Healthy Eats for Spring

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Serena

In an attempt to offer my kids healthy and accessible food, I have been checking lot of new food brands and products. Here are some of our favorites that are kid-tested and mom approved.

Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co: An alternative to Fro-Yo and high fat of ice cream, Soft Serve Fruit is an all-natural, three-ingredient, dessert made with just real fruit, filtered water and a touch of organic cane sugar that has the consistency of frozen yogurt.

Soft Serve Fruit is free of dairy, gluten, fat, and all 8 major allergens, and contains less than 90 calories in a 3.5 oz. serving. With Soft Serve Fruit, you enjoy all the health benefits of the underlying fruit, with none of the guilt.

We had the chance to test out some varieties, and loved the delicious mango and blood orange that was the perfect mid-afternoon and end-of-the day treat. The varieties also rotate seasonally, and include banana, raspberry, blueberry, pear, apple, pumpkin, tangerine, dark chocolate (made with 100% Ecuadorian cacao beans), etc.

Organic Dry Meal Pouches from NurturMe: Featuring the first and only family of certified-organic, dried fruit and veggie meals, NurturMe recently expanded their award-winning line of organic dried baby food – including the introduction of a 100% quinoa rice cereal alternative, a new line of blended NurturMeals organic dry meal pouches that combine delicious and nutrient-rich fruit and veggie flavors, and a new line of bite-sized organic Yum-a-Roo’s dried fruit and veggie snacks for toddlers.

Now available in single or blended flavor options, NurturMeals organic dry meal pouches are rich in nutrients and super versatile. In addition to Crisp Apples, Crunchy Carrots, Hearty Sweet Potatoes, Plump Pea, Scrumptious Squash and Sweet Bananas, NurturMeals Singles now come in Protein-Packed Quinoa, which is the first and only certified-organic pure quinoa meal created especially for children. Made from 100% pure super grain, NurturMeals Quinoa is a great alternative to rice cereal and supports growth.

Gardein: This meat-free protein option is a great option for people looking to live a healthier lifestyle as well as those that are vegetarian or vegan. You can also create simple Cinco de Mayo recipes using their Gardein’s Ultimate Beefless Burger, Gardein’s Home Style Beefless Tips and Gardein’s Chick’n Tostadas, Gardein’s Taco Chick’n Pizza, and Gardein’s Chipotle Lime Wrap for a healthy taco night.

Mighty Oats from Little Duck Organics: We are big fans of Little Duck Organics (check out our review here) and they recently launched a convenient new product for families and kids with Mighty Oats. Made with ancient grains (Quinoa, Chia, Buckwheat, Oat and Millet) and organic fruit (Strawberry Vanilla, Blueberry Cinnamon, and Coconut Banana) that fuses an innovative concept bridging sustainable practices to baby and children’s food. Through it’s unique packaging, Little Duck Organics created one of the first zero waste packaging designs where each single serve cup has seeds impbedded in it (this ranges from lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots) and is also s biodegradeable!

On top of that my kids love the unique combinations that I travel with and serve during breakfast. Personally, I love how this hearty and healthy option has enhanced our flavor regular breakfasts thanks to the unique flavor combinations. The portable cups are also incredible for travel for our ever-busy life on-the-go.

Lisa’s Organics: The 66 million working women who don’t have time to prepare a nutritious meal are about to receive good news! Lisa’s Organics, the maker of a line of certified organic vegetable frozen side dishes, has combined the highest-quality veggies with chef-inspired sauces that go from freezer to dinner plate in just five minutes.

Ideal as a standalone veggie for a healthy mini-meal or as a complement to a nutritious lunch or dinner, Lisa’s Organics offers five varieties complete with chef-inspired glazes and sauces. The entire line is an easy way for anyone, even the most schedule-crunched businesswomen, to serve delicious hot meals in minutes.

Whether it’s a savory addition to a risotto, a burst of flavor in a salsa or a gourmet touch to any pasta or quiche, Lisa’s Organics help create tasty meals anyone can enjoy. With each bag (MSRP $3.49) containing two low-sodium servings, the Lisa’s Organics line includes California Vegetables in Balsamic Glaze, Sweet Peas in Parmesan Herb Sauce, Whole Green Beans in Garlic Olive Oil Sauce, Broccoli Florets in Gorgonzola Bleu Cheese Sauce, and Southwest Vegetables in Ranchero Sauce. All of the products come with recipe ideas to help make quick meals in minutes. To learn more about Lisa’s Organics vegetable side dishes or to find a local retail outlet, visit http://www.lisasorganics.com/.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given some samples.

Sending a Fun Message to Your Kids with Lunchbox Buddies

Posted on April 13, 2013 by Serena

My daughter brings her lunch to school and while focusing on healthy options and variety is key, I also want to feel connected to her when I am not with her. To do so I have been adding a cute note to her lunchbox thanks to Lunchbox Buddies, a company that specializes in a collection of silly notes with funny characters for kids.

Created by parents Jim and Monika Adorney that started when Jim would draw silly cartoons on his daughters’ lunchbox notes, which became a hit with their friends. This then became a way for families to stay connected and build relationships all year-long.

I had the chance to use the Goofballs and Space Cadets line with fun characters with their own unique look and personality, and can be colored, decorated and traded. Additionally, the also feature meaningful notes like ‘Thinking of You’ and ‘You’re a Swell Kid.’ My daughter loves the fun characters, and I also love to add in my own note like ‘I love you’ or ‘I can’t wait to see you later.’ Another bonus is that the notes are made of sturdy paper and enough notes in a pack to last for a month.

Since we aren’t always with our kids all-day, Lunchbox Buddies offers a fun way to give brighten your kids’ day as well as stay connected through the day with the simplicity of characters and a sweet note.

Learn more about Lunchbox Buddies at www.lunchboxbuddies.com

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given samples.

Eating Right for National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Serena

This month we are celebrating National Nutrition Month – making it a great time to reexamine the foods we are eating. Although supplements and daily vitamins can help us get the nutrients we need, it’s really naturally healthy foods that are the best way to improve your diet.

To help us out with some new recipe ideas our friends at Eggland’s Best, a naturally high source of vitamin D and omega-3’s that provides twice as much vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid as an ordinary egg, shared some delicious recipes that can easily be incorporated into your life. Here are our favorite meals for the weekend, and don’t forget to color them for Easter!

Broccoli and Cheddar Frittata

Ingredients:
5 Eggland’s Best eggs (large)
1/3 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, low-fat
1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Spray a 9″ tart pan or pie pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
3. Dice onion and set aside; if using fresh broccoli, wash well and cut florets from stems.
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until fluffy.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese, onion, and broccoli.
6. Pour egg mixture into pan and sprinkle parsley on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until eggs are set; allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.

Sunflower Zucchini Pie

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium Zucchini (about 7 ounces), shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 small Zucchini, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 clove Garlic, minced
5 large Eggland’s Best eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups cooked Rice (brown or white)
2/3 cup reduced-fat Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup 1% lowfat Milk
1/4 cup roasted, shelled Sunflower Seeds
1/4 teaspoon Salt (optional)

Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil or coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded zucchini, Italian seasoning, and garlic and cook until the zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet saute sliced zucchini about 5 minutes until softened.

4. Place the eggs, rice, Cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, milk, sunflower seeds, salt, and the
shredded zucchini mixture in a large bowl and stir to combine.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate, top with the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and
zucchini slices, and cook until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

Pret a Paquet: Chic and Functional Lunch Containers

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Serena

I love that my job has me on-the-go, but that I often means that I’m not home for lunch. I hate spending that much money on lunch, and in NYC it is rare to find a high-quality meal on the fly. To help me out, I have been packing sandwiches in my new Prêt à Paquet sandwich container, a chic and functional line of lunch containers that are also pretty stylish (think cute chevron stripes). Also, great for kids, these containers are super safe, BPA-free and contained in portions recommended by a nutritionist. They are also sleek with their coordinating, eco-friendly, reusable insulated sleeves and the containers include compartments to separate food, a salad bowl with a to-go dressing cup, and more. I also really appreciate how durable both the container and sleeve are that fits easily and securely in my bag.

They also offer a cool insulated lunch kits that features compartments to separate food as well as a lid and an insulated neoprene sleeve. This makes it even easier to pack healthy and portion-controlled lunches such as salads, snacks and sandwiches for meals on-the-go. Available in two patterns Blue and black stripe and Peach chevron, the container also has a secure zipper, which also ensures no spills or mess.

Offering functionality and beautiful colors, the Prêt à Paquet containers truly helps moms and kids serve up their lunch in style

The collection is available at Target.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given samples.

Friday Finds: Easter and Passover Recipes

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Serena

With the Easter and Passover shortly approaching, I am starting to plan what meals that I am going to bring to over to our relatives houses. From Easter cookies to matzoh ball soup, here are some of my favorite finds for the week.

1. Brown Eyed Baker shared some delicious cookies, along with 135 recipes for Easter from breakfast options to cakes to side dishes that will keep you inspired with your holiday cooking.

2. Jules Speaks Gluten-Free has your Gluten-Free recipes for Easter and Passover with a comprehensive guide on what to cook and what to make for the holidays,

3. Recipe Girl is featured some delicious and easy candy bark that was inspired from the blog A Pretty Life.

4. Jewlicious recently posted their annual passover round-up with recipes from various newspapers featuring recipes for the holiday.

What are some of your favorite recipes for Easter and Passover?

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Serena

Did you know March is National Nutrition Month?

It’s the perfect time to think about making the right food and beverage choices for your family.

To celebrate, Milk Unleashed is taking a look at just how many vitamins and minerals are found in shelf-stable milk with a fun calendar that you and your family can look at throughout the month of March.

Since shelf safe milk does not require refrigeration until opened, single-serving cartons can be taken to school, on camping trips, to sporting events or any other adventures without worrying about spoilage. You can freeze it the night before so it’s just the right temperature at lunch…but if you don’t get around to drinking it – no problem…put it back on the shelf (it will last 6 – 9 months).

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, dairy and calcium intakes are inadequate in four- to 18-year-olds. In fact, only 30 percent of the US population two years of age and older get the recommended level of calcium or more. Plus, most kids do not get enough Vitamin D, potassium and protein, either. The good news — all of these important nutrients are found in shelf safe milk.

For more about Milk Unleashed check out www.MilkUnleashed.com, @milkunleashed and facebook.com/milkunleashed.

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

Get Inspired for Spring with Driscoll’s Berries

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Serena

Blueberries, Strawberries and Pies, Oh My! Spring is quickly approaching and Driscoll’s, growers of the world’s finest berries, recently shared some delicious recipes for spring from their new and improved website. Now featured with delicious recipes, health and nutrition advice, community news and more, we discovered some naturally sweet and tasty spring recipes to have your picnics and parties covered. Here are a few of my favorites.

Strawberry Blossom Cupcakes, Strawberry Graham Cracker Tart, Mixed Berry Sangria, Fresh Blueberry Pie with Lemon Pastry

For updates on berry recipes, health tips and entertaining ideas “like” Driscoll’s on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @driscollsberry.

Momtrends was not paid for this post

Friday Finds: Favorite Smoothie Recipes

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Serena

We tend to enjoy a lot of smoothies in my house in the morning. As a great way to get kids to eat veggies (I add kale or spinach in them) as well as a dose of fruits, smoothies are my go-to for instant nutrition. I generally make the same one, so I have been scouring the web looking for some new ideas to mix up my smoothie routine. Here are a few of my delicious finds.

1. The Frugalette shares a delicious Blueberry Flax Seed Green Smoothie that is packed with blueberries, almond milk and spinach. She also linked to 27 other smoothies for tons of delicious ideas.

2. The Gunny Sack shares some tasty Strawberry Smoothies that would be good for dessert. Featuring some festive straws and whipped cream, this yummy smoothie also has yogurt and ice for a chilly treat that kids will love.

3. Primal Todd has another great strawberry smoothie recipe but this one also includes Kombucha, Citrus, Banana, Ginger and Strawberries for a unique and yummy combination.

4. Incredible Smoothies has an interesting recipe for a Acerloa Pomegranate Super Green Smoothie that is packed with the tarty Acerola fruit, kale and pears.

Momtrends was not paid for this post.

Beautiful and Delicious Beet Gnocchi

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Serena

Pasta is a staple in a child’s diet, but that doesn’t mean that veggies can’t be either. A cooking school for kids, Freshmade NYC aims to educate students about making smarter food choices by encouraging them to think about what they eat, where it comes from, how to prepare it, and how to share it!

This includes classes that focus on a specific theme and students where students are provided with recipes and take-home assignments to share with their families that focus on a particular ingredient that was used during the lesson.

One of the best parts of Freshmade NYC is that it engages the whole family. Parents are invited to participate in classes and be as hands on as the kids. Children are having so much fun, and the meals taste so yummy that they forget they are eating healthy. The meals taught in classes aren’t just for kids; moms and dads will enjoy them too! Past lessons include panzanella salad, pizza kale chips, rice pilaf and healthy smoothies.

To mix up pasta eating, co-founder, Cara Buffalino-Silman, CHHC, AADP, shared with Momtrends a recipe for Beauty Beet Gnocchi.

Gnocchi, a type of potatoes made into soft, tasty little dumplings is one of Italy’s oldest dishes and also a popular meal in the U.S. However, gnocchi has little to no health benefits. Potatoes are packed with starchy carbohydrates and low in protein. Freshmade NYC offers families a healthier alternative to this classic dish. By substituting beets for potatoes, your meal instantly loses calories, gains extra vitamins and becomes a pretty pink color!

Why Freshmade loves beets:

Beets are a powerhouse of phytonutrients providing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. Beets belong to the chenopod family, which also includes chard, spinach and quinoa. You can eat beets raw, steamed, roasted or juice them (we love a good carrot, beet, apple and ginger combo!) Beets are a good source of vitamins A, C and manganese. The greens attached to the beetroot are edible and delicious, cook them as you would Swiss chard, spinach or kale. They are rich in nutrients and concentrated in vitamins and minerals. (Psst, Moms: beets are a great source of Vitamin A, an antioxidant well known for its ability to reduce wrinkles!)

Beautiful Beet Gnocchi

Ingredients:

2-3 small to medium sized beets, tops and ends removed, cleaned well and quartered
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt & fresh pepper
1 1/4 + cups flour
1/4 cup ricotta
Approx 2 tablespoons organic butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, spray lightly with olive oil Bake beets for approx 30 minutes or until tender. When cooled, peel skin with a paring knife and pulse in a food processor until just smooth, leaving a little texture. In a large bowl, combine the beet puree, ricotta, 1/2 teaspoon salt, fresh pepper, and flour (adding a little flour at a time until a dough forms, the dough should be soft but not too sticky, the goal is to use as little flour as possible to keep the gnocchi from becoming too dense). Bring water to boil in a large pot and add a generous amount of salt.

Roll the dough into a snake. Cut bite size pieces. Roll over tine of fork. Repeat until all gnocchi are done.

When the water comes to a rolling boiling, add gnocchi, cooking in batches as to not overcrowd the pot. When gnocchi begins to float remove with slotted spoon to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining gnocchi. When all gnocchi have been cooked, heat about two tablespoons butter in a sauté pan and add the gnocchi, tossing to coat. Cook about 7-10 minutes on medium heat. Season with salt and pepper.

Fresh herbs like rosemary is also a nice addition to this dish.

Plate and serve.

For class schedule, please visit:

http://www.freshmadenyc.com/cooking-classes/

Momtrends was not paid for this post

Date Night Ideas: Supper Club at Vincenzo’s Supper Club

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Serena

I’ve mentioned before that my husband and I are trying to get better about having regular date nights. The list of excuses are long, so I was thrilled when we couldn’t think of any when I heard all about Vincenzo’s Supper Club. Run by Hearth and Table, a small Brooklyn based catering company and local food delivery service for families in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with a mission to “bring us, as a culture and a society back to the table” the supper club offered an alternative to the restaurant scene with a focus on a creative menu and community that we will always treasure.

Created by Jessica Mattheus, Heart and Table is dedicated to using only locally sourced provisions. This also includes a monthly supper club that Jessica hosts in her home called Vincenzo’s Supper Club featuring unique cocktails, creative appetizers and seasonal menus inspired by the Mediterranean and coasts of Latin America.

Started in Italy when Jessica and her husband lived there when he attended college, the bungalow where they lived was called Vincent’s House where a dinner took place every Friday night for 15 Euros. This tradition continued when they back to Brooklyn with the idea to focus on community, good food and unique experiences.

My husband and I had the pleasure to enjoy a Mexican-themed supper club where we were treated to spicy mezcal margarita with hickory smoked salt created by bartender, Josh Sontag. As for the food, we were in for a treat as we enjoyed an upscale “Taco Night” complete with black bean, jalapeño and cilantro dip served with homemade tortilla chips to start and a delicious jicama and mango salad with lime cilantro vinaigrette. Set on her wooden table, we enjoyed an incredible taco station complete with Stewed adobo chicken, Hertiage pork and chorizo, Aji and garlic seared shrimp and grilled garlic and smoked paprika portobello mushrooms that we could top with pistachio guacamole, Pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, slow roasted garlic mojo , pickled red onion, Oaxacan cheese and roasted tomato and serrano pepper aioli. The food was absolutely delicious and definitely unlike anything I have ever had before. I really loved the beans and shrimp and was really impressed by the guacamole.

In addition to the food, my husband and I loved the casual vibe and environment of the supper club where we were able to meet some new people in a relaxing setting. If we went to a restaurant we would likely pay more than the cost of this supper club, and be rushed out afterwards. At the Vincenzo’s Supper Club we were able to chat, walk around, and eat at our leisure. As someone who cooks a lot at home, I really appreciated her creative use of ingredients as well as a beautiful presentation. She knows food, and it was clear that it was her passion – her heart.

As for their catered events, Hearth & Table offers affordable meals due to their relationships with local merchants who meet their need for high quality. They also offer a unique food delivery service as an extension of Jessica’s home cooking, which is ideal for families who seek fresh and high quality ingredients, but may be too busy or have challenges cooking.

Hearth and Table was a wonderful way for us to enjoy a new experience together as well as connect with a new community with a focus on creative food and wholesome ingredients.

Momtrends was not paid for this post. We were given a complimentary dinner.