Veggie Snacks For Dinner

If you're having trouble with picky eaters and vegetables then it's time to turn that healthy harvest into fun snacks. That's what I did tonight with my dinner. It's hard dealing with picky eaters and making them eat what's good for them. That's when I bought a ton of mixed veggies from my local A&P's salad bar and made a heart healthy vinaigrette. It's like a no brainer. Everyone loves finger foods especially at dinner when they're usually forbidden.Have a plate with sliced red and green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower florettes along with grape tomatoes. I just made a simple Italian dressing with a good dose of flavorful rosemary.

Veggie snacks are also good on picnics. I plan on bringing dishes of them with me on days trips to the beach this summer. I may make my own dressings as well. Let's face it , pepper strips and tomatoes are healthier and less dehydrating than fries and chips.They're also easy to pack as well.

Picky eaters? no problem. Serve them fresh veggies with a dipping sauce. They're fun and nutritious!!!

Field of Dreams Planning The Perfect Veggie Garden

Thanks to the economy and the push for fresh foods, gardening is going to be big this year. For some of us, it's old hat. We plant the veggies every year and tend the fruit trees hoping to get some kind of produce for the summer and fall. For the newbies it's a different story. New to the field gardeners will be at sea in an ocean of green. However planting and harvesting a garden is for everyone and there's a feeling of satisfaction when they pluck that first tomato or pepper .


The first step in creating a good garden is research. Find out what your dirt is(loamy, sandy, etc) and its' acidity. Secondly research about the veggies and herbs you want to plant in it. For example highly acidic soil can wind up producing bitter tasting tomatoes.Also see what grows in your region and when is the best time of the Spring to plant it (th e US is divided into seven planting zones which you can easily find on Google). Also another factor to consider is your family's taste. If the kids hate onions, it's kind of moot to plant them, expecting everyone to wax enthusiastic about the first bulb. Ask the little ones what they want and then get them involved. Kids who grow their own produce will be proud to eat their first veggies.

Once the yard has been evaluated and the choices made, then head down to your local nursery or order from a catalog or online for plants and seeds. You may also want to get some equipment, mulch and fertilizer as well. Planting usually starts at the end of this month or the beginning of next for early summer harvesting. You may want to turn over the dirt now to get it ready for the first batch of tomatoes or lettuce.

It may seem too early or cold to think about that first summer harvest. Yet it's not, Remember that we're halfway through April and may is only a few short weeks away. It's time to get ready!

On The Border A Mexican Treat

One of my favorite chain restaurants is On The Border, a salute to south of the border kitsch.Yes, there are sombreros and the ubiquitous adobe tiles. There's piped in mariachi music and the usual cadre of cheery waitstaff. However unlike some chains, the food is phenomenal with a wide variety of flavors and dishes for everyone and every taste.

The one thing I like about On The Border is their build a burrito. This is kind of like the build a bear concept except you had yummy ingredients instead of fluffy stuffing. The healthiest choice is the one with the sauteed veggies and guacamole. it also helps if you choose the grilled way of cooking it too. Of course, you can get the chicken and beef, and load it up with sour cream and stuff. Mostly everything is relatively healthy at On The Border. There are some good fajitas that come with a large plate of meat and grilled veggies. there are also fish tacos for those who want to eat an even healthier meal. Every dish has a side of rice and beans which are a lot better for you than fries and onion rings. On The Border also has a quick and easy take out system.

I have yet to try On The Border's desserts. They all look decadent with a Mexican twist especially the Kahlua ice cream cake or the dulce de leche cheesecake. Another item I have yet to try is their drinks, sticking with their mugs of soda or strawberry lemonade.

If you're looking for an affordable and fun chain restaurant, look no further than On The Border. yes, it's full of hokey Mexican kitsch but it's also full of good dishes at good prices.