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Archive for the ‘Vegetarian’ Category

Earth Balls – Family Snack

31 Jul

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Here is a lovely snack recipe from my very healthy, vegetarian best friend, Jessie, for your whole family to enjoy. (That’s a very pregnant Jessie in the picture above this text. She is holding my older son last summer on our visit back home to Maine.) Jessie’s “Earth Balls” are portable, healthy and, perhaps, most importantly, delicious!

The fun part too is that you can get your kids involved in the earth ball making process!

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-1/2 cup peanut butter
-1/2 cup honey
-1/2 cup hot cocoa powder (or protein powder)
-In your Cuisinart, ground about 1 1/2 cups of whatever nuts you have (walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, soy nuts, peanuts…)
-1/2 cup toasted wheat germ (I use the honey crunch kind)

Off the recipe, you can add a 1/4-1/2 cup of ground flax seed and, then so it’s not too dry, add a little more peanut butter and honey…

Then combine all the ingredients, roll into 1 inch balls, then roll the balls in sweetened coconut flakes (you don’t have to do this part but it’s a nice touch)

Keep it in the fridge if you use natural peanut butter.

Yum….

Happy eating!
Marnie

 
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Posted in 12 months +, Activities, Finger Food, Snack, Toddler, Travel, Vegetarian

 

Watermelon!

19 Jun

One of the most exciting parts about summer is the copious amounts of watermelon. Not only good for us adults to nibble on but a wonderful finger food for our kids, too. An organization exists for the purpose of promoting this amazing fruit. The organization is named fittingly The National Watermelon Promotion Board. Check it out! There is even a section of Fun Facts for Kids!

Watermelons are, of course, a great finger food but are also super easy to make into ice pops or cubes and puree. A simple watermelon puree will do the trick and the result is so satisfying to you and your kids. There are also many dipping sauce recipes. My favorites have a honey and vinegar base but, honestly, watermelon is best enjoyed on its own. Check out these recipes for kids. I am trying out the watermelon dippers and the rubix cube at my son’s 2 year birthday in two weeks.

An additional wonderful side note to watermelon is that it serves as an effective practical life exercise for kids. The inside is super easy to scoop, chop, cut and divide. So grab a scoop, a dull cutting knife, toothpicks, and your watermelon and learn away!

Did you know that…

  • watermelon is from South Africa
  • watermelon is high in vitamins A, B6 and C
  • watermelon is 92% water
  • within 2 months of planting, the vines of watermelon plants are ready to for harvest
  • the largest watermelon ever recorded weighed 262 pounds
  • there are 200-300 varieties

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I love these watermelon activities! How cute is the cookie cutter exercise?

Happy eating!
Marnie

* I do not get paid for writing this blog. What you can do to help support the effort is at no cost to you. Search within the Amazon search box in the right sidebar and visit the Carrots are Orange Amazon Store. Or click on the product link at the end of this post. I get a small % for commission. Thanks!

 
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Posted in 12 months +, Activities, Finger Food, Nutrition, Reading Corner, Snack, Vegetarian

 

Carrot Leek Puree

08 Dec

I like this puree because of it’s simplicity but also because you can “spice” it up if you and your child desires. This puree is inspired by fall flavors because it seems warm and cozy to me, and by Indian flavors by adding a bit of coriander and tumeric. Finally this puree is so wonderful because you can add a meet, such as chicken, for added protein and iron.

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FOOD:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 medium leeks, sliced using only the light green and white parts
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup of vegetable stock or water
  • Black pepper to your child’s taste
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander (be careful when adding, can be overwhelming so add a bit and taste)
  • 1 tsp turmeric (same note as above)

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GEAR:

  • Sautee pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting knife
  • Cutting board
  • Peeler
  • Blender

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METHOD:

  • Get out your sautee pan, place on medium heat and warm with butter in pan, add leeks
  • Once leeks have softened, add carrots
  • Add black pepper and other spices if you desire
  • Cover with stock (or water) and let simmer for 15 minutes or so, until soft
  • Grab your blender and puree away
  • Taste and add more spices if desired
  • Transfer to dish and serve

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NOTES:

  • If you want to make this puree even creamier, consider adding whole fat greek yogurt.
  • As always store what you are going to use within the next 3 days in the fridge. Any remainder should go in the freezer.
  • Spices: I am a big proponent of introducing flavors early but please read up on it before you go for it.

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GOODNESS FACTOR: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Manganese


Enjoy!
Marnie

* I do not get paid for writing this blog. What you can do to help support the effort is at no cost to you. Search within the Amazon search box in the right sidebar and visit the Amazon Store by clicking the link in the upper toolbar. Or click on the product link at the end of this post. Or click on the link within the post to buy the book on Amazon. I get a small % for commission. Thanks!

 
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Posted in 6-9 Months, Basic Puree, Dinner, Getting Started, International, Vegetarian

 

Apple, Cheddar Honey Quesadilla – So Good It Should Be Bad For You

12 Nov

I test drive a lot of baby and toddler recipes floating out there in cyber space. Some of them are hits. Some of them are not. I recently tried the combination of Apple, Cheddar Cheese and Honey in a quesadilla, inspired by Catherine McCord of Weelicious. She publishes some fabulous recipes and school lunches, all very healthy and quite creative, sure to make your child very happy. This Apple, Cheddar Cheese, Honey is so good that I not only made a second one for myself alone but it should be bad for us. The good news? It is a healthy meal.

Quesadillas are a great “staple” with your toddlers and “big” kids, perfect for a snack and a heartier dinner. We have them every other day AT LEAST so finding a new combination is always welcome. We typically make savory quesadillas that provide a kick of protein and iron so this sweet version was a treat.

So here it is. Super simple.

Gear:

  • Frying pan or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Shredder
  • Peeler
  • Small cutting knife

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Food:

  • Tortilla – whole wheat is the healthier choice but we’re suckers for your standard flour tortillas
  • 1 ounce of cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 small apple – we used sweet, delicious fuji apples, peeled and sliced finely
  • 1 Tablespoon or whatever amount you desire of honey – I love getting honey from the local farmers but your standard off the shelf stuff is good too!
  • I always splurge with a little butter spread on the tortilla, too. A little of the good fat is all right for the little ones.

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Method:

  • Butter the tortilla (or use two tortillas to make a sandwich, whichever you prefer), place in warmed frying pan on medium heat
  • Place shredded cheese and sliced apples on tortilla
  • Once melted, pour honey onto the ingredients
  • Fold the tortilla, cut into triangles or small bites
  • Let cool a bit and serve!

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Goodness Factor: Fiber, Vitamin C, Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus

Enjoy!
Marnie

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Posted in 12 months +, Finger Food, Lunch, Recipes, Toddler, Vegetarian

 
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