Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way for your child to get needed nutrients.

It turns out that once is not enough when it comes to kids and trying new foods. It may take up to 15 tries before children warm up to new tastes, research shows. So if your child turns up his nose at green beans or broccoli, don’t assume he will never like those good-for-you green veggies.

Consider starting a new rule at your family table: Everyone takes at least a bite of what’s being served, even if they tried it before and didn’t like it. This exposes kids to new tastes again and again, increasing the odds that they’ll eventually accept some of them. It also makes trying new foods just part of the normal routine. The KidsHealth experts offer these tips for implementing this one-bite strategy:

Visiting restaurants, farmers’ markets and specialty markets can also expose kids to different foods. Use those outings to let your child choose a new food to try. Reading books about food and paging through cookbooks is another way to encourage experimentation. If a recipe looks good to your child, consider making it together. That new dish could become a favorite. But for now, start with just one bite.

In the United States and all around the world for that matter, a large number of individuals, families, and couples love hosting or attending picnics. One of the many reasons for that is because picnics don’t just involve eating, they also involve socializing with friends or family, as well as playing outdoor games and sports.

If you are in interesting in hosting a picnic, you may be wondering what your options are, in terms of location. If you are, you will want to continue reading on. Below, a few of the many places that are great for picnics are outlined below.

• Perhaps, the best place for a picnic is at a park. When it comes to parks, you will find that you have a number of different options. No matter where you live, you should have access to a number of nearby parks, parks that many include public parks, campground parks, or state parks. Most parks have areas that are ideal for picnics. These areas often include shade from trees, picnic tables, and nearby fun activities, like a pool or body of water for swimming or fishing.
• Speaking of a body of water, you may also want to think about having your next picnic, should you choose to have one, near a body of water, such as a lake. As previously stated, it is possible to find public parks that are located near lakes; however, you may also be able to find public land that is ideal for picnicking. These areas may not necessarily have playgrounds for children or public restrooms, but they may provide you with a little bit seclusion, as well as an absolutely beautiful view.

• Speaking of seclusion, if you are looking to have your picnic double as a romantic date, you may be looking for privacy. One of the many ways that you can find privacy is in a wooded area. This is best if you are already visiting a state park, public park, or campground park. You can also use wooden areas around your home, namely ones that you may be familiar with. As nice as having a picnic on a blanket in the forest may sound, it is important that you use your best judgment when taking this approach.

• As great as it is to go camping in a beautiful location, a secluded location, or one that gives you access to a number of other fun outdoor activities, like swimming or boating, you may be looking to stay at little bit closer to home. If that is the case, you can have your picnic right in your own backyard! This is ideal if you are looking to have a picnic with your family, namely small children. Doing a few “practice,” picnics at home may help to prepare your young children for the real thing later on

• Although not as glamorous as the above mentioned picnic locations, you can also have a picnic right inside your home. This is best if you had a small picnic planned, but the weather took a turn for the worse and you are unable to have your outdoor picnic. Laying a blanket down in a family room may provide you with enough space to have the picnic of your dreams, just indoors. This is particularly ideal if your picnic was intended to be a romantic date for you and your partner.

The above mentioned locations are just a few of the many places that you may be able to hold a picnic. When deciding where you would like your next picnic to occur, it is important that you place a focus on the size of your picnic, like how many people you plan on inviting. Doing so will enable you to choose a location that will allow you and all of your guests to have a great time.

Go to our recipes page for great recipes for a picnic.  Please feel free to submit your perfect picnic recipe.

When it comes to the nightly meal of the day – dinner meals easily become a victim of repetitive entrees and side dishes. Some individuals and families find themselves stuck in a rut, preparing some of the same meals on a weekly basis – fish on Friday, Meatloaf Monday, bland corn, white rice, and lifeless mashed potatoes. To keep dinner fun, fresh, and in many cases, exciting – there are plenty of ways to stop the boredom that comes with fixing and eating the same dishes. A few ideas include:

Whether you scan the cookbooks lining the library shelves or browse the infinite number of online resources, there are plenty of recipes awaiting the eager cook. New recipes add excitement and new flavors that not only add spice to the dining room table, but also awaken the taste buds. You never know if you don’t like something if you never try it. (At our house, you have to at least try it once.) Why not experiment with veal or make your first gumbo?

The egg represents new life or birth. The bunny is a symbol of fertility. And when you add the Spring season to the mix, well you can’t help but be twitter-patted!!

Holiday or Holy Day? Easter is usually known as a Christian holiday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And however you choose to celebrate, it is entirely up to you…

We’ve always had great memories of Easter. The morning filled with your very own Easter basket. To be used to gather up all the Easter eggs you could find hidden in crazy places. Our Easter buffet and of course, we had to re-hide those leftover eggs!!

Now using leftovers is easy. Starting with your Easter meal. You can use them in potato salad and deviled eggs. They naturally make a great egg salad. Well, any kind of salad for that matter. I put them in Lasagna and many other main dishes. Just get your creative juices flowing and make up some of your own recipes, because as you know, eggs are also great for breakfast…

Happy Easter!

Sugared Peanuts

In a heavy saucepan, combine two cups of peanuts, one cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about ten minutes. Spread the peanuts on a buttered sheet pan and bake in a 300 degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool and store in a covered container.

Crockpot Sugared Walnuts
In a crockpot, stir 16 ounces of walnut pieces and 1/2 cup melted butter together. Add 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar and stir until well blended. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are coated with a crisp glaze, usually about two hours. Sprinkle the nuts with a well-blended mixture of cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. Cool before serving.

Barbecued Pecans
Melt two tablespoons butter in a large saucepan. Add 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon ketchup, and two dashes hot sauce. Add four cups pecan halves and stir to coat well. Spread on a buttered sheet pan and toast at 400 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool before serving.

Teriyaki Almonds
Toss two cups of almonds with one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon vegetable oil, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, one tablespoon soy sauce, one teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Add salt to taste and toss to coat well. Spread on a buttered sheet pan and toast at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Here’s links to a couple more you’ll find on our website:

• Cinnamon Toasted Almonds
• Sugar-Coated Peanuts

We’d love to hear your favorite “nutty” recipe so just click on the Submit a Recipe button and share your recipes.

Persons born on leap day, February 29, are called “leaplings” or “leapers.”  Leapers have 75 percent fewer birthdays and the chance of being born on February 29th is 1 out of every 1,500.  It was once thought that leapling babies would inevitably prove sickly and “hard to raise,” though no one remembers why.

Leap year occurs every four years to help syncronize the calendar and solar year.  Or the length of time the earth takes to rotate the sun.  And it also gives us an extra to put off doing our Taxes!!

Since I don’t know of any Leap Year recipes off the top of my head, I think the Birthday Cake should be special and fun to make.  Might I suggest a frog…

Here’s a fun and easy way to show your “Leaper” how much you care - Leap Frog Cupcakes.

Ingredients:

3 tblsp. Green Buttercream Frosting (see recipe below)
1 standard Classic Vanilla Cupcake (see recipe below or use a box mix)
2 green mini jelly fruit slices
2 green licorice pastels
1 watermelon jelly fruit slice
Green ribbon strip candy, cut into 2 triangles

Directions:

Frost cupcake. Gently press mini jelly fruit slices into cupcake, for eyes. Push licorice deep enough into cupcake so only tips poke out, for nostrils. Trim watermelon slice to form a smile and place on cupcake. Tuck strip candy triangles under cupcake, for feet.

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract, or almond extract
4-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar (about 1 pound)
3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Directions:

In a medium mixing bowl beat shortening, vanilla, and extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Slowly add half of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar and enough remaining milk to reach spreading consistency. This frosts the tops and sides of two 8- or 9-inch cake layers. (Halve the recipe to frost a 13x9x2-inch cake or cupcakes.) Makes about 3 cups.

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all purpose four
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a cupcake pan with wrappers.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended. Beat in vanilla. Add the flour mixture and milk.; mix thoroughly.
Fill each cup 2/3 full and bake for 18-24 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool completely and frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Happy Birthday, Leapers and Leaplings!

Berries and Hearts Salad

Dressing:
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chopped ginger
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
4 tablespoons olive oil

Salad:
1 heart of Romaine lettuce
1 heart of Bibb lettuce
3 quartered artichoke hearts
8 slices of hearts of palm
1/4 cup raspberries
4 sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

Mix all the dressing ingredients except the olive oil. Place in the refrigerator for one hour. Remove from refrigerator and slow whisk in the olive oil. Set dressing aside. Break up lettuce into bite sized pieces. Place all the other ingredients in a separate bowl and toss with the dressing. To serve, place lettuce pieces on a plate and spoon over the dressed other ingredients.

Molten Chocolate Cake

3 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 egg yolks

Grease eight 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups with butter and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of sugar. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat until smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in the flour and vanilla until well blended. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until very thick, about 10 minutes. With a rubber spatula, gently fold egg mixture into chocolate mixture, one-third at a time, until blended. Pour the batter into the greased ramekins to about three-fourths full. Place ramekins on a sheet pan and place in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes. The edges of the cakes should be set, with the center still slightly loose. Cool for five minutes. Run a small knife around the side of the cakes and invert onto dessert plates. Serve immediately. You can assemble the cakes ahead and refrigerate them in the ramekins for 24 hours. They can also be frozen for up to two weeks before baking. If frozen, they should be baked for 15 to 16 minutes.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Molten Chocolate Cake

3 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 egg yolks

Grease eight 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups with butter and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of sugar. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat until smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in the flour and vanilla until well blended. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until very thick, about 10 minutes. With a rubber spatula, gently fold egg mixture into chocolate mixture, one-third at a time, until blended. Pour the batter into the greased ramekins to about three-fourths full. Place ramekins on a sheet pan and place in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes. The edges of the cakes should be set, with the center still slightly loose. Cool for five minutes. Run a small knife around the side of the cakes and invert onto dessert plates. Serve immediately. You can assemble the cakes ahead and refrigerate them in the ramekins for 24 hours. They can also be frozen for up to two weeks before baking. If frozen, they should be baked for 15 to 16 minutes.

While many benefits have been cited as part of a vegetarian diet, the health benefits are perhaps some of the most immediately noticeable. Here are some of the purported health benefits of a vegetarian diet.

1.     Lower cholesterol – Cholesterol, the fatty substance that is actually manufactured by the body but can clog arteries in excess, is said to be reduced on a vegetarian diet. This makes sense, as cholesterol is found in animal-based foods (such as red meat, egg yolks, and whole-fat dairy products.)

2.     Lower cancer risk – In 1997, a significant report by a major cancer research center recommended a diet consisting mostly of plant foods and limited grilled, pickled, cured, or smoked meats (including fish). While this specifically addresses preserved and processed meats, it’s worth noting.

The carcinogenic nature of nitrites and nitrates, common meat preservatives found in hot dogs, lunch meat,    pepperoni, and so forth, is well-known. And experts have been warning about the carcinogenic nature of grilled meats for some time. A vegetarian diet, of course, avoids these types of meat. An interested question to explore might be whether the consumption of organic, free-range meat increases cancer risk.

And it’s not just the avoidance of meat that can lower cancer risk. Some fruits and vegetables themselves are said to provide protection against cancer. There are more than thirty plant foods said to have this protective factor – among them are broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, basil, garlic, tomatoes, and some berries.

3.      Lower blood pressure – Interestingly, vegetarians as a group consistently experience lower blood pressure than their meat-eating peers. Some sources suggest that this may be due to the lower salt consumption that is usually a component of vegetarian diets. Others point out the lower overall weight and body fat of vegetarians as the reason for lower blood pressure.

4.      Lower risk of cardiovascular disease – Some sources say that an average male can reduce his risk of heart attack by 35 percent if he stops eating meat.

5.      Control diabetes – Avoidance of meat is not the only factor of a vegetarian diet. Most vegetarian diets include whole foods and less salt and sugar than meat-eating diets, which is a recommended dietary style for diabetics or those who tend toward diabetes. The less saturated fat intake and no animal fat intake associated with a vegetarian diet are also significant for those who need to control their weight to avoid diabetes.

6.      Longer life – Studies show that vegetarians actually live longer than meat eaters. This may be due to the health benefits noted above!

Not Quite Ready for a Full-On Vegetarian Diet?

No worries.  Start by taking our Veggie Challenge.  You will get a set of rules and your own Weekly Fruit and Veggie Chart.  Each chart outlines the number of daily recommended servings for your gender and age.  You will be able to use this chart to keep track of your progress as well as your family members for the next 7 days.

Whether you go total vegetarian or just make sure you’re getting your daily recommended requirement of fruits and vegetables, our Veggie Challenge is something you’re definitely going to want to try.

Having the gang over for the big game?

Hot Stuff
Blend one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and a half a bottle of hot chili sauce together in a blender or food processor. Serve with crackers.

Baked Onion Dip
Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish. In a bowl, mix one 8-ounce package of shredded Cheddar cheese, 2 cups of mayonnaise, and 2 cups of chopped onion. Place in the baking dish and sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the top is lightly browned. Serve with crackers.

Beer Cheese Dip
With a mixer, whip together one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese, one 8-ounce package of diced processed cheese food (like Velveeta), a half a can of room temperature beer, and one peeled and crushed clove of garlic. Continue whipping until smooth. Serve with crackers.

Tex Mex Dip
In a bowl, combine one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, one 16-ounce container of sour cream, one 4-ounce can of chopped green chile peppers, and one 1-ounce package of taco seasoning mix. Chill in the refrigerator for two hours before serving.

Cheesecake Dip
In a bowl, combine 3-ounces of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth and well mixed. Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Serve chilled with graham crackers and fruit.

Put together a veggie platter, set out some crackers and chips, make a few dips and there ya go – Super Bowl!