What happens when Junior or Missy refuses to eat green beans or go on a campaign to just eat yellow foods? Most moms would tear out their hair. Others would just let it ride and try to find a way to accommodate these picky eaters. Sometimes the best path is to make breakfast lunch or dinner fun.
Breakfast sould be an easy meal. Yet many tweens and teens have schedules as hectic as their parents. Sometimes they'll just go for a granola bar or even a cup of coffee from the local Starbucks. Try to make on the go foods for them like breakfast burritos or cut up fruit. Sometimes just a cup of enriched hot cocoa will do it. For those watching their weight , then make egg white omelets , chock full of good for you veggies or just plain scrambled whites . They can have it on whole wheat toast for an easier meal.
Lunch is another matter. Picky eaters sometimes do "trades " for a better looking meal. If that's the case then amp up their lunches. Think about adding chocolate chips to crunchy peanut butter or a spicy lo cal ranch dressing with some veggies.Instead of cookies have a piece of fresh fruit with a dipping sauce. Another trick is to have them make their own lunches so they can add their creativity. It's also a good way to track their changing tastes too.
Dinners should be sit down affairs. As with lunch let them help cook. It'll give them a sense of pride as well as whet their appetite for experimentation. Another idea is put a spin on traditional foods. Add bacon bits or garlic to the mashed potatoes.Try a tangy sweet sauce for a condiment for roast chicken. Add Parmesan cheese to the meatballs if you're making spaghetti and meat balls. With vegetable dishes, let them add what they want to them to make the good stuff more palatable. Maybe do something fun like have a theme night such as Mexican Fiesta or Chinese Lantern party. For weekends, think about doing a breakfast for dinner where everyone can have waffles scrambled eggs and bacon for the later meal.
There are a number of ways to make any meal time fun. You just have to see what your picky eaters are not picking at and then take it from there. Soon you'll have them eating everything off their plates whether it's breakfast , lunch or dinner.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Storm Warnings - Hurricane Preparedness
This is the season when the East and Gu;f Coasts are always beset by hurricanes. Sadly enough the late summer is interrupted by these forces of nature. Anything could happen. Are you prepared?
First of all empty your fridge if you have to evacuate or the power goes out (which it always does)Get rid of anything that's going to turn fast like dairy products or meat. You don;t have to empty the freezer as well. It should remain cold during a black out if no one opens it. If you have basement freezers (which I'm sure some of you have) then unplug them and also empty because your basement may be come flooded. Power could go out and you'll wind up with pounds of rotten meat. Try to keep as much bottled water , bread , peanut butter and jams for quick meals. Also think of tinned food such as Spam to eat.
If you have to be evacuated, bring food with you. That also goes for your pets as well. bring a few cans of wet food for your dog or cat along with dry. Also have plenty of water for everyone. Make quick PB or deviled ham or chicken sandwiches to keep you going. As for snacks a bag of pretzels is also good too.
This storm and hurricane season be food prepared. Do what you have to to get through this tough weather,
First of all empty your fridge if you have to evacuate or the power goes out (which it always does)Get rid of anything that's going to turn fast like dairy products or meat. You don;t have to empty the freezer as well. It should remain cold during a black out if no one opens it. If you have basement freezers (which I'm sure some of you have) then unplug them and also empty because your basement may be come flooded. Power could go out and you'll wind up with pounds of rotten meat. Try to keep as much bottled water , bread , peanut butter and jams for quick meals. Also think of tinned food such as Spam to eat.
If you have to be evacuated, bring food with you. That also goes for your pets as well. bring a few cans of wet food for your dog or cat along with dry. Also have plenty of water for everyone. Make quick PB or deviled ham or chicken sandwiches to keep you going. As for snacks a bag of pretzels is also good too.
This storm and hurricane season be food prepared. Do what you have to to get through this tough weather,
Friday, September 5, 2008
Meals On The Go
September means busy schedules and meals literally on the go. Your Saturdays may well be spent on the soccer field or at your hiking club. With this comes the question what to eat and where. The best and most nutritious bet is make your own meals and tote them with you.
Sandwiches are the easiest to bring along. They're quick and simple to make, store and eat. There's minimal fuss. For variation , bring along wraps or pita sandwiches that you ad your family will enjoy. You can make peanut butter and jelly pitas for your little soccer stars to eat. A nice wrap that has turkey or chicken along with fresh chopped veggies is another easy but vitamin enriched meal. Regular old fashioned sandwiches are also a good choice. The best ones are often the hero style , with your favorite meats and veggies on a cut up baguette. These are even great for those weekends at the beach where you want a simple but filling picnic lunch. Also pack some sandwiches for those drives to see early fall foliage. There are always rest stops where you can take a break and refresh yourselves. Also this is the season to really enjoy nature up close. Pack some hearty ham and cheese on pumpernickel in a backpack and go a walking!
Soup is also another good take along, especially as the weather progressively becomes cooler. They're easy to put into a thermos and take with you. Plus a cup of hot minestrone, tomato or chicken is revitalizing to get your though the rest of a busy day. Nix any salads. Pack some veggies if you want or a better choice is the season's apples and pears.
What to drink ? Soda is good but you may want to stick with lemonade or iced tea. Carbonated drinks tend to bring on thirst quicker.Also if you're lucky to have it already a thermos of ice cold, sparkling cider is always good. Water is the surest bet when you're engaged in any activity. It hydrates quickly and you' don't need to drink it as often as with a flavored drink. Have a thermos of something hot, whether it's ,tea, coffee or hot chocolate to finish off the meal.
This fall, you'll definitely be on the go somewhere. This means eating in the car, on the sidelines or in the middle of nature's fall beauty. Have a simple meal ready t o keep up with your busy schedule.
Sandwiches are the easiest to bring along. They're quick and simple to make, store and eat. There's minimal fuss. For variation , bring along wraps or pita sandwiches that you ad your family will enjoy. You can make peanut butter and jelly pitas for your little soccer stars to eat. A nice wrap that has turkey or chicken along with fresh chopped veggies is another easy but vitamin enriched meal. Regular old fashioned sandwiches are also a good choice. The best ones are often the hero style , with your favorite meats and veggies on a cut up baguette. These are even great for those weekends at the beach where you want a simple but filling picnic lunch. Also pack some sandwiches for those drives to see early fall foliage. There are always rest stops where you can take a break and refresh yourselves. Also this is the season to really enjoy nature up close. Pack some hearty ham and cheese on pumpernickel in a backpack and go a walking!
Soup is also another good take along, especially as the weather progressively becomes cooler. They're easy to put into a thermos and take with you. Plus a cup of hot minestrone, tomato or chicken is revitalizing to get your though the rest of a busy day. Nix any salads. Pack some veggies if you want or a better choice is the season's apples and pears.
What to drink ? Soda is good but you may want to stick with lemonade or iced tea. Carbonated drinks tend to bring on thirst quicker.Also if you're lucky to have it already a thermos of ice cold, sparkling cider is always good. Water is the surest bet when you're engaged in any activity. It hydrates quickly and you' don't need to drink it as often as with a flavored drink. Have a thermos of something hot, whether it's ,tea, coffee or hot chocolate to finish off the meal.
This fall, you'll definitely be on the go somewhere. This means eating in the car, on the sidelines or in the middle of nature's fall beauty. Have a simple meal ready t o keep up with your busy schedule.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Chili Days Ahead
Ok, now that work and school are in full swing , it's time to think about quickie meals. Your best bet is something you can make on the weekend, serve it then and then turn it into Monday's , Tuesday's or even Friday's leftovers. What's an easy dish to make in quantity ? Chili!!! This is a simple dish to whip up along with being hearty , tasty and satisfying. You can serve it over sliced corned bread one day , and with rice the next time a few days later.
Chili probably originated in Chihuahua, Mexico or around the Baja Peninsula during the 1840's. First served free in cantinas this was a quick and easy way to feed hungry patrons and get rid of all left over meats. It became more and more popular north of the border. the first mass produced and canned chili occurred in 1908 in - where else - Texas. Chili is also that state's official dish.
There's all sorts of chilis, from vegetarian to deer meat (LBJ's favorite) to one using white beans. You can regulate the heat by the amount of chili powder thrown in. Some friends of mine insist on making a four alarm one. This is great if you want the roof of your mouth burned off. Stick with making a more palatable one. The milder ones bring out the flavors of the tomatoes , beans , meat and onions. Just a pinch will really be sufficient.
My mom makes one of the best in the e world Enjoy this vegetarian version with family and friends.
1 pound vegan chop meat
1 clove garlic
1 onion chopped
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
Brown meat and onion first in oil iver a medium heat. Add tomatoes and garlic. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add spices and kidney beans and let simmer for forty five minutes to an hour.
Serves four comfortably. Leftovers can be store din freezer ready containers and then later microwaved for two minutes.
Adios.
PS write me about your favorite chili experience and win a prize . Write to this blog or at my e mail LIZRWRITER@aol.com
Chili probably originated in Chihuahua, Mexico or around the Baja Peninsula during the 1840's. First served free in cantinas this was a quick and easy way to feed hungry patrons and get rid of all left over meats. It became more and more popular north of the border. the first mass produced and canned chili occurred in 1908 in - where else - Texas. Chili is also that state's official dish.
There's all sorts of chilis, from vegetarian to deer meat (LBJ's favorite) to one using white beans. You can regulate the heat by the amount of chili powder thrown in. Some friends of mine insist on making a four alarm one. This is great if you want the roof of your mouth burned off. Stick with making a more palatable one. The milder ones bring out the flavors of the tomatoes , beans , meat and onions. Just a pinch will really be sufficient.
My mom makes one of the best in the e world Enjoy this vegetarian version with family and friends.
1 pound vegan chop meat
1 clove garlic
1 onion chopped
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
Brown meat and onion first in oil iver a medium heat. Add tomatoes and garlic. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add spices and kidney beans and let simmer for forty five minutes to an hour.
Serves four comfortably. Leftovers can be store din freezer ready containers and then later microwaved for two minutes.
Adios.
PS write me about your favorite chili experience and win a prize . Write to this blog or at my e mail LIZRWRITER@aol.com
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Raspberries - A Late Summer treat
Surprisingly enough you can still go berry picking this month. September is raspberry season. This is the time of year when the late summer warmth produces another round of ripe sweet, berries., If you missed the first season back in June , then make sure you don't miss this one.
Raspberries have been around for over 2,000 years. They were popular in Roman ruled Britain with the agriculturalist, Palladius wrote about them in his journals.The red ones were imported to New York in the 1770's by the British while the black variety were indigenous to our Southern states (in fact North America is the only continent that produces them). Both are rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Not only that they are tasty, leaving a sweet, sensual flavor in your mouth.
Raspberries are good paired with almost anything and everything. My favorite is Delicious Orchard's Raspberry Jam on croissants. It just turns this elegant treat into something that's pure heaven. You can also use raspberries in reductions for any game fowl or even sprinkled on salads.Take freshly crushed raspberries and mix them with oil and vinegar for a raspberry vinaigrette.As a dessert think about spooning some over a rich devil's food cake or chocolate ice cream. Raspberry ice is also a lovely way to end a meal. Raspberries also look good decorating cupcakes while icing with them is perfect for any simple chocolate cake or cupcake.
Now is the season to pick raspberries. They'll be quite ripe under a late summer sun and bursting with flavor. Use this September to pick your finest basket of them!!!
Raspberries have been around for over 2,000 years. They were popular in Roman ruled Britain with the agriculturalist, Palladius wrote about them in his journals.The red ones were imported to New York in the 1770's by the British while the black variety were indigenous to our Southern states (in fact North America is the only continent that produces them). Both are rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Not only that they are tasty, leaving a sweet, sensual flavor in your mouth.
Raspberries are good paired with almost anything and everything. My favorite is Delicious Orchard's Raspberry Jam on croissants. It just turns this elegant treat into something that's pure heaven. You can also use raspberries in reductions for any game fowl or even sprinkled on salads.Take freshly crushed raspberries and mix them with oil and vinegar for a raspberry vinaigrette.As a dessert think about spooning some over a rich devil's food cake or chocolate ice cream. Raspberry ice is also a lovely way to end a meal. Raspberries also look good decorating cupcakes while icing with them is perfect for any simple chocolate cake or cupcake.
Now is the season to pick raspberries. They'll be quite ripe under a late summer sun and bursting with flavor. Use this September to pick your finest basket of them!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cherished Memories and Recipes
Who hasn't relied on their Mom's lasagna or their Gran's advice for cutting vegetables? Family recipes are to be cherished, much like that of photographs and hand made items. The most important thing to do is cherish what you've been given - and that includes any dishes that have been passed down to you.
For a fun fall activity , collect all your recipes and make them with your kids. There's bound to be a dish from your childhood that you'd like to share with the next generation. Also it's a good time to organize your recipes as well (check Borders or Barnes and Nobles for recipe scrapbooks). Consider making these for the holidays. After all what person wouldn't want to have their family's special pie recipe to finish a Thanksgiving meal or those snickerdoodles wrapped up as a Christmas gift? Even get together with your siblings or cousins to recreate the meals you had when you were growing up.
Cherish all that's been passed down to you. This includes the recipes,aromas and tastes that shaped you as the foodie you are today.
For a fun fall activity , collect all your recipes and make them with your kids. There's bound to be a dish from your childhood that you'd like to share with the next generation. Also it's a good time to organize your recipes as well (check Borders or Barnes and Nobles for recipe scrapbooks). Consider making these for the holidays. After all what person wouldn't want to have their family's special pie recipe to finish a Thanksgiving meal or those snickerdoodles wrapped up as a Christmas gift? Even get together with your siblings or cousins to recreate the meals you had when you were growing up.
Cherish all that's been passed down to you. This includes the recipes,aromas and tastes that shaped you as the foodie you are today.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Happy Labor Day , Everyone!!!
Enjoy this holiday with a big blow out for summer 2008!!! Barbecue those last dogs , enjoy a beach or lake picnic. Just relax!
Fall is going to be busy , especially here at Foodie Pantry. There may be write ins, contests (finally -yay!!!) and all sorts of fun food puzzles and facts.
Liz
PS remember that Labor Day's is a day dedicated to workers. Remember the wait staff, cooks, chefs, and even grocery store clerks and managers who make your eating experiences memorable.
Also for all my F P fans in the LA/MS region - hold tight. You've got that admirable Southern spine of steel that I envy. Don't let that miserable rain cloud Gustav overpower you.
Fall is going to be busy , especially here at Foodie Pantry. There may be write ins, contests (finally -yay!!!) and all sorts of fun food puzzles and facts.
Liz
PS remember that Labor Day's is a day dedicated to workers. Remember the wait staff, cooks, chefs, and even grocery store clerks and managers who make your eating experiences memorable.
Also for all my F P fans in the LA/MS region - hold tight. You've got that admirable Southern spine of steel that I envy. Don't let that miserable rain cloud Gustav overpower you.
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