2013 Readers' Favorites
Find out our readers' favorite places to play, eat, shop and have fun in the Queen City.
Food + Fun
Exploring the Arts in Charlotte... With Kids!
From onstage performing arts to hands-on painting, sculpting and creating, the art scene is alive in Charlotte with children in mind.
Charlotte Sporting Events for Families
Settle in and cheer on the home teams.
Crafts for Kids: Patriotic Paper Lanterns
A fun summer craft just in time for Fourth of July celebrations.
4 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading
Combat summer brain drain with these quick tips.
Playground Review: Park Road Park
Kids can play with a big yellow caterpillar or twisty monkey bar configuration.
Red, White and Blue Summer Salad
Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Crumbled Bacon and Blueberry DressingHere’s a fun red, white and blue salad to celebrate the local flavors of summer and the fourth of July, too.Ingredients1 small seedless watermelon 2-3 local tomatoes, sliced1/2 cup Bosky Acres…
Child Labor!
If you've ever tried to get a project done with kids in the house, you know just how impossible this is. For the past month, my husband has been getting antsy to clean and stain our deck, and we've been…
Pecan Crusted Salmon
Lighten up your meal plan this summer with this sweet seaside dish. Ingredients:20 oz Wild Pacific salmon fillets 1/4 cup Plain whole wheat bread crumbs4 tsp Honey …
Asparagus with Sesame Seeds
Kids need veggies! Spice up your asparagus with this sesame seed twist. Ingredients: 1/2 lb Asparagus, rinsed1/8 tsp Salt2 tbs Water1/8 tsp Ground black pepper1 tsp Low sodium soy sauce1 tsp Sesame seeds, toasted1 tsp Extra virgin olive oil …
Cheryl's Pumpkin Crunch
This sweet treat is a lighter alternative to most holiday desserts.Ingredients:2 cans Solid pumpkin1-1 ½ cups Walnuts, chopped 1 can Evaporated skim milk 1 ½ cup Cake flour 1 cup Splenda 1 ½ tbs Baking powder 3 Omega-3 eggs ¼…
Laura’s Chicken in Wine
This tasty chicken will keep your whole family full -- and happy!Ingredients: ½ teaspoon salt substitute1 can sliced mushrooms (drained)½ teaspoon ground black pepper5 ounce 98-percent fat free 30-percent reduced sodium cream of mushroom soup ¾ cup dry white wine…
Baby Greens with Pine Nuts
Salad:6 cups Fresh Spring Greens½ cup Shredded carrots¼ cup Pine nuts, toastedDressing:¼ cup Walnut Oil1 Tbs Balsamic vinegar1 Tbs Dijon mustard1 tsp Honey Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients…
Lentil Loaf Cupcake with Sweet Potato Frosting and Pea Sprinkles
Says Chef Margo, "It's delicious and savory: think meatloaf and mashed potatoes, only healthier and packed full of nutritious goodness! Also, the orange marmalade doesn't make them very sweet... just adds a little depth. A dinner in a fun shape...…
Crunchy Onion BBQ Chicken
"As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, small business owner and mom to a busy 5-year-old, I am always looking for quick and easy dinner ideas. My little boy is hungry the minute he comes in the door after swim class, and…
Can the Wind
Do you remember the Zans for Cans, from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish? It was a monster that opens cans...so if you have a lot of cans, you should have a Zans for Cans. According to the…
Cook Delicious, Healthy Food for the Family
What if there was a way to cook delicious food that helped you get the weight off and got your family eating healthier?
On the Sidelines: Welcome to the Game
How to motivate your child to try a sport.
Stuffed Greek Chicken
This mouth-watering yet healthy chicken will take you on a mental vacation straight to the Greek Isles. Ingredients1/2 cup (125 mL) crumbled feta cheese1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped tomatoes2 chopped garlic cloves2 green onions, thinly sliced4 large skinless, boneless chicken breastsToothpicks…
Summer Fun to Build Brain Power
Consider these tips to keep your kids learning and their minds — and bodies — active.
Lemon Squares with Berries
This summer, try this easy citrus and berry dessert. For the best flavor, use local blueberries, blackberries and raspberries from your local farmers markets. These make a great alternative to brownies.INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour1/4 cup powdered sugar1/2 cup…
Mexican Vegetable Lasagna
Spinach is one of the vegetables in this dish that has many benefits like being calcium rich and is an excellent source of fiber. Enjoy!Ingredients1 poblano chile, diced2 red bell peppers, diced1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks1 small…
Grilled Corn on the Cob
While this is a great summer side dish, it can really be made on any day of the year. Corn is loaded with nutrients and is extremely high in fiber, making it a filling food that's naturally low in fat…
Potato Casserole Revised
A healthy version of a classic favorite.Ingredients 1 bag Southern style hash browns¼ cup chopped onion1 can reduced sodium, 98% fat free cream of chicken soup8 ounces fat free sour cream1 bag (8 ounces) reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese2 tablespoons…
