Food + Fun

FESTIVE READS: 7 Holiday Books for Kids

TURKEYS IN DISGUISE By Cynthia Platt Illustrated by Josh Cleland A hilariously fun read-aloud picture book where children think quickly and creatively to disguise a group of turkeys and save them from becoming Thanksgiving dinner!  THE HUMBLE PIE By Jory…

'Don't Dis' the Dog'

JJ’s Red Hots in Dilworth just opened in July, and its motto is "Don’t dis’ the dog." It serves premium hot dogs, as well as a variety of sausages, all on potato rolls, which really make delicious buns.

Quick Tomato Sauce

Ingredients: 1 carrot1 celery stalk1 tablespoon dried oregano1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes2 tablespoons tomato pasteSalt, pepper and fresh basilDirections: Mince carrot and celery, then saute with dried oregano. Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste, plus salt, pepper and fresh basil…

Easy Do-ahead Pizza Crust

Ingredients:3 1/2 cups lukewarm water1 tablespoon dry active yeast1 1/2 tablespoons salt7 1/2 cups all-purpose flourDirections: Combine water, salt, yeast and flour in a large plastic container and simply stir to mix until batter is sticky. Let sit 2 hours…

Make-Your-Own Pizza Pie

Ingredients: Pizza doughQuick tomato sauceFresh mozzarella cheeseYour choice of any fresh local veggies, sliced thin; or shredded proteins, such as chicken, beef or pork, cooked before usingShaved Parmesan cheese to finishDirections: Cut off a large orange-sized piece of dough. With…

Chicken and Spinach Calzone

Creamy White Sauce:2 tablespoons unsalted butter?2 tablespoons all-purpose flour?2 cups whole milk?Sea salt and black pepperPinch of freshly grated nutmeg?1/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano ?Filling:?3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil?1 small onion, chopped?2 cups shredded spinach2 cups chopped…

Foam Forever

Some projects are so awesome that you never outgrow them. Just the mention of shaving cream brings an eager twinkle to Amelia's eye. We were first introduced to the wonders of shaving cream and liquid watercolor almost three years ago,…

Applesauce Pancakes

It's always a good idea to kick off your day with a healthy breakfast. Whip up a morning meal with this tasty recipe that the kids will love!Makes 25 pancakesIngredients:1¼ cup lowfat milk2 large eggs, beaten (or ½ cup of…

Pumpkin Cider Soup

This hearty concoction of seasonal fruits and vegetables will fill the belly and warm the bones on a brisk day.Makes 6 servingsIngredients:2 Tbsp. nonfat chicken broth 1 cup chopped onion 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin 1 cup water 2 cups…

Pinterest Pressure

I had to do it. Variations of this melted crayon masterpiece have been circulating on Pinterest for weeks, and the cumulative effect has been the best subliminal marketing campaign ever. What should we do this afternoon? Melt crayons, of course.…

Wisconsin Cheese Garden Lasagna

The cheeses in this lasagna make the difference in lending wonderful flavor to all the fresh vegetables. A great alternative to the regular, marinara-type of lasagna. Servings: 8 Ingredients: 1/4 cup (2 ounces) butter2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup each asparagus,…

Healthy Spinach & Fruit Smoothie

This healthy spinach, fruit and yogurt smoothie includes a touch of honey for a sweet start to your day.  Ingredients: 2 bananasan unselfish handful of spinach10 strawberries1 cup of blueberries1/2 cup plain yogurthoney (one big squeeze) Preparation: Combine all ingredients…

Mix & Match Dolls

Who doesn't want a little mini me doll of themselves, sporting all of their favorite outfits at once? Enjoy a "mommy & me" three dimensional project, inspired by the classic mix and match books.

Lightened-Up Swedish Meatballs

Cooked this for my family last week and we loved it! Source: Healthy. Delicious. Prep Time: 10 minutesTotal Time:  40 minutesServes 4Ingredients: 1/2 cup Fresh Bread Crumbs (from about 2 pieces of bread)1/2 cup Skim Milk, divided1 Onion, minced1 Egg,…

Fruit Salad

The kids will love the sweetness of this fruit salad, and parents will love how easy it is to make. It's great to take on a picnic or to a family gathering. Ingredients1/3 cup lime juice1/3 cup sugar1/2 pound of grapes1/2…

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Adults and kids like this healthy lunch and dinner entrée, but lettuce wraps can be pricey at local restaurants. Christy Jordan (SouthernPlate.com), one of the contributors to "Good Bite Weeknight Meals," offers this recipe that she says is every bit…

Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole

If anyone in the family suffers from celiac disease, or any kind of wheat allergy, this French Toast Casserole is gluten-free, too. Small hands can pinch cubes of bread, while Mom or Dad mixes the other ingredients. Put in the…

Healthy Chicken Nuggets

A healthier alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets. Serve with vegetables, as a main meal, or as a starter or snack. They're great for dipping too. Serves two adults and one babyIngredients: 2 or 3 chicken breasts or thigh-meat filets1 egg2…

Creamy Chicken, Vegetables and Noodles

Here's a comfort-food recipe that's full of colorful veggies (and cheese!) that the entire family is sure to enjoy. It's like eating chicken noodle soup with a fork! Simple to make, this one-pot meal is perfect for a fall evening…

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