Family

Snack Attack
May 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 Fixation
May 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 Treat
May 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 Bolognese
May 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 Crumbles
May 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 Troubles
May 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 Eating
May 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 Session
April 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 Fat
April 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 Brunch
April 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 Oil
April 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 Safe
April 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 Bread
April 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 Night
April 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 Sunshine
April 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 Finish
April 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 Showers
April 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 Spring
March 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 Way
March 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 Defense
March 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 Heart
March 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 Shifting
March 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 Milestones
March 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 Monday
March 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 Blues
March 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 Snacking
February 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 Croutons
February 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 Muffin
February 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 Options
February 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 Start
February 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 Asian
February 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 Pantry
February 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 Could
February 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 Summer
January 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 Corners
January 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 Souffle
January 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 You
January 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 Time
January 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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Entertaining

Hold the Fries
December 23, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

The secret to a crisp on the outside, soft-pillowy on the inside latke is adding the potato’s natural starch back to them.

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Entertaining

The Ultimate Potluck Party
December 18, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

When the days get shorter and temperatures dip into unthinkable territory, I like to have a house full of company. One of my favorite meals to make is a hearty beef stew in my slow cooker. It does all the heavy lifting so I can run out and get some wine.

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Pantry Basics

Fiesta Time
December 17, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Nothing compares to refried beans made from scratch. All you need is a can of pinto beans, an onion, and some olive oil. My recipe also calls for bacon, which I use if I have some in the fridge or freezer. And if not, I don’t sweat it—they still taste pretty darn delicious and make for a vegetarian-friendly filling too.

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Family

Mealtime Magic
December 15, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

There’s no reason to cook separate meals for the whole family. All you need is a good strategy. Begin with the base of your meal, which is usually where you start adding seasonings. You can control the flavors at this point, and it’s easy to reserve some more mild tasting portions that are perfect for baby.

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Baking

Family Memories
December 14, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

This weekend I set out to make something to bring to a friend’s Hanukkah party, and was reminded of how my husband talks of his grandmother’s rugelach. His mother doesn’t care much for cooking, so it was no surprise she didn’t have the recipe. I wasn’t going to let that get in my way, though, and headed to the kitchen.

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Entertaining

Holiday Entertaining, Manicotti Style
December 10, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

One of my favorite dishes to make is manicotti from scratch. These ricotta cheese-filled tubes of pasta are actually very easy to make—the batter comes together in the blender, and guests will be impressed when you tell them they’re 100% homemade. Round out your buffet with a salad of winter greens and roasted root vegetables, an antipasto platter and keep the red wine flowing for a fabulous holiday celebration.

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Baking

Gingerbread Dreams
December 7, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

My mom used to make gingerbread houses when I was kid. They were beautiful and quite elaborate, complete with mini ice cream cones camouflaged as trees under wispy layers of green-tinted royal icing. While we loved breaking into them and eating the remnants as kids, as an adult I’m more of a cake-like gingerbread fan.

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Family

Food of the Month: Quinoa
December 3, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

I'll admit it: I was afraid of quinoa. The name alone connotes a far away land where palm tree dotted mountain ranges are drenched in blinding sunlight. But its mystique beckoned me from the supermarket shelf, and I gave into its exotic allure. Boy, am I glad I did. It's delicious!

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Family

Going Ape for Apricot
November 26, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Apricot is an amazing, healthful fruit to serve to babies. Apricots contain good quantities of Vitamins A (including betacarotene), C and Folate, as well as Potassium and Calcium.

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Baking

Apple Muffin - Redux
November 23, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

I have a habit, a compulsion really, of always tinkering with my recipes. It's not so much that I think they need improving—more the quest to always use new ingredients and techniques. Take my apple muffin recipe that came about two years ago after a day of apple picking. There's only so many pies one can make, and eat (or so I try to tell myself).

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Family

Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
November 19, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

Making your own baby food is tons of fun. And the best place to start is a sparkling clean kitchen.

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Baking

Really Better Banana Bread... No, Really
November 16, 2009 • Posted by Jennifer Perillo

Bourbon and brown butter. Just uttering the words puts me in a good mood. Throw in a few really ripe bananas, and you’ll find me in the kitchen making banana bread.

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Family

Food to Play With
November 5, 2009 • Posted by Vivian Manning-Schaffel

When babies reach a certain age (usually after we've spent a few years trying to lift fruit and vegetable stains off of clothes, furniture, and carpeting), parents begin the long and arduous process of instilling the idea that playing with food is a no-no. But we can create some foods for them that are okay - and downright fun -- to stick their little fingers into.

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