Category Archives: RECIPES

RECIPES

“VEGGIE PIZZA FACES”

While researching for recipes that attempt to motivate kid’s to eat their vegetables, I stumbled on this quick and easy “VEGGIE PIZZA”  listing that makes it fun by creating faces with the vegetables… Cute right?!?

Although my son is two, I thought it would be great for him to participate in the preparation. My hope being that he would eat something that he made…Personally, I didn’t plan on trying the pizza, but it was hard to resist. 🙂 Surprisingly, it was VERY good. I think the Hidden Valley Ranch gave it the burst of flavor.

Did Xander eat it…he ate a couple of slices (with the veggies), which is a HUGE improvement!!!  It’s SUPER easy, just follow the directions and enjoy:

INGREDIENTS 
  • 4 whole wheat pita bread rounds (6-inch pitas work best)
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Light Dressing (as much as needed)
  • Assortment of fresh vegetables pre-sliced and ready for use: rainbow carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli and olives)
DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Place the pita bread rounds on a non-stick baking sheet.
  3. Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each pita round; sprinkle with cheese.
  4. Use the Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Light Dressing as the glue to add assorted vegetables to the pizzas. Take your time and create silly faces with the veggies.
  5. Bake the pizzas for 10 to 12 minutes or until cheese melts.
RECIPES

SUPPER MADE SIMPLE…

“What’s For Dinner???” is one of the oldest questions in the book that is heard around my home at LEAST twice a week!!! And today was one of those days..Wednesdays bring on the “I have NO idea what to cook” moment and my 2 year old chimes in on cue, “Mommy, I’m ready to eat”…Yes, I’m sure it’s happened to you on occasion, so what’s the answer…

Chicken…Fish…Spaghetti??? All emphatic NO’s from me…What do I have a taste for??? Hmmm…Soup and a warm sandwich…Voila. Soup & Sandwich. Luckily, I had the ingredients needed to make both without running out to the grocery store. A grilled cheese is easy and self explanatory…The soup may be a chore for some, but, I have a quick and easy recipe that even the most persnickety pint – sized pundit (yes…I have one) would love!!!

VEGETABLE TOMATO SOUP
  • 1 large can of pear tomatoes with basil
  • 1 small can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup of heavy cream

First, add the 2 cans of tomatoes to the pot. Cut the pear tomatoes into medium pieces and then add the mixed vegetables, water, brown sugar and nutmeg. Allow soup to simmer for 30 minutes. Add the heavy cream. Serve with the grilled cheese. Your kids will LOVE it!!!

RECIPES

FUN & FRESH FRUIT!!!

Since we’ve been experiencing hot summer days for the past week, my goal was to find fun and easy snacks to make without any cooking, fuss or an overabundance of cleanup.

This recipe is fresh, simple and most importantly, healthy!!!

FRUIT KABOBS:
  • Yogurt or Cottage Cheese
  • Fruit (Oranges/ Grapes/ Apples/ Cherries/ Peaches/ Blueberries/ Kiwi/ Watermelon, etc.)
  • Skewers
  • Bowls
Choose your favorite fruits and thoroughly clean. Cut any fruits (oranges/ kiwi/ apples, etc.) into quarters (depending on the size). When you’re ready to create the kabob, use skewers to pierce and layer the fruit to finish the preparation of the snack. Place yogurt or cottage cheese in small bowls for dipping.  ENJOY!!!
RECIPES

PEANUT BUTTER & BANANA JAM

I believe all kids LOVE peanut butter and jelly and my son is no exception…When it’s time for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, I’ll hear, “Mommy ‘wich’ please”…And, since I’ve only made him PBJ sandwiches for the past 6 months or so, I know that what he means…

Recently, I’ve been sneaking fruits and vegetables in his diet because he outright refuses them when he sees something that’s not familiar…One way that’s worked wonders is adding a bit of banana to his PBJ. Here’s how I do it:

PEANUT BUTTER w/ BANANA & JAM
Ingredients:
  • Wheat or White Bread
  • Peanut Butter
  • Jam or Jelly
  • Banana

This is so easy, I slice a few pieces of banana, place those pieces in the microwave for 20 seconds and combine it with the jam. Spread the “banana jam” on one slice and peanut butter on the other, slice and serve. YUM!!!

RECIPES

ANTS ANYONE???

Need a quick snack for your little one after their afternoon nap??? By including fruit and vegetables, “Ants On A Log”  is a great option!!!
PREP TIME: 15 Minutes
INGREDIENTS: Celery Sticks/ Peanut Butter / Raisins
PREPARATION: Fill the center of the celery stick with peanut butter. Place a few raisins, cranberries OR tiny chocolate chips on top to be your ants…ENJOY.