Introduce Children To These Ethnic Cuisines

May 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

ethnic cuisine

 

 

Food is love, and love is food. Families make food to feed one another and bond over the daily ritual of eating together. Everyone has a favorite dish and it’s often a pleasure to cook family favorites, but over time, eating the same style of food can get dull. That’s when it’s time to mix things up and make some ethnic food for the family! Children especially benefit from having their palates broadened by new flavor combinations and foods while they also gain precious memories from the time mom or dad made this special dish. Following are three ethnic cuisines worth introducing to your children.

 

jamacian jerk chicken

Image via Flickr by Jetalone

 

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Jamaican jerk chicken is a BBQ-style meal that brings the taste of the tropics to the home. But be forewarned before you embark on making some: it is known for its heat, which usually comes from scotch bonnet peppers. If your children aren’t ready for hot foods, you can use milder peppers such as sport or jalapeno in place of the scotch bonnets. This is a great meal to make in the summer on the grill, or get really authentic and smoke it over wood instead of coals or gas. You can also pair it with an authentic Jamaican snack.

Sushi

Sushi refers to the vinegared rice that acts as a container for the ingredients inside this classic Japanese cuisine. It’s possible to dispense with the vinegar for kids who find it too tart. The beauty of sushi is that any ingredient can go into the roll. Make it with fruit, hot dogs, or even Spam, for kids who aren’t quite ready for the more adult taste of certain types of fish.

There is no end to the combinations of ingredients that can go into sushi. The basics of the dish are the rice and the wrapper. Anything that goes in is fair game. Use sushi as a spring board for creating savory meals while introducing your kids to a uniquely Japanese cuisine.

Beef Bourguignon

Famous chef Julia Child brought French cooking to American tables and made it accessible for all. Countless adults have enjoyed her beef bourguignon paired with a glass of wine. But it’s also a good meal for introducing kids to the concept of French cuisine. It uses beef, bacon, carrots, potatoes, and onions along with red wine. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; it gets burned off in the cooking and helps to create a wonderful sauce. If the alcohol is still a concern, use an alcohol-free version to get the same flavor.

Much of French cooking uses farm-to-table ingredients and is great for showing kids how to make a delicious dinner out of seemingly basic foods.

These three ethnic cuisines are from different cultures.  However, it helps your children experience world cuisines in your own kitchen. Make it an opportunity to learn and have fun with meals. It changes things up for everyone, expands young palates, and opens the minds of your children to the idea that there’s a big world out there with unique foods.

We hope that you enjoyed our suggestions for ethnic cuisines that you can introduce to your children.

 

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20 Chicken Wing Recipes Easy for Game Day

January 22, 2017 by 3 Comments

Today, I’m sharing game day chicken wing recipes easy.  They’re the perfect go to for your next game day party?  But, don’t stop at just game day.  My 20 chicken wing recipes are perfect for appetizers for girls night, pot lucks, holidays, family gatherings and more.  Wings are perfect for dipping and leave you licking your fingers.  You can make them sweet, hot, with lemon and pepper or plain.  My recipe roundup will let you decide how you want to serve them up.

 

 

chicken wing recipes

 

 

 

Chicken Wing Recipes Easy for Game Day: 

 

 

chicken wing recipes chicken wing recipes

 

 

Honey BBQ –  The key to this recipe is honey and hickory smoked BBQ sauce.  So, serve these Honey BBQ wings and you will have guests licking their fingers.

Spicy Orange – Looking for a twist on wings.  Try these Spicy Orange wings.  Oranges, honey, soy sauce and garlic will take these wings to a new level.

Zingy Lemon Butter – Next, lemons aren’t my thing, but these wings could score big at your next party. Lemons, honey, melted butter and cracked black pepper are the key ingredients for these wings.

Baked Korean  – This recipe requires you to make the sauce for this recipe; however, Walmart sells a great Korean sauce that will work for this recipe.  The sauce will give the wings a spicy and sweet taste.

Malaysian – This recipe calls for Fresno peppers.  They’re hotter than jalapenos; however, they are not available in my area.  So, I will be substituting jalapenos if I decide to try this recipe.

Old Bay – Furthermore, Old Bay can be used to season other foods besides seafood.  Try it on fries, corn on the cob, potato salad and yes chicken.  This reason is simple and Old Bay is the star.

 

 

chicken wing recipes

 

 

 

Teriyaki –  Another finger licking good chicken wing recipe.  The sauce is homemade.

Pressure Cooker BBQ – Are you short on time?  Pull out your pressure cooker and serve up these BBQ wings.  The recipe requires seasoning, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, and the wings.  I’m a huge fan of Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce.

Jamaican Jerk –  So, some like it hot and I do I do!  Jerked wings are a favorite in my house.  This blogger has a great homemade Jerk seasoning recipe on the blog too.

Sweet and Spicy Sriracha –  The sriracha sauce is mixed with honey and butter for this recipe. Sweet, hot and crisp are a few adjectives to describe these wings.

Pineapple Glazed –  Wings with a tropical flavor. The blogger stated that it takes about 15 – 20 minutes for the sauce to reduce.  I love anything pineapple.

Bourbon Maple – Save some of your bourbon for this wing dish.  Because you will need it so you can make the glaze for these wings.

Maple Bacon – Bacon, butter, bourbon, coke, and maple syrup.  Cover the wings in this delicious sauce and you will have a finger licking good appetizer.

Lemon Pepper Wings – Butter and lemon pepper will take these wings to the next level.  Bake until crispy and serve.

Garlic Ranch – Do you love garlic?  If so, bring out the fresh garlic for this one.  Mix it with a packet of Ranch Dressing and you’re on your way to serving a hit.

Cilantro Lime – Hit these wings with a little or a lot of cilantro, but first add the sauce.  You will need butter, lime juice, zest and honey.  Because fresh herbs always make dishes taste better, I suggest that you grow your own.

Garlic Parmesan –  Last, are you a cheese lover?  I’ve never had cheese on my wings, but this recipes calls for parmesan cheese to be added to the sauce.  I’m going to try this one.

 

 

chicken wing recipes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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12 Memory Boosters For Children

January 18, 2017 by Leave a Comment

It can be difficult to encourage kids to study hard.  If you have children who don’t want to do school homework, and you want them to be more alert, the good news is that you can help your children’s brain reach its optimum development.  Feeding them the right types of food is essential.  Helping to keep your children alert, happy and healthy is your job as a parent.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on healthy food ideas for kids.  

 

healthy food for kids

 

 

 

Below are 12 healthy food ideas for kids that will help children enhance their memory:

1.      Dark Chocolate

–          Apart from being a delicious treat, dark chocolate also contains flavonols.  An element that can make it easier for blood to circulate in the brain. This results in boosting memory and overall functioning of the brain. A study has also found that those who eat 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day felt calmer than those who didn’t. Baking Chocolate Chip Cookies with your kids is a perfect bonding experience, and the cookies contain the perfect ingredient.

2.      Berries

–          Berries are rich in anti-oxidants. Blackberries, blueberries and strawberries have all been shown to boost the ability to learn, memorize and think. So make sure to add them to your child’s breakfast cereals, oatmeals, and smoothie drinks.

3.      Coconut Oil

–          Since our brain is made of 60 percent fat, we need saturated fat to feed our brain cells to avoid depression and dementia. A good source of saturated fat is coconut oil which we can use as an alternative to butter for baking or sautéing food for our kids.

4.      Beet Juice

–          For those who are looking for an alternative snack to prepare for their kids during school break, one great suggestion is to serve the snacks with beet juice, a source of natural nitrates. A study has found that people performed better on cognitive exams minutes after drinking beet juice.

5.      Lean Meat

–          Lean meat or foods high in protein are another good food choice for kids.  Children who eat these foods has been shown to improve their overall cognitive performance of the brain. You can prepare this delicious Crockpot Meatball Recipe to beef up your kids’ brain!

6.      Eggs

–          Eggs have always been a favorite breakfast food for their capacity to make our stomach feel full. They are also a good source of choline, a building block for the part of our brain in charge of making memory function well. So make eggs a part of your child’s daily diet.

7.       Whole Wheat Muffins

–          A small amount of carbohydrates can fuel the brain’s ability to concentrate. So before studying for an exam or to do better in class, encourage your child to eat whole-wheat muffins or bread. Serve it with a small amount of peanut butter and a glass of orange juice for a complete brain-boosting meal.

8.      Fish

–          Children’s brains also get a boost from eating fish which contain omega-3’s. Try to incorporate fishes like salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring and other types of cold-water fish in their meals. Salmon, in particular also has vitamins B and selenium that also aid the brain.

9.      Spinach and Broccoli

–          We know that children are wary of eating greens, but spinach and broccoli are the kinds of leafy greens that contain B-6 and B-12 which play a vital role in maintaining the nervous system which result in improved memory and alertness. So give your kid a healthy dose of these greens to add as a side for dinner or as a mixed salad.

10.  Celery

–          Celery is a fun crunchy snack, I’m sure the kids won’t mind eating. It is a good source of luteolin, which decrease age-related memory loss, aids in reducing inflammation in the brain and helps fight degeneration. Celery is good to mix in chicken or macaroni salad, soups, and even fruit shakes.  Children also love peanut butter on celery or dipping it in Ranch Dressing. 

11. Sage

–          The next time you prepare a tasty dish, make sure that you season it with sage. Sage contains compounds that help in maintaining acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter known for aiding in learning and memory.  Sage is best paired with lean beef, poultry, lentil as well as legume-based dishes.

12.  Turmeric

–         Healthy food idea for kids can include spices to season your dishes.  Turmeric is a great season.  This popular yellow spice often included in Indian and Caribbean cuisine has been found to improve short-term memory.  Additionally, it is aid in problem-solving and reasoning skills. So prep your child for that algebra or literature exam by serving food seasoned with turmeric.  Try adding it to grilled chicken, beans, lentils or roasted veggies. 

These are just some healthy food ideas for kids that can enhance brainpower and memory function of your kids.  These memory boosters for children will help them stay alert and become more receptive to both school and homework.

Sources:

https://www.developinghumanbrain.org/delicious-and-healthy-brain-food-recipes/

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower

http://lbilearn.linnbenton.edu/10-delicious-brain-foods-everyone-eat/

http://www.anthem.edu/articles/top-6-brain-boosting-foods-for-studying/


Karlisa Costello regularly writes about parenting and educational articles for SmileTutor, a leading home tutor agency.

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Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe for Kids

May 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on cheesy pizza sticks recipe.  Cheesy Garlic Pizza Sticks make a tasty snack for your kids and great appetizers when you’re entertaining guests. They are very easy to make and are a true crowd-pleaser.

So, I love to make these delicious pizza sticks because they go great with beer. Unfortunately, I am on this interesting 3 week diet plan, that doesn’t allow me to drink beer during this period.  However, that means more for my dear friends and kids.

 

 

cheesy pizza sticks recipe

 

 

Fortunately, there probably isn’t a living person that is not a fan of pizza and there are a lot of reasons for that. Pizza is yummy, you can order it in a lot of amazing restaurants around the world or you can decide to stay inside your cozy home and make it. The best part about pizza is that the ingredients can be altered to fit anyone’s dietary needs. That means that if you change the ingredients in the recipe shown below you can easily make vegetarian or gluten free pizza sticks that are equally tasty. You can place on top of the pizza crust literally anything you prefer!

Additionally, you can always save some extra sticks for your next meal. So, make sure you store them properly so you can reheat them and enjoy them the next day.

 

Cheesy Pizza Sticks Recipe: 

 

  • 1 pizza crust
  • 3.5 ounce feta cheese
  • 3.5 ounce of parmesan or your favorite cheese
  • 1 Tbsp.  oregano
  • olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. sesame with sea salt

Directions:

  1. Pure a little bit of olive oil on top of the crust and spread it equally all over it.
  2. Sprinkle a little bit salt and pepper .
  3. Cut the feta cheese into squares and grind it.
  4. Spread the cheese on the crust
  5. Sprinkle garlic powder and sesame with sea salt on top.
  6. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
  7. Cut it into thin pieces.

 

These pizza sticks should be eaten hot, but I personally don’t mind eating them after a few hours when they are already cold, too.

Last, I hope you enjoy making this easy and fun Cheesy Garlic Pizza Sticks. This recipe will save you a lot of prep time in the kitchen and you kids and guests will love it.

 

Viktor Milevski is a perfectionist by nature, big enthusiast, great chef, blogger and a beer lover. Find out more about him on his blog Fashion Corner!

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9 Tried and True Beach Foods

July 21, 2015 by
It’s beach season. Do you have plans to head to the beach within the next month to soak up a little sun and have a little fun? When I head to the beach I stay for most of the day. That means I pack plenty of food, drinks and a good book. Over the years, I’ve had food fails and successes when packing our lunch/snack bag.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on beach foods.  

 

I’ve learned to invest in a good insulated food bag to ensure the ice doesn’t melt and having it on wheels doesn’t hurt either. My cooler has 4 plates, which is great for the kids. I pack it with plenty of ice so everything stays cool. Baggies are my best friend on the beach. I double bag everything to ensure the food stays dry and to help keep the sand away.  Sand somehow seems to land on everything, and we all know that it sticks.  I actually have a cooler for the food that needs to stay cool and tote for the dry goods like chips, crackers, cookies/brownies, wipes, small cups, forks, plastic grocery bags etc.

I’ve also learned to pack foods that can be handled by both children and adults. Finger foods are great beach foods. I can have the children sit and relax in their beach chairs and they can handle the finger foods on their own or with a napkin. Finger foods are also easy to obtain from a container or baggies.

Our favorite foods to take to the beach are:

1.  Lettuce Wraps – Lettuce wraps eliminates the need for bread and is a much healthier alternative. The wraps go over much better with adults. Anything green is still an enemy for the kids. Another reason we love wraps is because they are so versatile. You can wrap chicken or tuna salad, spicy shredded beef etc., and control the size of the wraps. If you pack anything with mayo make sure is housed on ice. I use plastic containers to house the wraps because they are water proof and I can cover the container well with the ice.

2. Pepperoni Slices – These are great for both the kids and adults.  You can pack low fat or turkey pepperoni.  Pack plenty, these are a favorite.

3. Fresh Fruits – I love freezing seedless grapes. They are so refreshing after being out in the sun. I also slice a seedless watermelon and cut each slice into 4-6 pieces. I place the slices into gallon zip lock baggies. The children can handle eating it, and the adults devour their share too. Chopped cantaloupe, honeydew or strawberries will work too. Just chop it and place in a gallon baggie. Use a plastic cup to hold the chopped fruit when you’re ready to eat it.

4. Mason Jar Salads – These are great for adults.  I would recommend chopping your ingredients into bit size pieces before you place them in a pint size jar. You can add your favorite dressing before leaving the house. A plastic fork is the only utensil you will need.

5. Fried or Baked Chicken Wing Pieces – These are a huge hit with the kids. They are easy to handle and eat without a plate. I double bag these in gallon baggies and just let the kids grab a few. Place the bones in a plastic bag and just throw them in the trash.

6. Cheese Cubes/Slices and Crackers – The kids love cheese cubes. I buy a bag of the cubed cheese and transfer it to a zip lock baggie. It’s easier to access them from the baggie than the package from the store. I also pack sliced cheese to place between crackers for the kids. They love it.

7.  Brownies – My family loves brownies. I cut them into small squares and place them into baggies. Nice sweet treat without the mess.

8.  Rolled Deli Turkey or Ham – I take deli ham or turkey and roll it. I take a long toothpick and place it through a few olives before placing it through the rolled meat. Both the kids and adults like this. You can also add a slice of cheese to the top of the meat before you roll it.

9.  Chips –  Not healthy, but always great at the beach.  You can purchase low fat or baked. My family doesn’t care. If the bag says chips, it’s on.

Last, be sure to pack plenty of water, Gatorade, or flavor infused water. It’s better than sugary fruit drinks. I also take a container of wipes that I purchase from the dollar store to whip hands before and after handling the food. Finally, what’s your favorite foods to take to the beach?  Please add them to our list, we may want to pack them to.

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The Best and Worst Cereals for Kids

February 16, 2015 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on the best and worst cereals.  Are your kids bouncing off the walls after breakfast?  It could be that bowl of sugar that you placed in front of them this morning for breakfast.  My grandchildren like cold cereal, and it’s a great option when I don’t have time to fix breakfast.  I want them to eat healthy, so I decided to research the sugar grams in the cereal I was feeding them.

 

 

best and worst cereals

 

Needless to say, I was quite surprised when I came across the best and worst cereal list.  So, I thought I would share it with you. You too may be surprised by what’s on the list, and may think twice about what you serve your children for breakfast.

 

 

 

best and worst cereals

List of worst cereals for kids.

 

Here’s the list of best cereals:

 

      •  Mini Wheats
      •  Life
      • Rice Krispies
      • Wheaties
      • Kix
      • Corn Flakes
      • Cheerios
      • Shredded Wheat
      • Honey Nut Cheerios
      • Grape Nuts
      • Special K

 

 

 

best and worst cereals

  Here’s the list of some of the worst cereals:  

 

      • Honey Smacks
      • Apple Jacks
      • Fruit Loops
      • Crunch Berries
      • Cocoa Kripsies
      • Honey Bunches of Oats
      • Lucky Charms
      • Frosted Flakes
      • Fruity Pebbles
      • Cinnamon Toast Crunch
      • Trix
      • Raisin Bran

I love Honey Nut Cheerios and Raisin Bran.  I’m happy at least one of them made the Best Cereal List, Honey Nut Cheerios.  I give my grandchildren Honey Nut Cheerios, but they also love Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.   Thankfully, my grandchildren love oatmeal too.  Especially during the cold.  I also fix them a hardy breakfast of  pancakes or waffles, eggs and fruit.  Occasionally, I do fix sausage links with eggs.  My granddaughter is a fan of bacon too.  My grandson can take it or leave.

Does yours or your child’s favorite cereal fall into the Best or Worst list? Is the list making you rethink your cereal choice? It will definitely be a reminder the next time I’m in the cereal aisle and considering buying something different.



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The Benefits of Family Meals

January 26, 2015 by

Do you eat as a family? Research has shown that there are benefits to eating together as a family. I believe it. When I was raising my daughter, I made it a point to prepare a meal and we sit at the table as a family. Sometimes it would breakfast, but the majority of the time it was dinner. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on the benefits of family meals.  

 

I used it as an opportunity to discuss the events of the day, and to exchange other pertinent information. I remember my daughter having a guest one week-end. We decided to order pizza. When the pizza arrived, her guest opened the box to have a slice. I explained to her friend that we didn’t eat out of the box, I set the table and we shared the meal.

benefits of family meals

 

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to make use of the deck for the meal. The young lady seemed shocked and at a lost when I set out dinner plates, glasses, forks, knifes and napkins. I had prepared a salad and ice tea to go along with the pizza, so I placed the salad and pitcher of tea on the table as well. She explained that they didn’t eat that way in her home. Everyone eat when and what they wanted, and I could find her mother with a beer in her hand any time of the day or night. Once we sat at the table and I started the dinner conversation, she became at ease and joined in. I realized how differently things were done in her home and family dinners were truly a benefit. Family dinners allowed me to:

  • Be a role model and set an example for my daughter
  • Find out what was happening with her in school
  • Find out what was happening with her friends
  • Discuss outside activities and the news
  • Discuss what was happening with other family members
  • Make plans for the week-end

A study at Cornell University has shown that having family meals also prevent:

  • Youth drug/substance abuse
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Developing a disconnect with parents
  • Failure in school

Because of family meals, my daughter grew up eating healthier and knowing the importance of family, school, planning and setting goals. You can reap the benefits of family meals too?

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Fun Kid’s Food Ideas – Donut Snowman

December 7, 2014 by
I’m always looking for fun kid’s food ideas.  So, I made these adorable donut snowmen for my grandchildren.   I originally found the idea at Dukes and Duchesses and decided to give them a try.  Fun kid’s food ideas can make meal time a big hit.  These were a huge success with my little ones.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on fun kid’s food ideas.  

fun kids food

 

 

Sugar is everywhere during the holidays.  As parents we worry about the sugar content, but these were just too cute to worry about sugar.  They make a perfect snack on Christmas Eve or on a cold snowy day with a cup of hot chocolate.  Print out a snowman coloring page to add to the fun.

Grandmothers are sugar queens, so we’re allowed to fill our grandchildren with sugar.  At least occasionally. These were so cute, my daughter and son-in-law couldn’t resist me offering these goodies to the kids. They were washed down with a huge glass of milk.

Here’s what you need:

*Mini Hostess donuts
*Mike and Ike Candies
*Fruit Roll-Ups
*Black Food Pin
*Skewers

Step 1 – Carefully run the skewer through 3 donuts.

Step 2 – Cut an orange or red Mike and Ike in half. Place each half in the first donut for the nose.  Next, cut another Mike and Ike, your choice, in half for the buttons.  Next, place them in the hole of each of the donuts as shown.

Step  3 – Cut a strip of a Fruit Roll-Up and place it between donuts 1 and 2 to make the scarf as shown.

Step 4 – Use the black food pin to make the mouth and eyes.  Your done!

Note: Last, cut off the pointed end of the skewer with a pair of kitchen scissors just to be on the safe side with the kids.  Fun kid’s food ideas are great, but safety should be a factor too.  These snowman donuts are a great for a school party, snow day snack or sleep overs.  Give it a try, the kids will love them. 

Finally, you may also like:  Christmas White Trash Recipe.

 

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Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Kids

December 11, 2012 by
Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Christmas breakfast ideas for kids.  Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad. The kids are out of school for the next week and they’re excited about Santa.  You on the other hand, must come up with meal ideas and other ways to keep them occupied.  So, I’ve put together a round up for Christmas breakfast ideas for kids. 
Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Kids
Rudolph with his nose so bright!  How exciting will it be to serve the kids these adorable pancakes for breakfast.  Or, why not dinner.  My grandchildren love pancakes, bacon, and strawberries anytime.

 

 

 

 

Bagel Snowman –  Regular and mini bagels for the body, cream cheese, pretzel sticks for the arms, red hots or chocolate chips for the button and eyes.  Get creative and use what your children will eat.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

Candy Cane Fruit – This one is easy, alternating strawberries and bananas.  Simple and healthy.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Ornaments – So cute and yummy.  Small pancakes, cookie decorations and a piece of bacon strip for the top make these pancakes perfect for holiday breakfasts.

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

Waffle Christmas Tree –  A little food coloring, waffle mix and iron, powdered sugar and M & M will help you create this cute and sweet treat.

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Elf Pancake – How cute is little guy.  Green grapes, pancakes, whipped cream and a strawberry is all you need.  I would just use chocolate chips for the eyes or candy eyes.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Christmas Toast – What a perfect addition to the table on Christmas morning.  Bread, eggs, seasoning, butter and Christmas cookie cutters are the stars for this recipe.  Click on the link for the directions.

 

 

Kids Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Reindeer Oatmeal –  Oatmeal, strawberries, and raisins will help you create this adorable reindeer.  Bacon ears may be good.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

You may also like 30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Ideas. 

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First Lady Cookie Recipes

November 9, 2012 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on First Lady cookie recipes.  Every 4 four years we can look forward to a Presidential election and a cookie bake off with the First Lady and the hopeful First Lady.  These recipes are are from Michelle Obama and Ann Romney’s bake off.  Michelle Obama shared her Mama Kaye’s White and Dark Chocolate Chip recipe and Ann Romney shared her M and M Cookies recipe.

 

 

first lady cookie recipes

 

The holidays are approaching, and I thought I would share the cookie recipes since they didn’t get much attention in the midst of the battle for the highest position in the land.  As wives and mothers, we often take a back seat.  So, I’m sure both Michelle and Ann would appreciate you whipping up a batch of their delicious cookies.  Furthermore, make a batch for snacks or put them in a Christmas gift baskets.

 

first lady cookie recipe

Family Circle Magazine announced the winner of the bake off in their October 2012 issue.  The winner, Michelle Obama. I have not made either of the recipes, but intend to whip up a batch of each for Christmas gifts this season.

 

First Lady Cookie Recipes:

 

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 stick Crisco butter-flavored solid vegetable shortening
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup each white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips (or Andes mint pieces)
2 cups chopped walnuts

 

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 375°.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter, vegetable shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. On low speed, beat in flour mixture. By hand, stir in white and milk chocolate chips, mint chips and walnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto un-greased baking sheets.
6. Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Makes 5 dozen.

 

First Lady Cookie Recipe

 

 

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup (such as Karo)
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
6 ounces chocolate chips
2/3 cups M&M’s candies

Preparation:

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream sugars, butter, peanut butter and corn syrup on high speed until well combined. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together oats and baking soda. Stir into peanut butter mixture until combined. Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.
3. Using a standard-size ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets (about 9 per sheet). Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.  Makes 3 dozen.

 

I hope you enjoy the cookie recipes.  Pin this post for a snowy day activity.
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