Family
Traveling with TotsNovember 23, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Whether you’re trekking by plane, train or automobile this holiday season, traveling with kids in tow adds another layer of planning. Use these tips to keep it safe, sane and fun for the whole family.
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Family
Baby’s First ThanksgivingNovember 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
While dairy-laden mashed potatoes or bourbon glazed turkeys aren’t suitable for baby’s developing digestive system, there are plenty of ways to indulge her new appetite for solids in your Thanksgiving menu.
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Entertaining
The Right Stuff(ing)November 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
My first encounter with homemade stuffing was when I met my husband 15 years ago. Over the years we’ve tweaked that original recipe. I added finely chopped mushrooms to give it a “meaty” texture and threw in some fresh sage for a traditional flavor. Chopped pecans are a much easier alternative to chestnuts, and dried cherries lend a lovely aromatic note, making this a pretty tasty compromise for our Thanksgiving menu.
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Entertaining
Thanksgiving SidesNovember 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Getting ready for Thanksgiving is like training for a culinary triathalon. Figuring how to plan which dishes get oven time makes jumping hurdles seem easy. Rather than regret having a kitchen with only one oven and four burners, I decided make ahead side dishes were the way to go. Instead of roasting or sautéing Brussels sprouts, I thinly slice them and serve with a maple syrup vinaigrette—a side and salad in one dish, brilliant if I may say so myself.
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Family
Movin’ On UpNovember 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Switching from breastmilk or formula to solids is an exciting moment, for mommy and baby alike. Even more fun, is graduating to finger foods. By time baby hits the 8 to 10 month mark, she’s likely started showing an interest in what you’re eating. I remember when my little one, now 2 1/2 years old, would watch us intently spoon mouthfuls of pasta during dinnertime. It didn’t take long for me to realize a mutiny would begin if I didn’t move past solids and let her have in on the fun.
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Entertaining
Just DessertsNovember 11, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Every year my family jokes we should start our holiday meals with dessert first. After a brigade of appetizers, sides and main course, the table once again disappears under a blanket of cakes, cookies and pastries.While it seems decadent to start dinner with a caramel pecan pumpkin pie, it’s totally the way to go when prepping for the big day.
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Family
It’s the Great Pumpkin!November 8, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Everyone has a tried and true tip for getting their kids to try new foods. Parenting magazines are always touting how to please fussy eaters. But, what if we stopped playing tricks? What if we just told kids what they were eating?
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Family
A Very Happy HalloweenOctober 30, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
My childhood is filled with memories of many a Halloween with our costumes cloaked in coats, barely visible to the neighbors we were politely shaking down for candy. So goes the weather in New York. You just never know whether to expect mild or downright cold temperatures for what many kids consider to be the most important day of the year. Luckily, all it takes is some planning to make sure your kiddies have a very happy Halloween.
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Entertaining
Trick or TreatOctober 27, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I fell in love with making caramel corn a few years back. I’d planned to make some to fill Trick or Treat goody bags, except I hadn’t read the full directions. With only two hours until guests would start arriving, using the traditional oven method was not an option. I decided to improvise with my microwave. It was a unique approach to updating a classic, using a new method to deliver the same familiar flavor and crunch.
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Baking
Let Them Eat CakeOctober 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
classroom birthdays, food allergies can feel like an obstacle for families not used to working with a new set of ingredients. Rather then fret over what you can’t use, embrace the ones at your disposal. Cooking is a source of comfort, and should be inclusive and fun for everyone. Here’s a recipe that proves you can have your cake and eat too.
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Family
Learning to Love Their VeggiesOctober 21, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
“Eat your veggies.” What mom hasn’t uttered that phrase, at least once, to their children? The best way to prepare for battle is to arm yourself with great tasting recipes. The best way to raise a good eater is to let them know what you’re really serving up. This way if they love it, they’ll know what to ask for, and eventually seek out as they get older.
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Entertaining
Pear Ricotta CrepesOctober 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I suddenly found myself thinking of crepes a few weeks ago. Really, my mind had wandered to manicotti, the Italian version of crepes. Well, one thought led to another, and I wondered why not make a French crepe batter and use ricotta cheese in place of Gruyere.
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Family
Mother Knows BestOctober 14, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Thirty years ago, my younger self would never believe I’m expounding the virtues of Brussels sprouts. Back then they were my arch enemy at lunchtime. What I didn’t know back then was that Brussels sprouts could be downright delicious if prepared properly.
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Entertaining
A Flash in the PanOctober 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Pumpkin and butternut squash seem to get all the attention this time of year. While they are indeed favorites of mine, it’s time we all get familiar with the smaller, quicker to cook variety: delicata. In need of a vegetable to keep my roasted chicken company, I decided to make my own take on the dish.
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Entertaining
Grape ExpectationsOctober 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
My original intention was to make a chutney, but too much multitasking resulted in a spicy grape-scented applesauce. Yes, a delicious mistake indeed. Cranberry sauce should be worried — this might just find its way onto our Thanksgiving turkey this year
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Family
Welcome Fall!October 1, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
The sight of apples and pears is a delicious one this time of year. When my daughter started eating solids, she had the great luck of it coinciding with the fall harvest. Apples and pears abound, and they’re gentle on little tummies just learning to digest foods beyond breastmilk and formula.
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Baking
Flatbread PizzaSeptember 27, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
The crust was crisp, almost cracker-like, defying gravity, no matter what type of topping it needed to support. More than 10 years after my first bite, I discovered the answer in my very own kitchen. After creating a recipe for an easy butter crust using baking powder, it occurred to me that not only does this important ingredient add a bit of rise, it gives a little elasticity to the dough.
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Pantry Basics
Back to SchoolSeptember 24, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
School lunch. In a perfect world, childhood nutrition would be a budget priority. All our kids would have access to healthful, tasty meals in their own school cafeterias. Until then, here are some time-tested tips for packing a healthy lunch your kids will actually eat.
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Family
Kids in the KitchenSeptember 21, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
We all want our children to develop a healthy relationship with food. Instilling a true enjoyment of cooking will help ensure they know what to do with those ingredients once they leave the home cooked comfort of your kitchen.
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Pantry Basics
Under PressureSeptember 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Between homework, shuttling to afterschool activities and playdates, dinner seems to be an elusive task this time of year. So what’s a busy person to do when they want home-cooking to be a regular part of their routine? The answer is as easy as investing in a pressure cooker.
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Pantry Basics
Breakfast for DinnerSeptember 7, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I love eggs. My kids love eggs. Besides their great taste, there are plenty of reasons to include eggs in a balanced diet. At a mere 68 calories, a single one delivers more than 5 grams of protein and generous amounts of essential amino acids. If you’re worried about cholesterol, take heart that as with any food, eating them in moderation can be a good thing.
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Entertaining
Cool as a Cantaloupe?September 2, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I’m not one for impulse shopping, except when I’m at the farmers’ market, especially when it comes to first of the season fruit. I wait all winter long to devour fresh berries, peaches, plums, but have learned to steer clear of melons. They tend to be pricey and rather disappointing in flavor. This year, though, I might have unlocked the key to sweet, juicy cantaloupes, honeydew and watermelon.
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Baking
An Easy Icy DelightAugust 31, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I can’t think of a tastier way to counteract summer’s heat and humidity than with a frozen treat. Eating ice cream every day, though, isn’t the best choice for adults or children. Luckily I found a healthier answer while making smoothies one morning. We all prefer them on the thicker side in our house, so I start off with just a bit of milk, adding more as I pulse the blender until it reaches the desired consistency. That’s when it dawned on me. A quick, cooling fix was only a few pulses away—no ice cream maker required.
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Family
Just Peachy PopsiclesAugust 27, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Teething can be a headache for the whole family. Luckily, these soothing pops act as really cool edible teethers too-a treat children of all ages can enjoy.
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Baking
Summertime ShortcakesAugust 26, 2010 • Posted by Olga Massov
Shortcake is typically thought of as something that’s accompanied by strawberries, right? But, why limit yourself, and only allow for the possibility of shortcake in the spring, when strawberries are in season? Why not continue the celebration year-round? Right now, while we are enjoying the peak of the summer and stone fruit truly shines, peaches make a wonderful accompaniment to the buttery biscuit. Heaped high atop your shortcake, and combined with freshly whipped cream, this summer dessert is not to be missed.
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Family
Breaking The BottleAugust 24, 2010 • Posted by Kim Foster
There comes a time when nearly every parent watches their toddler running through the house with a bottle hanging out of her mouth and wonders, “Maybe it’s time we move to a sippy cup”. You may know it’s the right time, but your child probably thinks differently. Here are some loving, supportive, child-centered things you can do to make the transition a little easier on everyone.
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Baking
Breakfast SundaesAugust 20, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Let’s face it, waking up for work or getting the kids ready for school is far from fun. On a Monday, it can seem downright cruel. Unless you’ve got a breakfast sundae waiting for you. The idea came to me while attending a business meeting. As I stared down at half a melon filled with yogurt and a sprinkling of cereal, I wondered what this would taste like if it was jazzed up. It didn’t take long before the wheels started turning, and I left that meeting with one thing on my mind. I added making some frozen yogurt to my list of things to do.
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Family
A Health Happy EndingAugust 18, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Sweets seem to tempt our children every corner they turn. Even an active sports camp wasn’t a safe haven for this foodie mama. What I thought would be an afternoon energizer after a day of swimming, skating and dodge ball, turned out to be ice cream, ices and jello. All under the guise of snack.
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Baking
Primetime PaninisAugust 16, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Sandwiches are a go-to lunch favorite, but come dinnertime I crave something with substance. What if I told you a satisfying meal is within reach without ever turning on the stove or oven? And it doesn’t involve chopping veggies to make a salad. All you need to do is plug in your Cuisinart Griddler. Paninis are a tasty way to enjoy a meal when you have little time or no desire to head into a hot kitchen.
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Family
Power BreakfastsAugust 12, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Food truly is fuel for the body, and there’s no better way to jumpstart your little ones engine than a well-balanced breakfast. As they get older, this will be ever-important during the school years when they they’re expected to be alert and ready to learn for six to eight hours straight. Here are a few easy, no-cook ideas for getting going on busy weekdays.
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Baking
It's A Summer Squash Soiree!August 11, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I’m not sure what makes me more giddy about squash season—the slender green and yellow vegetable, perfect for slicing and sautéing, or the vibrant yellowish-orange blossoms that can be plucked and eaten before the vegetable blooms.
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Family
Baby Steps: Introducing WaterAugust 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Summertime reminds us all that drinking water is important for proper hydration. After all, it’s easy to monitor just how much our body is losing as we wipe the sweat from our forehead. But what about baby? Is she getting all the water she needs to stay well-hydrated?
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Baking
Crazy for CornAugust 3, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
All year long I stare at the half-shucked cobs of corn wrapped in plastic on Styrofoam trays at the grocery store, and my mind wanders to summer’s bounty of those sweet-tasting kernels. Well, no more waiting or staring wanderlust in the supermarket—corn season is in full swing here in New York City. While the window for these golden cobs is longer than say artichokes, which disappeared in the blink of an eye, I want to make sure I eat enough to satiate my dreams once the season ends.
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Baking
Basic Marinara SauceAugust 1, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
We can’t decide if sliced and tucked into a BLT or simply diced and tossed into salad is our favorite way to enjoy tomatoes. What we do know, though, is that nothing beats the just-picked taste of homemade tomato sauce.
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Pantry Basics
A New BrewJuly 29, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
It’s ironic that most people need a cup of coffee to get going, yet putting up a pot requires a caffeine-energy boost. A good answer to this early morning java dilemma is cold-brewed coffee. Just set up a pot of French press with ground coffee and water from your Cuisinart CleanWater, and all you’ll need to do in the a.m. is pour and enjoy.
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Family
Just PeachyJuly 27, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Imagine if we could remember our first taste of a juicy, ripe peach? Right now they’re bountiful at farmers’ markets, so if your baby is turning six months or older, it’s like hitting the edible jackpot. Besides being a good source of Vitamin C, peaches have a natural sweetness baby can enjoy by making a simple puree in the food processor.
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Baking
Zucchini Parmesan HummusJuly 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, especially when it comes to a fridge full of zucchini. This recipe hit a homerun with the kids, and it disappears quickly at backyard BBQs too.
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Baking
Pies on the GoJuly 23, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Sometimes it seems a cruel twist of fate that berry season coincides with summer. I dream of making blueberry, peach and cherry pie all year long and when their time at the farmers’ market rolls around, the temperatures are so hot outside, turning on the oven for the hour or so they take to bake seems crazy. One such solution is hand pies.
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Family
Reading LabelsJuly 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Reading labels is perhaps the most important task when supermarket shopping these days. While manufacturers have responded to consumer concerns about the use of high fructose corn syrup and trans fats, such as partially hydrogenated oils, there’s a new ingredient in the hot seat: palm oil. So, what is it all about and is this yet another ingredient we should add to our “do not buy” list?
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Family
Peanut Butter with a TwistJuly 20, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Provided there are no allergy issues, peanut butter can be a mom’s best friend. When all else fails, and you find your life filled with finicky eaters, peanut butter is usually the universal food most every kid will eat.
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Baking
Homemade Hot PocketsJuly 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
The farmers’ market brings a surplus of bounty come summertime. In fact, some weeks I wonder how I’ll ever use up all I bought. Such was the case last week, and since my cooking week was cut short with a business trip, I went to work emptying the vegetable bin.
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Family
Veggie Spotlight: BroccoliJuly 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
When it comes to broccoli, it’s tough to put together a short list of this vegetable’s powerhouse properties. Not many foods can boast record numbers in Vitamins C, K and A, not to mention a healthy dose of dietary fiber and folate—linked to healthy brain development. A simple puree made from steamed or roasted broccoli is perfect for babies 8 to 10 months old.
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Entertaining
Be Our GuestJuly 8, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Whether you’re going to an intimate dinner party or summer soiree, showing your host a simple thanks is a sure way to get invited back. Here are some tips to secure your seat at this season’s backyard bashes.
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Family
Play It SafeJuly 6, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
An ounce of prevention is all it takes to stay ahead of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Before you head out for a day of fun in sun, use these tips to keep your little ones refreshed all day long.
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Entertaining
A Spring ChickenJune 24, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I’ve learned to stretch a tender pasture-raised 4-pound chicken into two meals by adding lots of grains and veggies the first night it’s served. I decided it was time to turn those leftovers into chicken salad— perfect timing with picnic season underway, right? All it needed then was some peppery greens which I plucked from the backyard and tucked with the chicken salad between a toasted sourdough roll from the local bakery.
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Family
How to Freeze and Thaw Homemade Baby FoodJune 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Making your own baby food is a great way to help your family stay healthy - fiscally and physically. But to do it safely, you've got to master the ins-and-outs of freezing and thawing baby food in ways that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
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Pantry Basics
Farro: Whole Grain GoodnessJune 21, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I love white rice, and so do my daughters. I’m pretty sure they’d eat a bowl of it every night if left to their own devices. Since moderation is key, it’s important to find more nutritional grains to help satisfy their regular appetite for grains. Right now, I’d like to introduce you to a new staple to stock in your pantry: farro.
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Entertaining
Hidden TreasuresJune 18, 2010 • Posted by Rebecca Marber
A few days ago, I hosted a barbecue and was shocked to learn that none of my guests had ever tried two of my favorite foods - jicama and quinoa. These not-so-well known foods are easier than you’d think to find in stores and are nutritional and delicious.
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Pantry Basics
Tale of Two MayosJune 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
It’s the small things we tend to take most for granted. The same can be said about garnishes and condiments. Take mayonnaise for example. Even high-end sandwich shops use the standard jarred stuff, lavishing all the attention on the main ingredients. Being a purist, I set out recently to make mayonnaise from scratch.
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Baking
Cocktail CakesJune 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Imagine serving up some pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris or margaritas on a dessert plate at your next summer cookout? It’s easier than you think with Booze Cakes (Quirk 2010), a new cookbook out this month.
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Pantry Basics
Banana Split, Coming Right Up!June 10, 2010 • Posted by Rebecca Marber
Are you one of those people who just can’t resist ice cream? Are you sick of feeling guilty for finishing that pint all by yourself? Not to worry, there is a solution, and it lets you eat as much ice cream as you want without thinking twice!
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Entertaining
A Cooler CookoutJune 8, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I find my recipe inspiration from many places. Some seemingly sensible, like memories of my Nana’s meatballs or remembering the fresh chopped garlic my mother would sprinkle atop grilled steak. Stumbling across my recipe for making frozen margaritas was totally accidental. In fact, it started out innocently enough as a kid-friendly recipe for strawberry slushies
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Family
Sweet ReliefJune 7, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
We've come up with a cool and nutritious way, in keeping with the spirit of the summer season, to safely soothe babies' painful, swollen gums - a homemade smoothie pop!
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Family
The Ice(cream) Man ComethJune 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
As your little one gets older, the ice cream truck becomes something of a toddler temptress. In the evenings, as the truck trolls by, my 2-year old goes running to the window, like a nosy neighbor to see the commotion. Once he flips the switch for the music, she makes her way to the center of the living room and breaks out in her Mr. Softee dance. An adorable sight, yes, and harmless since she hasn’t started begging for a buck to run outside and get her fix.
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Pantry Basics
The Lean Green Smoothie MachineJune 3, 2010 • Posted by Rebecca Marber
In the early morning hours our metabolisms are just as sluggish as the rest of our bodies. So why make their jobs more difficult by feeding them complex carbs that are harder to digest? Before overloading your system with pancakes, waffles, and bagels, try drinking one of my Lean Green Smoothies to bring you energy that will get your day going in the right direction.
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Family
Better ButterJune 1, 2010 • Posted by Rebecca Marber
Peanut butter and jelly is truly a child favorite meal. Parents prepare this sandwich for their kids all the time; however, it is not exactly the healthiest meal on the planet. A subtle switch from peanut butter to almond butter can do wonders for your better health.
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Family
Granola on the GoMay 28, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
A few weeks ago I tasted the most delicious breakfast bar at a bake sale. I went home and started researching this new mysterious treat. Turns out they are a very popular tea-time staple in England. The only problem is every recipe calls for golden syrup, and I needed more of these flapjacks now. There was no time to wait for shipping. It was time this recipe assimilated, and so here you have it. English Flapjacks—Brooklyn style.
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Entertaining
Let’s (e)scapeMay 26, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Garlic scapes are the shoots from, drum roll please…garlic plants. You can chop them up and sauté them as you would regular cloves, but another addictively delicious use is pesto. Instead of waiting for your basil plants to come full-bloom, get some scapes and you’ll be in for a real treat.
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Family
Snack AttackMay 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
As the weather gets warmer and your toddler gets more active, food is the last thing on her mind. When hunger does hit, it's usually too late, making it a prime moment for meltdowns. Luckily, this is one tantrum you can tackle before it happens by simply packing some healthy snacks as you head out for a day of play.
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Family
Juice FixationMay 21, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
Many parents complain about their children rapidly becoming addicted to the sugary sweetness of a juice drink, often at the expense of all other beverages. Sure, fruit juice is a great source of vitamin C. But it's important to set limits.
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Entertaining
It's Picnic Time!May 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Memorial Day is the official beginning to a season of fun in the sun, so it’s time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. What better way get started than with a picnic? Check out my secret to perfect picnic sandwiches every time...
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Family
A Berry Good TreatMay 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
My little one never tires of eating strawberries one-by-one, but I like to mix things up a bit. A favorite way is making strawberry jam. Here’s my quick and easy recipe for a homemade version, perfect for PB&J sandwiches or stirring into yogurt. It’s sure to put a smile on your little one’s face too.
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Entertaining
Quick Thinking BologneseMay 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Some nights I crave a dish a bit more, shall we say, elegant. It was on such a night that I came up with my recipe for 10-minute Bolognese. Tired of plain old meatballs, I decided to mash them up with a fork and sauté the bits of meat with some red wine. A quick simmer in some marinara sauce and in the time it took for the pasta to cook, dinner was done.
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Baking
That’s the Way the Topping CrumblesMay 10, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
How do you make your treat stand out in a sea of sweets without spending hours in the kitchen? The secret is in the topping – a good crumb topping livens up an otherwise ordinary coffee cake. Here’s my basic recipe and a nut variation to get you started. It’s easy to make and fun to tinker with, so let me know what you come up with.
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Family
Teething TroublesMay 7, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Teething is a fact of life and a big part of your little one’s journey from baby to toddler. While there is no magic cure-all, take heart in knowing that this too is a just a phase. In the meantime, make a batch of these all-natural fruit smoothie pops for a cool treat that’s sure to add a smile for baby to showcase her new-found chompers.
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Family
Gluten-Free EatingMay 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Gluten. A protein found in wheat, barley and rye, it lurks in everything, yet we never give it a thought. That is until your child is diagnosed with celiac disease, an auto-immune disorder that affects the small intestine. Suddenly, you’re faced with a new way of life. Reading labels are important more than ever. you can still embrace your love of cooking and raise a healthy eater, as Shauna James Ahern, mom to a very active toddler, proves in her popular food blog.
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Pantry Basics
Jam SessionApril 30, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I’m crazy about rhubarb and you should be too. Since it appeared last week, I’ve been making muffins mostly. Now I’m moving onto jam and decided to kick off the 2010 canning season. I decided to add in some frozen wild blueberries left from last year’s harvest. The result was a not-too-sweet jam perfect for toasted bread or warmed and spooned over Sunday brunch pancakes.
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Family
Baby FatApril 26, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
Babies need fat. A baby's brain consists of 60% fat, much of it consisting of essential fatty acids. Because their little brains are growing so fast, babies need the essential fatty acids that come from food to help them grow and enhance visual development.
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Pantry Basics
Springtime BrunchApril 23, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Each passing weekend, I find myself competing for parking at the local farmer’s market. As the weather grows warmer and spring crops appear, everyone is ready to head outdoors from a long winter of root vegetables. While it does mean I have to set my alarm on a Saturday, the early wake up call means I also get to the market before the crowds and can have first pick of spring’s new arrivals.
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Baking
Baking with Olive OilApril 21, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Olive oil cakes are popping up all over café menus and upscale restaurants. After one bite, it’s easy to understand what all the craze is about. The flavor is lighter than butter, and you can use it at a moment’s notice since there’s no need for it to soften
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Family
Playing it SafeApril 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Toddlers lead busy lives, and stopping for a sip isn’t always high on their list of priorities. Staying well-hydrated is especially important as warmer weather approaches. Knowing the signs and stages of dehydration, and what to do if they occur, is important.
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Baking
The Wonder of BreadApril 16, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Before I made my first loaf, many years ago, I had been a bit intimidated by the process. How could such humble ingredients come together to form the crunchy, airy loaves I saw lining the local bakery’s windows. Surely it was something only a professional baker could do. I know that undoubtedly now, many dozens of loaves later, that making bread is not only easy—it’s loads of fun.
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Family
Pizza NightApril 13, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
We all know kids love pizza. Made from scratch, it can be both healthy and a great way to get your little ones to try new foods. It’s also a fun family project, so get ready for a little mess in the kitchen.
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Family
You Are My SunshineApril 10, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
With baby in tow, sun exposure can be treacherous business. It takes no time at all for the sun to singe delicate baby skin. And all it takes is one sunburn to risk dehydration, or even skin cancer.
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Entertaining
Tea Lattes? Yes, Please.April 7, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I’ve been a religious coffee drinker for years now, decaf being the brew of choice because I want the taste without the buzz. In the evening, though, I prefer a calming cup of tea and this latte hit the spot.
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Family
Strong to the FinishApril 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Spinach—it’s high in vitamin D, calcium, folic acid and is quick cooking. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish and you’ve got a well-balanced meal. Sauté it with garlic, chopped tomatoes and olive oil, toss with pasta and it’s the perfect one dish meal for spring and summer. So, how do you get your kids to eat it?
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Family
Surviving April ShowersApril 1, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
Volatile April weather can put a damper on outdoor baby fun. If you are one of those folks stuck inside for what feels like the umpteenth time, here are some indoor play suggestions that will stimulate your baby's mind and keep you entertained.
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Entertaining
Wake Up, It’s SpringMarch 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Last year, I set out to do some container gardening. Even if you have no more than a windowsill, it’s easy to add some edible greenery to your landscape. Here’s a few of my favorite recipes to give you incentive to channel your inner green thumb.
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Pantry Basics
Wok This WayMarch 19, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Wok cooking is a tasty solution to beating the clock and enjoying more time for fun in the sun as the weather warms up. Here are some of time-tested tricks for making stir-fries.
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Family
The Best DefenseMarch 17, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I knew germs existed before having children but somehow I didn’t feel as vulnerable. We can’t keep our kids in a bubble, but we can teach them at least one very basic, yet important, skill: proper hand washing.
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Pantry Basics
Young at HeartMarch 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Nutella has become such a favorite I decided to recreate the recipe by looking at the ingredients listed on the jar— except mine is free of the palm oil found in the domestically produced ones.
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Family
Shape ShiftingMarch 10, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
Unless you are an actress, model or gym rat, physical fitness is rarely a priority in the first few months after having a baby. But exercise - even in small doses - releases feel-good bursts of energy called endorphins throughout your body. And those endorphins beat that third cup of caffeine hands down as a way to help a new mom keep her energy up.
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Family
Mealtime MilestonesMarch 8, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Homemade purees are the best start for your baby, but once she grows a few teeth and becomes curious about chunkier foods, don’t be surprised if she starts singing a different tune. Here are a few easy solutions to get your experienced eater back on track.
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Entertaining
Just Another Meat Free MondayMarch 4, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Taking meat out of the equation for just one day a week can positively impact your body, the planet and your budget. Imagine a meatless makeover of your favorite dishes. That’s just what I did recently.
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Family
A Delicious Way to Beat the BluesMarch 1, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Here’s a tasty cure for the whole family to beat the winter blues: homemade blueberry frozen yogurt. Frozen blueberries are available year-round. When mixed with yogurt, they make for a refreshing treat!
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Family
Smart SnackingFebruary 26, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Sweet snacks have become the real danger strolling up and down the aisles. That’s where my recipe for oven-dried apple chips comes in handy.
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Entertaining
Skillet CroutonsFebruary 25, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Whether you like them big and chunky or tiny and bite-size, homemade croutons are a delicious departure from their packaged counterpart
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Baking
A Lighter MuffinFebruary 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I decided to tinker with my blueberry muffin recipe with organic “half-white” flour. I’m happy to report the result is a lighter, more delicate crumb
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Family
Deciphering Today's Meaty OptionsFebruary 19, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
If you are a meat-eater, here is some background information about what these different labels mean, so you can decide which to buy for your child.
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Family
A Savory StartFebruary 16, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
We all know that saying about breakfast being the most important meal of the day, right? Well, it’s especially true for your little one.
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Pantry Basics
Easy AsianFebruary 11, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
A well-stock cupboard—that includes sauces and seasonings, and veggies in the crisper make for an easy dinner solution. I had all I needed to make a peanuty noodle dish.
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Pantry Basics
A Well-Stocked PantryFebruary 5, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
What if I told you a handful of carrots, celery, onions and a few other easy-to-find ingredients could save you over $100 in grocery shopping?
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Family
Lentils: The Little Bean that CouldFebruary 3, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
Lentils are a busy mom’s best friend. They don’t require an overnight soak and are ready in less than 30 minutes.
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Entertaining
A Taste of SummerJanuary 30, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
What better way to beat the winter sniffles than with a warm bowl of tomato soup?
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Family
Cutting CornersJanuary 25, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
All parents could benefit from cutting corners here and there. Check out these inexpensive ways to score great baby goods for less.
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Entertaining
Game Time!January 22, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
The prep is incredibly easy but the pay-off is priceless: homemade onion dip without the artificial aftertaste.
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Family
Hooray For Hummus!January 19, 2010 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel
My mom's hummus recipe makes for a healthy, protein-packed snack for kids over the age of one. Kids love to dip things, so serve up your hummus with small pieces of pita, on a mini-bagel as a sandwich, or with crisp medium size chips.
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Entertaining
Sweet Potato, Leek & Ricotta SouffleJanuary 15, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
The Cuisinart Stand Mixer’s food processor attachment ensures a super smooth sweet potato puree.
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Pantry Basics
New Year, New YouJanuary 10, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
This granola and berry smoothie recipe is the perfect balance of fiber, calcium and fruit. It’s also a great on the go breakfast.
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Baking
Tea Time? Scone TimeJanuary 5, 2010 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo
I perfected my own scone recipe. Now the whole family can enjoy them, and they make a beautiful addition to my weekend brunch baskets.
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