for a delicious white pizza. Creamy • Treat your taste buds with a richly flavored cheese spread, such as those available from The Laughing Cow, smeared over a thinly sliced baguette or multi-grain muffin. • Mash an avocado with a dash of salt, pepper and garlic; add a squeeze of lime juice and some diced tomatoes for an instant guacamole dip to enjoy with corn chips or tortilla wedges. For more satisfying snack suggestions, visit www.thelaughingcow.com.

Category - Kidsville Kitchen

Fast. Easy. Delicious

Key to cooking with pumpkins

Tips for creating healthy, homemade meals

Good Nutrition Shouldn’t Take a Summer Break

F-U-N Learning with Food

Healthy Snack Ideas for Your Little Athletes

Smart Food Choices to Fuel Kids This Summer

Get Creative with After-School Snacks

Save Time on Weeknight Meal Prep

Cure Cravings with Satisfying Snacks

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