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meatloaf

Meatloaf… One of My Favorite Comfort Foods

Our feature this month is Mouth Watering Meatloaf which includes grated vegetables and a whole grain (oatmeal). It tastes so good, and it is healthy, providing great amounts of protein and Vitamin A.

Fiesta Skillet Dinner

Fiesta Skillet Dinner, Easy and Inexpensive

Our feature recipe for March is Fiesta Skillet Dinner. Fixing up the recipe was easy while following the simple directions. The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked chicken. I decided to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can use packaged, precooked chicken or precooked canned chicken.

Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

It’s Not Just a Piece of Candy

As a mother of a 2 and 4 year-old, I am quickly learning about how snacks are an integral part of growing up. It seems that snacks are not only available to children for nutrition, but are a necessity for social gatherings and fun.

Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

Healthy Snacks for Kids Don’t Have to Cost More

I am not against my children having cupcakes for a friend’s birthday or candy here and there…it’s all about teaching balance. However, I do feel that I have to be stricter about the snacks that I provide for them at home, just due to the fact of all the kinds of snacks they are exposed to when they are away from home. In addition, I have discovered the snacks that I have at home really have an impact on what they eat at mealtime. If they know that there are chips in the cupboard waiting for them after dinner, why would they want to eat their dinner? When it’s your family’s turn to bring snacks to school or activities opt for healthier options. You, along with the other adults, might be surprised at the children’s reaction.

grilledcheese

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day!

The classic grilled cheese became popular in the 1920’s when inexpensive cheese and sliced bread became available.

Frozen-Fruit-cups

Frozen Fruit Cups

One of these days the weather is going to turn warm and sunny and we are all going to be busting out of the house to enjoy gardening, walking, biking, soccer, picnics, and much more. When that time comes, I won’t want to spend time in the kitchen. I’m prepared with plans for some 15 minute meals plus meals in the freezer I can just thaw and serve.

justin-and-parker-cooking1

Cookin’ it up for Mom on Mother’s Day

Even though I enjoy cooking meals for my family, it’s always nice to have someone else, like my husband, doing the cooking once in a while. When my husband cooks I request that he makes quiche and butternut squash soup, since those are his specialties. My 3-year-old son also likes to ‘cook’ but his plastic play food or imaginary food just is not very filling!

CreamyCauliflower1

Creamy Cauliflower Salad—Lots of Flavor, Few Calories

I have to admit I was skeptical when I first tried this recipe. I could not imagine cauliflower, apples, and lettuce together. Now I am a believer. The fresh, mild taste of the crunchy cauliflower, the sweet, tart flavor of the apple, and the ranch dressing are great together.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob: A sure sign of Summer

There are many signs that summer is here including hot weather, full swimming pools, and sunlight until after 9 pm! Another sign is that sweet corn is starting to show up at the grocery stores, Farmers’ Markets, and street corners. We planted sweet corn on the farm I grew up on so seeing the sweet corn reminds me of my childhood. I’d spend a day or two in the kitchen with my mom, sister, and grandmas freezing sweet corn so we could enjoy eating it throughout the winter.

myfitnesspal-iphone

App for Tracking Food, Weight, Exercise

I have used several apps to track my food and exercise. The one I am currently using, MyFitnessPal, is just about perfect for me after I read more info about fitness on various sites and it receives the highest rating by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If you don’t have a smart phone you can do the same thing on the MyFitnessPal web site.

labor-day-menu-plan

Labor Day Meal Plan

Labor Day Meal, serves 4 for less than $3.50 a person!

NEWnutrition-facts-and-ingredients

Do it Yourself Meal Kits for Kids

Better Nutrition, Lower Cost, and Less Waste