These baked chicken tenders are extra crispy and flavorful, but without all of the calories. They’re easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Makes these ice pops the night before to give them the time to freeze solid.
If your kids turn up their nose at asparagus, then give this super tasty kid-friendly version a try. A light batter turns asparagus spears into frites and a great way to get your little ones to eat their spring vegetables.
The best way to ensure that your baby is getting the best food possible is to make it yourself. Make sure to purchase organic and Non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
Crispy, crunchy baked apple chips made at home are so delicious. Easy to make and oh so addicting! I used red apples, but any variety of apple works with this recipe.
School is back in session and it’s so easy to fall into a boring lunch routine. I always made lunches for my kids because they said that the school’s lunch was “sooo gross.” It’s important to have a healthy approach for the lunch bunch as well as keeping it interesting. The guideline should be, however, to mix a lean protein with whole grains along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to add a sensible treat.
Simple French Toast
Everyone deserves a good breakfast so make extra and freeze it. No need to defrost, just pop into the toaster for a quick breakfast. Make sure to completely cool French toast before freezing. You can also make this French toast a day in advance. Just refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, and then heat on a cookie sheet (400 degree preheated oven) for 10 to 15 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Large Whole Egg
1 Egg Yolk
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
4 Thick Slices Challah Bread (Or Other Egg Bread)
Pure Maple Syrup
In a large-size sauté pan melt butter over a low heat. In a medium-size bowl mix together egg, egg yolk, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Dunk each slice of bread into egg mixture long enough for some of liquid to soak in. Use spatula to transfer to sauté pan. Cook on one side until golden brown. Turn over to cook other side. Add more butter if necessary. Remove and transfer to serving plate. Serve with butter and maple syrup. Serves 2
© Victoria Hart Glavin
Carrot, Apple & Beet Smoothie
Sometimes I’m in the mood for a smoothie, but I want to make it healthy. You can prepare your own wholesome smoothie with the push of a button. Homemade smoothies can be just as quick as store bought ones and a lot healthier.
INGREDIENTS
2 Large Peeled & Chopped Carrots
1 Cored & Sliced Granny Smith Apple
2 Peeled & Chopped Beets
1 Cup Ice Cubes
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
In a blender or food processor, combine the carrots, apple slices, beets, ice cubes and cranberry juice. Pulse until smooth. Pour your delicious smoothie into tall glasses and serve immediately. Serves 2
Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut & Anise Cookies
Thank goodness it’s not so hot out. I’ve been missing turning my oven on to bake delicious cookies. I just don’t feel right without a cookie jar full of cookies.
INGREDIENTS
2 1/4 Cups Unbleached Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 Cup Softened Butter
3/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Anise Extract
2 Large Room Temperature Eggs
2 Cups Dark Chocolate Chips
2 Cups Chopped Roasted Hazelnuts
Preheat your oven to 350° F. In a medium size bowl combine the flour, baking soda and kosher salt. In a separate large size bowl add the butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla & anise extracts. Beat on a medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Do not overbeat. Stir in the dark chocolate chips and hazelnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoonful onto a parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Remember that all ovens heat differently so make sure to check at 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 4 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Blackberry Cheesecake
Today is National Cheesecake Day!
I love cheesecake. Growing up I would go blackberry picking in my neighborhood. There was always some area with overgrown blackberry bushes. Picking up my childhood sandbox bucket I would set myself to the task of bringing home a bucketful of blackberries. Not many would make it home and the evidence would be all over my face.
INGREDIENTS
40 Crushed Vanilla Wafers
6 Tablespoons Melted Butter
16 Ounces Softened Cream Cheese
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Tablespoons Unbleached Flour
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Creamed Cottage Cheese
1/4 Cup Cherry Brandy
3 Eggs
4 Cups Fresh Blackberries
Preheat your oven to 375° F. In a medium size bowl stir together crushed vanilla wafers and butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of an 8 inch spring form pan and set aside. In a large bowl stir together cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, flour and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low until smooth and set aside. Place the cottage cheese in a food processor and blend until smooth. Incorporate into the cream cheese mixture. Next, stir in the 1/4 cup cherry brandy. Beat in the eggs on low speed until combined. Don’t over mix as you don’t want to incorporate too much air into the batter. Pour half of the cheese cake mixture into the crust lined pan. Spread 1 cup of the blackberries on top. Top with the remaining cheese cake mixture and 1/2 cup of the blackberries. Place in a shallow baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until center appears almost set. Remove from the oven. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Loosen the sides and cool completely. Cover and chill for 2 hours. To serve cut the cheesecake into wedges and top each with the blackberries. Serve with additional blackberry sauce if you like. Serves 10
