I thought I would try something different for my 3 year old’s birthday party. It was going to be small (just a few children along with the moms) and I didn’t want to spend all morning cooking. I’m always trying to find the balance of making something that tastes good that doesn’t require too much […]
Feeding Children…and a Quick Salad Dressing Recipe
I was talking to a friend today about challenges we face when feeding our children. What they will and won’t eat, how much negotiation there can be, strategies when cooking or dining out, and how to get them to eat vegetables. It’s a constant challenge. Birthday parties, going out, marketing on tv, walking through the […]
Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread on a Budget
I have come to learn that gluten free (GF) products can be expensive. There is certainly a market for it. The other day, I bought some GF cupcakes and was amazed at how expensive it was (and unfortunately how dry it was, too). Later than week, I bought a vanilla cake mix and although it […]
Bug Salad and Dead Man’s Meatloaf
Yes, I said it; Bug Salad. No, no, it’s not really bug salad. It’s actually barley, lentils and pasta. If you know me, you know I love Halloween and that I love to make funny foods that might look kind of gross but always taste good. It’s been fun having kids because now feel I […]
Not My Mom’s Pot Roast
This is easy. My mom didn’t really make pot roast. My memories, growing up in an Italian family on the east coast, were of risotto, bracciole, meatballs and the occasional roast beef. Unfortunately, roasts were not her forte. My dad would always ask her to under cook it “You can put it back in if […]
Easy Gluten-Free Waffles
I love making waffles for the family; even on the weekdays. I always make extra and put them in the freezer. My almost 3 year old daughter would eat them every day if I let her. She’s the one with the gluten intolerance so I’ve adapted a favorite recipe just for her. The thing is, […]
Uno, Dos, Tres…Taquito!
When it comes to feeding my kids, I listen to them with a grain of salt. Well, what I mean is that I give them some say when it comes to their meals but I add my own twist to it, to make sure it’s healthy. So, that day, while shopping with the 4 1/2 […]
Bean and Grain Crock Pot Soup
Sometimes when I food shop, I have to admit I just buy with my eyes (good marketing on someone’s part). I’m trying to be better about using what is in the pantry even though it’s against my Italian heritage not to have enough food stocked up for 6 months. When I saw this bean and […]
The Best-o Pesto
I remember when I first moved to California. I had never heard of a Farmer’s Market back east. Sure, we had farm stands but I grew up in the country. Back then, everything was organic; my neighbor was dropping off bags of zucchini she grew in her yard. Man, that makes me sound old. “Kids, […]
Lemon Caper Sauce
Grilled Fish with Lemon Caper Sauce on a Bed of Organic Arugula Does this dish sound like something you would order in a restaurant? Well it might but you can make it at home without a lot of fuss. And you might think it strange but my 2 and 4 year old both ate […]
