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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Santa’s Cookie Ideas

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Cookies for Santa is a time-honored tradition, but what happens when the big guy gets tired of eating about a trillion of them in one night? So mix it up Christmas Eve with these Santa Cookie Ideas. 

Chocolate chip? Peanut Butter? Sugar? Oatmeal? 

What does Santa get under the tree at your house? 

SantaCookieIIdeas


With more than 132 million homes to visit on Christmas Eve, that’s a lot of cookies to eat. So give Santa a little something different with a few new Santa Cookie Ideas.

 

1. Up the ante on that chocolate chip cookie with the quintessential Dallas recipe for the Neiman Marcus Cookie.

Neiman-Marcus-Cookie

2. Looking for something the kids can make? Make your own little Frostys with Nutter Butters, candy and fruit snacks with these Snowman Cookies.

nutter butter snowmen

Brown Eyed Baker (http://www.browneyedbaker.com/nutter-butter-snowmen)

3. Does Santa have an allergy or need a pick me up for his late night? Go with No Cook, Gluten-Free Energy Balls.

4. Consider yourself a traditionalist but no time to make those beautiful sugar cookies? La Madeleine has beautiful cookie options in their Holiday French Market.

La Madeleine

5. Santa’s not the only one doing the work – don’t leave out the reindeer or the elves. Make snacks for them too with this easy Reindeer Mix.

Reindeerfood

Everyday Best (http://everydaybest.com/reindeer-food-recipe-and-free-printable/)

6. Sometimes it’s more than just the cookies. Teach kids to be the sweet ones by showing their gratitude with a thank you note with eggnog for a nice way to say thank you to Santa.

 

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Hot Toys 2016
Holiday Hot Picks

 

Yule Love the Holidays with La Madeleine

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The holidays are the reason to make enjoying moments together a priority so yule love La Madeleine’s new Holiday French Market and brunch offerings. Sing along at#Falalalalalamadeleine.

I’m so proud to be a La Madeleine Holiday Ambassador to celebrate the joy of the season with you. 

I’m a gal that loves everything about brunch.

So of course brunch during the holidays is my jam (pun intended.)


La-Madeleine-Brunch

I can remember when I was pregnant with my first son, every Saturday I would get up and me and the big belly would waddle into La Madeleine and I would order a creamy florentine quiche (with the best crust), fresh fruit, a glass of milk and sit next to the crackling fireplace so I can just spend a little time with him (and do some baby planning.) 

It’s still one of those traditions with him I’ll cherish always. 

Now, thankfully that I can partake in a true brunch experience, La Madeleine has added several new things just in time for the holidays to make it easier to make those special moments happen – even if you don’t have the time! 

Catered or Take and Bake Country French Brunch

I love to make brunch casseroles but unfortunately, if you didn’t have the time to go to the grocery store, throw one together the night before and let it sit, it ain’t happening. With La Madeleine’s new Egg and Cheese Croissant Bake, you can choose sausage and bacon or spinach and either take it home ready to cook or order online and pick it up hot five hours later. You can also add a cheesy potato gratin casserole, freshly-baked mini croissants – butter, chocolate, almond, chocolate almond and blackberry cream cheese, and even a fresh-cut Fruit Salade if you have a big impression to make. 

La-Madeleine-Brunch

  • Catered sizes available for groups of 10, 20 and 30. Delivered hot and ready to serve in chafing dishes with serving utensils.
  • Take Home and Bake sizes available for groups of 4-6 and 8-10.

And who can forget crepes? That’s just one of the many reasons to go to La Madeleine. A thin pancake filled with everything and anything, crepes in the U.S. are considered almost a delicacies, although in French reality, they are much more common over the pond. Either way, many of us here, don’t try to master the crepe, but with the help of La Madeleine’s Executive Chef Susan Dederen, we share what it takes to take on the crepe. (And it’s not near as hard as any of us think it is!) 

Holiday French Market

But for most of us this season, the holidays are a month-long season of events, activities, and special moments that in reality get crunched with all the other stresses of our life. So to make holiday gift giving and to make the days a little brighter (and sweeter), the Holiday French Market was built. Inside each La cafe, you’ll find box sets featuring the world-famous tomato basil soupe already packaged perfectly for gift giving, along with bundled decorated Christmas Tree cookies, the legendary Linzer cookies, macaroons, macarons, fruit tartes and so much more! 

La Madeleine Holiday

This year we are featuring three takes on the traditional French Creme Brulee – Creme Brulee Cheesecake, Mini Gingerbread Creme Brulee Tarts and new individual Caramel Creme Brulee cups. C’est magnifique!

And don’t worry, if you were looking for those seasonal flavors too, you’ll find peppermint mocha, gingerbread, and cranberry orange in the Viennoiserie cases (now I’m getting fancy.) 

Bûche de Noël or The Yule Log

But the most famous French tradition at the holidays is definitely, the Bûche de Noël or The Yule Log. If you ever had it, you know that the moist vanilla sponge cake, chocolate mousse, and ganache, is a reason worth celebrating the holidays. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. But it’s not just the taste, there’s a lot more behind the story. 

Join me with Alex of Eat Style Dallas on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at 10:15 am on Mamachallenge’s Facebook to learn how to master the Bûche de Noël. We’ll be sharing this and much more (including gift cards from La Madeleine) to make this online holiday even more sweet! 

La-Madeleine-Facebook-Live

Easy Italian: Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

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Think the drive-through is the only way you’re going to put food on the table? Healthy and quick meals are possible with help from Michael Angelo’s. Paired with this Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse and this pairing will soon be your new go-to every day that ends in Y.

All ideas, recipes, & opinions are entirely my own however, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Michael Angelo’s™.

Perfect-Italian-Dinner

Want to know the last time I made dinner for my family from scratch?


Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but last night I was able to serve a made-from-scratch meal made with real ingredients with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. All with a little help from Michael Angelo’s Signature Line.

Eggplant-Parm2

With our busy work schedules, kids’ practices, and the other stuff that comes up, it doesn’t matter how planned out I was hoping dinner was going to be, it just doesn’t happen. So I always pick up a Michael Angelo’s meal (find yours here) and have it ready for those days it just “ain’t gonna happen.” And with choices like eggplant parmesan, shrimp scampi, and lasagna, everyone looks forward to mama’s “Italian night” even if the mama they’re really talking to is Michael Angelo’s mama, Sara. All I do is put it in the oven and get ready for everyone to say “smells good, mama,” and viola.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

When I do have a few minutes to spare while the Michael Angelo’s cooks, I go the extra mile and make this creamy hazelnut chocolate mousse. It’s the kids’ favorite, but during the week I never have time to make it. But when all I have to do is wait for the timer to go off, I grab just five ingredients to create this rich, smooth and sinful dolce that no one can resist and pairs perfectly with any of Michael Angelo’s selection including:

  • Michael Angelo’s Eggplant Parmesan with eggplant, tomato sauce and lots of cheese: mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano and recorino romano.
  • Michael Angelo’s Shrimp Scampi with plump, tender shrimp with lemon butter, garlic, tomatoes and parsley.
  • Michael Angelo’s Lasagna layered with beef, robust tomatoes, herbs and cheese – oh glorious cheese

Eggplant-Parmesan-Dinner

Like the Michael Angelo’s meals, the hazelnut chocolate mousse is super easy and oh so good. Just like Italy, the desserts are actually not complicated, but totally full of flavor. The twist of hazelnut (another Italian staple) tastes just makes you think it took a long time to make and when you really want to seal the deal, you throw in a little whipped cream and shaved chocolate to make the ooohs and ahhhs even longer.

Italian-Chocolate-Hazelnut-Mousse

Chocolate-Hazelnut-Mousse

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Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

Think the drive-through is the only way you’re going to put food on the table? Healthy and quick meals are possible with help from Michael Angelo’s. Paired with this Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse and this pairing will soon be your new go-to every day that ends in Y.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs yolks
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup hazelnut spread
  • 2 cups bittersweet chocolate, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, ½ the sugar, and ¾ cup heavy cream.
  2. Cook over a medium-low heat, stirring approximately 3-4 minutes, but don’t allow to boil.
  3. Remove from heat, whisk in melted chocolate, hazelnut spread, and vanilla,
  4. Strain into bowl and chill.
  5. With an electric mixer, beat remaining 1 ¼ cups heavy cream and the remaining sugar.
  6. Whip until still peaks form.
  7. Stir in 1/3 of whipped chocolate into cooled custard mixture, then fold in the rest with a rubber spatula.
  8. Spoon into dishes, chill, covered for at least one hour.

Notes

  • Optional: Add whipped cream and shaved chocolate, but it’s totally good just the way it is.

This is a no fuss, no mess, no time dessert that everyone will love served with your favorite Michael Angelo’s Signature Line dish.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Recipe

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Michael Angelo’s. The opinions and text are all mine.

Cauliflower Recipes You Must Make

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Move over kale, cauliflower is the new star of produce! This vegetable is so versatile and full of health benefits! Try cauliflower as a great side, entree or even pizza crust with these cauliflower recipes you must make that your kids will love as much as you! *Affiliate links may be included to products used here.

I cannot begin to profess my love of cauliflower. It’s been a long road that we’ve been down together…covered in cheese, butter, or both. However, this cruciferous vegetable also plays the part not just as glutenous goodness, but also as healthy lead in many recipes – as entree, side, or both. So if you’re feeling a little kale or quinoa-ed 0ut, then open your eyes and your mouth for these cauliflower recipes you must make now. 

Cauliflower-Recipes-You-Must-Make


A little note: Now before you get started, I highly suggest using steam bags to make your life that much easier. Since many times you’ll be using steamed cauliflower as your base, using steam bags will cut down dramatically on your time (and dishes) when making successful cauliflower recipes! I’ve used several brands, but these cheaper ones work pretty good.

Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” or Taylor’s Taters

My daughter hates vegetables of any kind – except for potatoes, which in reality we all know aren’t veggies at all. However, I had to find a way to increase the selection of foods in her diet before my pediatrician (and her health) completely hit the wall, so one day my mom made her “Gigi Potatoes,” which she proceeded to eat the entire bowl. What she didn’t know is that my mother had made her cauliflower mashed potatoes or what she now calls “Taylor Taters.” It’s the easiest recipe in the world and around a decade ago most of us were eating due to the South Beach Diet (affiliate link) craze. However, for my little girl they were the most amazing stuff ever and she was eating healthy! 

Cauliflower Recipes to Eat Now

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Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes “Taylor’s Taters”

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

Healthy and so good, you’ll never know it was cauliflower! Perfect for kids who don’t love veggies!

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2-4 tablespoons butter, optional
  • 12 cup Manchego cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Steam cauliflower in the microwave until soft, but not mushy (I use steam bags!)
  2. Transfer to bowl.
  3. Add butter and blend with handheld blender or emulsifier until your preferred “mashed potato” consistency.
  4. Mix in Manchego cheese
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve!

Notes

  • The nuttiness of the Manchego cheese and cauliflower pair perfectly for this nutritious and delicious side dish that will have them all wanting more!

Roasted Cauliflower

In a fix to get dinner on the table or want to make something else besides potatoes? Then go for the roasted cauliflower. This dish can actually be your main entree when you want to eat light on calories and not on flavor or just prefer a “veggie kind-of-night.” Paired with a Chimichurri sauce (a blend of garlic, parsley, cilantro and spices with an olive oil/vinegar), roasted cauliflower is my go-to must have for hot summer nights! And because it only takes a few steps, throw it in the oven and in minutes, you’ll come back with an impressive recipe that will have you call for triples!

And did I mention that cauliflower is full of Vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, fiber and whole lotta other good stuff? So bottom line: you should be eating this and this recipe is a good way to enjoy it, too!

Cauliflower-Recipes-You-Must-Make

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Roasted Cauliflower

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 35
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Description

Make it as your entree or your side, eat it once and you’ll want it all the time!

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, sliced vertically like a steak
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Cut the cauliflower into steaks, vertically (remove the stump.)
  3. Spray a cooking sheet with cooking spray.
  4. Lay “steaks” on sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Place in oven and allow to get browned (25 minutes.) In a hurry – broil on low until brown.
  7. Remove from heat and serve.
  8. Optional: add a chimichurri sauce for a nice kick!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 316
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 167
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 0

Best-Ever Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I was working on this cauliflower pizza crust recipe one day and the finished product was sitting on the table. My son, who had no idea what I was making, so the pizza and asked if he could PLEASE have a bite. “Mama, you know I love pizza!”

The words almost came out my mouth to tell him, “hey baby that’s not what you think it is”…but instead, I let him bite into it and give me his honest opinion.

Of course, kids are the pickiest eaters (especially mine I’m afraid to admit), so I was waiting for that grimace he makes when he tries something new.

Instead he said, “that’s SO good!” he shouted. “Can I have slice? We need to make more of this since I’m gonna eat it all!”

His reaction signaled this recipe was a WINNER and it would become a staple in our menu. With two gluten-free diets and a corn allergy to now add to the list, I needed more recipes to start circulating. And this recipe for Cauliflower Pizza Crust can be made with any of your own toppings. You just have to get the whole “wringing out the cauliflower part” down. It’s not a hugely quick process, but after a few times, you’ll get it even quicker than making traditional crust that still needs time to rise. Instead, you’ll already have yours out of the oven and ready to serve with this no carb, no gluten, and good cauliflower pizza recipe.

Cauliflower Pizza

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Best Ever Cauliflower Pizza

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

A pizza crust recipe that tastes better than the original – and no gluten, no carbs!

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, powdered
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella/pizza cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • red pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

To make crust

  1. Wash and dry the cauliflower.
  2. Cut off the florets, remove the stem.
  3. Using a food processor, pulse cauliflower until it’s the consistency of snow.
  4. Place the cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cover (I prefer a steam bag.) Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Allow cauliflower to cool slightly.
  6. In a strainer or over another bowl draped with a tea towel, place cooked cauliflower into the towel.
  7. Using the towel (the thinnest is best), and wring the cauliflower until there is no more water and it’s “dry.” (You’ll need to do this several times as there will be lots of water (more than a cup is normal.)
  8. Next place cauliflower into a dry bowl, add cheeses and seasonings and mix.
  9. Now add egg and mix until it resembles dough.
  10. Place dough on an parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray.
  11. Now roll out dough into a thin crust (be careful to not be too thin.)
  12. Once complete, place crust on cooking stone/pan and place into preheated oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes until golden brown and remove from the oven.
  13. Now add your toppings as normal for pizza.
  14. Return pizza to the oven and cook 6-8 minutes until cheese is golden.
  15. Remove from oven, cut, cool, and eat!

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Super Summer Supper: Lemonade Inspired Recipes

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There’s nothing more summer than a glass of cold lemonade! We’ve the secret to the perfect glass and several other super lemonade inspired recipes for a perfect summer dish or sweetie! (As seen on EyeOpener TV) 

Beyonce may have made lemonade the spotlight on iTunes, this super summer time drink has long been the star of the summer for centuries. History says lemonade may have even been created by the Egyptians in as easy as the 14th century. However, taste buds for hundreds of years have kept this simple sipper of lemon, sugar, and water a #1 classic.

Lemonade-Recipes


But why stop at just lemonade to drink? Inspired by the delicious flavor of lemonade, we’ve put together a whole summer supper featuring lemonade. However, we wouldn’t suggest eating them all at one time; but a few of these will give you the taste of summer in every bite! 

But not all lemonade is the same. What’s the perfect combination to make it THE BEST? It’s an easy combination, but it starts with something called simple syrup!

Perfect Lemonade

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Perfect Lemonade

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

Great lemonade starts with simple syrup for this perfect lemonade recipe!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 gallon water
  • 2 cups lemon juice
  • Lemons, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start off the simple syrup by adding 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to boil over medium heat.
  3. Stir until the sugar dissolves and then remove from heat.
  4. Next add add simple syrup, gallon of water and fresh lemon juice to pitcher. Still well.
  5. Garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

  • Don’t use presqueezed lemonade! It’s much more bitter than you want for lemonade.

Lemonade-Chicken

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Lemonade Chicken

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

This lemonade-inspired chicken includes a lemon marinate and lemon batter for the perfect mix of lemon, crispy chicken made in the oven.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 5 chicken drumsticks
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or seasoning salt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Mix half the lemon zest and the lemon juice in a large bowl.
  2. Add 1/2 cup water, sugar and whisk to dissolve.
  3. Add the buttermilk.
  4. Poke chicken fork and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place in a plastic zipper bag.
  6. Add the marinade and refrigerate overnight.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  8. To batter the chicken: Mix panko, thyme, lemon zest, seasonings in a large resealable plastic bag.
  9. Shake to mix.
  10. In a bowl, add mayonnaise and roll chicken in mayo.
  11. Then add chicken to the bag and shake to coat.
  12. Spray the pan with cooking spray and to chicken.
  13. Bake until golden, about 35 minutes.
  14. Turn over and then bake until browned and crisp.

StrawberryLemonadePie

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Strawberry Lemonade Pie

  • Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com
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Description

A slice of this pie is the taste of summer with strawberries and lemonade! AND it only takes a few minutes to make!

Ingredients

  • Tub Whip Cream (in the tub)
  • 12 ounce can lemonade concentrate
  • 1 can condensed milk (12 ounces)
  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • lemon and strawberries for garnish
  • Graham Cracker Crust (Purchase at the grocery store or made from scratch!)

Instructions

  1. in a blender, puree strawberries and sugar together until combined.
  2. With a mixer, combine the rest of the ingredients (except the crust) until blended.
  3. Poor lemonade mixture into crust.
  4. Poor strawberry mixture over lemonade mixture. Use a spoon or knife to swirl.
  5. Add crust top back to pie and then freeze overnight (or at least 8 hours.)
  6. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

 

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Fruit and Veggie Recipes to Make NOW

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No doubt that it’s always a good time to eat more veggies and fruit, but the summer time is just RIPE for enjoying these 4 Fruit and Veggie Recipes. Mamachallenge is excited to partner with Dole to launch the 2016 Get up and Grow Together! Tour kick-off in Dallas. Compensation for time and product was provided by Dole, but all opinions shared here are those of mamachallenge.com.

No matter what type of diet plan or nutrition program you follow, one thing remains consistent: eating your vegetables and fruit helps create a healthy lifestyle. As parents we’re always trying to find ways to get our kids eating more veggies and fruit (just check out my segment on apples), but it’s just as important for us to get ours, too!

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Did you know bananas are North America’s most popular produce?

That’s just part of the reason for the Dole 2016 Get up and Grow Together! Tour. Started last year as a way to get us all by adopting a diet rich in fruits and veggies, the 42-stop tour launches in Dallas on May 26 on “National Eat More Fruit and Vegetables Day.”

Studies have shown that broccoli helps to decrease the risk of diabetes.

The tour stops at supermarkets and public events throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, offering free produce-filled recipe samples, recipe booklets and other giveaways, an interactive Kid’s Corner, and fruit and veggie-themed photo-sharing opportunities – all to showcase the fun, flavor and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

GUAG-East- 7.18 AM-9

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the recipes you’ll be able to sample at the Get up and Grow! Together stops (and now make at home, too!)

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Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Pineapple Salad

Strawberry Toasts

Café Banana Frappé

SaladSipper

Salad Sipper

Brussels sprouts help beat the bloat and have shown to aid in weight loss.

Go to www.dole.com/GetUpAndGrow for a complete schedule.

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Baking Up Family Memories: Gluten-Free Breakfast Bars

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Sometimes in life, it’s not about what you’re making, but about the time you spent making it together. We’re excited to be Baking Up Family Memories to make Gluten-Free Breakfast Bars with Big G Cereal’s Honey Nut Cheerios, Walmart and a little help from Que Rica Vida (quericavida.com.)

Food has always been the conversation of my life. Actually, it’s my love language.

Growing up, sitting at the table eating dinner, my family would talk about what we we’re going to make for dinner tomorrow. 

For fun, we’d thumb through magazines and cookbooks looking for new recipes ideas like it was a graphic novel. And the television is always turned on to something food-related whether it’s traveling to a new country to try new cuisines or tips for making beloved dishes better from our favorite chefs. 


So it was no doubt, my kids would follow in my footsteps of food. 

HNCheerios

They have their own aprons, pans, and for fun, they like to create their own cooking shows.

And I love spending time with them cooking, learning and sharing tips and moments that I hope they’ll remember years with their kids, well after I’m gone. 

However, with my 7-year old getting more mature and his little sister wanting so much to be a big girl, it was time to let them try their hand in the kitchen – without mom. Well, mom was there, but I wanted to let them read the instructions, measure the ingredients and feel good about themselves for creating a recipe they had made together. 

Cheerios7

So even though the control-obsessed mama who didn’t want to deal with the aftermath, I let them go with a recipe we found on quericavida.com, a bilingual resource of thousands of recipes for every occasion featuring a world of flavor to delight the whole family.  Since we are now a gluten-free family (due to my hubby and children’s allergies), finding a recipe that’s easy enough for my kids to make AND GF, is like hitting the lottery. Featuring one of our favorite cereals, Honey Nut Cheerios (hooray for being GF) and just four base ingredients to make No-Bake Honey-Nut Cereal Bars, I even had the kids add a few things to make it really seem like they were “cookin’.” 

Cheerios5

Of course, they selected peanut butter chocolate chips:) 

Before they started, I did have them read the recipe to me and pull all the items they would need to make their “Gluden Free Breakfast Bars” (that was the 4-year old’s name for their dish.)

Cheerios3

From there on, it was up to them. I now was just the observer and by request, also the camera man. They had decided they also wanted to make a “Cooking Show.” 

Oh, no! But that’s half the fun, right?!?

cooking

Actually watching them behind the lens gave me a chance to really watch them together. It was adorable how he took on showing his sister how to do things like spray the pan with cooking spray and he watching her study his actions, so she knew what to do and how to do it. 

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#ProudMamaMoment. 

Of course, we did have to enlist dad for just a moment to help microwave our mixture (on cue as you’ll see.) Other than that, they made their first dish without mom and almost no fights!

GF-Cheerios

While they may have learned a recipe, mom learned that not everything has to be perfect, clean and Pinterest perfect. Sometimes the best dishes are those that are baked up with family memories (and a little bit of Honey Cheerios.) 

GFCheerios

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Gluten-Free Breakfast Bars

  • Author: Autumn of @mamachallenge.com
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 3
  • Total Time: 78
  • Yield: 16
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Honey Nut Cheerios™ cereal
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Instructions

  1. Line bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment paper. Spray foil with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix cereal, mixed nuts, and peanut butter chips; set aside.
  2. In large microwavable bowl, microwave brown sugar, honey and butter uncovered on High 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until mixture is boiling. Microwave an additional 1 minute allowing mixture to boil and thicken slightly.
  3. Pour over cereal mixture in bowl; stir until evenly coated. Using buttered back of spoon, press mixture very firmly in pan. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm enough to cut.
  4. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered at room temperature up to 1 week.

Notes

  • You can add ingredients to this dish like cranberries, raisins and more for the perfect cereal bar – good for breakfast or snack all day long!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 347
  • Sugar: 11
  • Sodium: 41
  • Fat: 27
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 23
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 2

Celebrate family cooking fun and seach for Dia de los Ninos recipes.

 

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Best Recipes Using Applesauce

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Applesauce is like magic; it’s great to eat by itself, but cooking with it, is even better! Here’s some of the Best Recipes Using Applesauce for everything from healthy snacks to hotcakes. 

For the first three years of my daughter’s life, if she consumed anything healthy, it was in a squeezable green pouch. 

She thought it was candy so she thought she was getting away with something. I knew it was Gogo squeeZ and completely natural applesauce, so there was no need to tell her differently (at least at the time.) 


applesauce

Now I can at least get a few more fruits and veggies down her, but using applesauce has become one of my favorite ingredients to cook with. As a natural sweetener, it’s ideal to use in baking and adding a little more health value to a dish. 

apples

Have a big jar of applesauce you need to do something with or just looking to make a healthier breakfast or snack, applesauce is your answer. 

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Healthy Cookie Dough Bites

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Gogo squeeZ
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Directions
  2. Line a pan with wax paper.
  3. Whisk together flour and oats in a medium bowl and set aside
  4. Beat together all of the wet ingredients until combined.
  5. Stir in flour mixture until combined.
  6. Then add chocolate chips.
  7. Scoop two tablespoons of dough; roll dough into a ball with hands. Repeat.
  8. Refrigerate until firm. 

Click on the photo for the rest of the recipes!

FruitRollup

 

Best-Ever-Carrot-Cake

 

ApplePiePancakes Go Go SqueeZ

 

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Healthy 2 Ingredient Fruit Leather Rolls

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Tired of buying snacks that you know are full of extra ingredients your family doesn’t need? Then try these Healthy 2 Ingredient Fruit Leather rolls using only applesauce, cinnamon and just a little bit of wait time. 

Between afterschool snack, after homework snack, before dinner snack, and whatever in between snack, are you kids always eating a snack? Mine too. 

However, reading the ingredient list doesn’t always make me happy or neither does looking at my grocery receipt. 

So we took matters in to our own hands to figure out what snacks my kids loved could be made a little bit easier and a little bit healthier. 

Fox4apples

This recipes was featured on Fox Good Day in Dallas.

After many recipes, modifications and more mess ups, I found out one of my kids favorite snacks,  fruit leather, was nothing but two ingredients and a lot of time in the oven. But when they were done, I could actually package them up so they could package them up to be easy pack and go with a little wax paper. 

All you need to make is a little time at the house so you can make sure to be around after 8-10 hours in the oven. 

I know – crazy right? If you have food dehydrator you can make this recipe there or the good ole fashioned way, in the oven. 

FruitRollup

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Healthy 2 Ingredient Fruit Leather Rolls

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Ingredients

  • 24 ounces organic applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Set the oven to 150-170 degrees (mine only went to 170F.)
  2. Lay a silicone baking mat or parchment paper onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Measure 1 cup of applesauce and mix with cinnamon in a bowl, set aside.
  4. Pour the rest of the applesauce onto the set pan and spread thinly across pan. (Use a rubber spatula to help spread.)
  5. Next, use your cinnamon mixture, thinly layer lines of cinnamon applesauce onto the pan. (Looks a little like a tiger design now.)
  6. Next tap the pan gently on the counter to make everything is even.
  7. Play tray in oven and cook for 8-9 hours or until the applesauce is dried completely and the color has lost any sheen to it.)
  8. Remove from oven and let cool.
  9. Using a knife to cut into strips and roll up.
  10. Store fruit leathers in an airtight container.

 

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applesauce-pinterest

 

Healthy Junk Food Recipes

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Junk food is good…but it’s not good for you. But with these healthy junk food recipes, you can enjoy your favorites without all the fuss. 

Doughnuts. Ding Dongs. Doritos.

They taste good, but face it, they don’t do anything for your waistline or your kid’s either. They are full of sugars, processed foods, and a whole lotta stuff that you can’t pronounce, much less know what it is. 

And while every once in a while a dive into a big bag of chips does seem like it’s going to make you feel better; rest assured it won’t. But we know when you have an itch for something, sometimes you have to scratch it. And when the kids want it, it’s hard to always say no. However, with these tricks and tips we shared on EyeOpener TV, we’re taking the junk out of your junk food for healthy recipes you can enjoy anytime you want  – and you don’t have to feel bad when you eat it either. 


Healthy Donuts

These donuts may not be the healthiest, they are just better for you than what you’ll find at the bakery.  And with only TWO ingredients, this recipe also makes it easy to make too.  All you need is to combine a box of spice cake mix (you can use others, but this is my favorite) and a large can of pumpkin puree; then pour it into a greased donut pan (affiliate) this is the one I used for the TV segment). Cook ’em up and then if you want, add a little glazed icing or powdered sugar. If you need a step-by-step, here’s one with a breakdown…but it’s not rocket science. But it is good. 

Healthy Cheese Crackers

My daughter has probably eaten 100 lbs of those gold-colored cheese crackers – and that was just last week. So when we found out she was allergic to gluten, we had to stop her habit in her tracks. So off to the races we went to uncover the perfect cheese cracker recipe. The best one we found is this recipe using only five ingredients  and replacing the flour for a gluten-free flour alternative. The hardest thing about this is finding a goldfish-shaped cookie cutter (affiliate.)

goldfish

 

Healthy Gummies

I can take down a bag of gummy bears like no-one’s business. I knew there had to be a way to make a healthier version, but unfortunately, I’m still trying to find the perfect way. While we continue to make the perfect gummy, we did uncover a version that can do in a pinch. The only problem is that they have to be refrigerated, so there’s no putting these in your pocket Ferris Bueller style to share with your bestie on the bus. But we’re still working on that. Until then, you have this recipe to do the job from meatified. (And it only has 4 ingredients!)

gummy

Healthy Chocolate Truffles 

When we share this recipe we love to describe the chocolately moment you experience when you bite into these healthy chocolate truffles the first time. THEN we tell them we use avocado to make these rich tasting as well as full of those avocado-riffic nutrients, vitamins and of course, Omega 3s. While people love avocado and people love chocolate, but the idea of them together isn’t always loved. But one bite of these, you’ll change your mind. Too bad you won’t just eat one bite. 

Avocado-Cappuccino-Truffles

Healthy Muffins 

There are plenty of muffin recipes out there that are super healthy; using alternative flours, vegetables, etc. Well, most the time we don’t have time for all that. We’re glad when there’s 15 minutes in the morning to even put breakfast together – much less a healthy one that your kids will eat. But for our healthy muffin recipe, just combine a bag of muffin mix (affiliate) along with one pouch of Gogo squeeZ (or approximately 1/2 cup of applesauce) along with 1/4 cup of milk. Cook as directed and serve. It’s that easy to add a 2/3 serving of fruit to the muffin without negotiating with your kids AND they’re super moist! 

Healthy Kool-Aid

Growing up I LOVED Kool-Aid. Heck, I still do. But now I know when you put a cup of sugar in anything it’s gonna be good, but all that sugar isn’t doing me any favors. And it’s really not doing your kids any favors either! So to make your own Kool-Aid with none of the “stuff” that’s not so good for kids. Using the magic formula of 4: steep 4 bags of herbal tea like this one in 4 cups of hot water.  After 15 minutes of steeping the bags, remove them and 4 cups of cold water. Last add 4 drops of Stevia  for just the sweet taste you need to remind you of your own fruit punch days. 

 

 

Don’t miss these comfort foods with a healthy (AND GLUTEN FREE) twist! 

Gluten-Free-Oven-Fried-Chicken

 

Gluten-Free-Mac-N-Cheese

 

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