Dinner

Pies can also be filled with veggies, meat, cheese, eggs, herbs and spices. The French call them Quiches.  The Brits call them pies and now we do as well because "pies" offer more kid appeal. This Cheesy Turkey Bacon & Sausage Pie is a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, turkey, eggs and broccoli.  It's delicious!  This recipe author was smart enough to add a little nutmeg for that extra endearing flavor.  This meal-in-one recipe has 5 Naturally Sourced Colors and 6 Food Groups giving it a high 5/6 Performance Rating. One slice is filled with the nutrients your children need.  Helpful Hint: To avoid texture issues, finely chop the ingredients.  For details, Click Here. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

This week's sweepstakes prize is a case of Turkey Meatballs by Shelton's Poultry. Simply said, their birds "don't do drugs." To enter, do to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

Asparagus are full of nutrients that feed your brain, blood, bones, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, and skin!  For 2000 years they have been valued for their medicinal and epicurean offerings.  Their rich collection of phyto-nutrients that include Vitamin C, manganese, selenium, glutathione, B vitamins, inulin and fiber make them excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant providing food.  Look for thin firm stalks and steam or grill them.  Serve with lemon and butter, or a with a little cheese on top.  Introduce them to kids a spear head at a time. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

No Kidding.  During today's podcast interview, Joel Fuhrman, M.D. explains why everything you eat/drink and digest during those years of rapid growth shapes the health of your DNA and so much more. And, he shares nutrient-packed fun recipes that work for his kids and their friends.  This is a passionate, helpful, and must listen to conversation. Click Here . Or, go to www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices, April 6, 2012 interview. Please listen,

… for the health of your family and you,
ellen

Enter to Win this week's Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes" a case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot Creamery Cooperative.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

Apparently Americans spend nearly half of their food dollars at restaurants.  That totals about $566 billion in a year! (National Restaurant Association, 2009) Wow. This leaves me speechless, especially for two reasons:  a lot of that is spent on low-nutrient, disease promoting fast food, and, the nutrition and behavioral benefits of eating home cooked meals at home way exceeds the convenience of eating out.  Now moms, please, I understand the lure of  a breakfast, lunch and dinner solution  -  I was a working single mom for years and have experienced the related time issues.  However, the health of children holds a greater value than succumbing to the ease of fast food restaurants. I hear moms saying, "I just have to spend less on food."  I say to you, spend less on having someone else prepare food – buy and prepare it yourself. Then enjoy a good meal at a restaurant once in a while.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Don't forget to enter to Win a Case of Greek-Styled LowFat Yogurt by Cabot of Vermont.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

This delicate nutty flavored herb is chock-a-block full of nutrients. Sesame seeds feed your brain, bones, ears, hair, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, nails, nerves, and nose. Their good brain supporting fats help to lower LDL and increase HDL levels. Along with their quality amino acid proteins, they also supply you with B complex vitamins (niacin, folic acid, thaimin, pyridoxine and riboflavin). They contain a very rich source of minerals: calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.

And, boy are they good to eat! Hummus is made with Tahini, a sesame seed paste. They often are sprinkled on baked goods such as bagels. We love to add them to salads, including egg and tuna. Certainly they enhance all salads, egg dishes and many fruit desserts. Adding them to entrees before serving is a great way to add nutritional power to every meal. Sesame seeds are a brilliant way to stoke your kids with so many of the nutrients they need while growing. We buy them in bulk and keep them in jars for handy use. Try this, too!

    … for the health of your family,
ellen