Meals & Snacks

Tropical Oatmeal

by Stacy on March 26, 2010

I’ll be making a big announcement next week, an announcement that has a lot to do with the better food choices I’ve been making for my family this year. We’re eating foods that are better for us and finding ways to make them taste better than their sugar loaded alternatives. I’ll be sharing some of our favorite meals with you over the coming months, but I thought I would start you off with one of our favorite breakfasts, Tropical Oatmeal.

Tropical Oatmeal

This one is a hit with everyone in my house, which is saying A LOT. Hopefully it will be a big hit in your home too.

Tropical Oatmeal

3 cups Oats (We use Quaker Old Fashioned but any kind will do)
3 1/2 cups Water
1 3/4 cups Light Vanilla Soy Milk (can sub. milk if needed)
2-3 tablespoons Butter
Pinch of Salt (Optional)
1/3 cup Brown Sugar

Top With:

Blueberries
Dried Fruit (We like Sunmaid Tropical Trio)
Additional Toppings: Granola, Slivered Almonds, Toasted Coconut, anything goes really

This recipe makes 6 servings but you can modify it to your families needs. Stick to the instructions on the Oatmeal container, substituting 1/2 of the water for Light Vanilla Soymilk or Milk. This makes the oatmeal have a different consistency and makes it a ton more filling and healthy. I add the brown sugar to the oatmeal while it’s still in the pot because it’s a lot less fuss than sweetening each individual bowl. This recipe will give you just a touch of sweetness (perfect for toddlers) but you may need to add some more sugar to suit your own tastes. (I try to use the toppings as a way to sweeten to my liking instead of adding any more sugar) Finish by garnishing each bowl with a few handfuls of blueberries, a handful of dried fruit and whatever additional toppings you choose. Sit back and enjoy this surprisingly exotic comfort food.

~ Happy Friday!

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Almost Homemade …

by Stacy on February 17, 2010

I’ve been making an effort this year to feed my family less packaged and processed foods [fun new recipes and how-tos coming soon], BUT in an effort to transition our lifestyle in the most frugal way possible, I have been slowly phasing out our existing stock of pantry items.

I made this version of Blueberry Muffins with a Semi-Streusel with the kids this morning and they were such a hit, I just had to share them with you. When I finally perfect my healthy, homemade version, I’ll post an update for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy this super simple version you can have on the table in just 20 minutes.

You’ll Need:

Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffins

x2 (makes 12)

+

YoPlus Blueberry Acai YogurtX1

- Follow Muffin Mix Directions on package, add in a carton of YoPlus+ [We LOVE the strawberry kind too] Blueberry Acai yogurt

- Pour batter into Muffin Tin

To make the Streusel Topping: Mix 1/3 cup of oats, with 2-3 spoonfuls of brown sugar, sprinkle in some cinnamon sugar to taste. Then sprinkle this topping on each of the muffins

Bake for 17-21 minutes (whatever the package dictates), mine were perfect after 18 minutes.

And enjoy!! These babies are tasty enough to fool guests and in-laws and hit the spot on a weekend morning when you want to surprise the family with something a little special.

Almost Homemade Blueberry Muffins

If you try these, stop back by and let me know what you think. If you’d like me to feature more recipes in the future, take a moment and tell me that too. I thrive on feedback :)

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A Gobble Gobble Good Time

by Stacy on November 25, 2009

Turkey Cookies

~ Sugar Cookies
~
Chocolate Icing
~
Candy Corn
~
White Chocolate Chips
~
Orange Decorating Gel

These incredibly easy-to-make cookies are the perfect activity to get kids excited about Turkey Day. There’s no need for perfection, so let your kids have a ball creating wonky turkeys and cross-eyed fowl. There’s even time for a quick lesson in Giving and more than likely, you won’t even need to play Teacher. When I made these cookies with my toddlers this afternoon, they asked if we could make some extras to take to their soccer coach, Nana & Papa, Aunt Mel and Uncle Birdie {they like to get creative when naming their relatives}. Be still my heart, I’ve raised a pair of Good Samaritans.

To make your own sweet treats: Bake sugar cookies from your grocery store (less fuss), spread a layer of chocolate frosting along the top of the cookie, smoosh candy corn into the icing, use decorating gel as glue to attach white chocolate chips as eyes, then use the gel to draw a V-shaped beak and pupils. Voila, instant whimsy and loads of fun. I apologize in advance for the sugar rush that follows …

Idea Adapted from Pilsbury

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Lovin these Rainbow Wraps

by Stacy on August 25, 2009

KSW is all about color, kids and fun! So, when we saw these amazing Yummy Rainbow Wraps, we knew they were the perfect way to give KSW kids something Healthy and Delicious while combining all three. The perfect activity to get your kids excited about fruits, veggies, and just being in the kitchen ~ Check out these gorgeous photos:

Head on over to The Lunch Box Bunch and choose their Fruit or Veggie versions of the gorgeous Rainbow Wraps.

{I know what we’ll be making at my house this Thursday after our weekly trip to our local Farmers Market – Yum, I can’t wait!}

We’ll be adding Kathy to our ever-growing list of parent-friendly web resources. {Check back soon when we make all of our hidden gems available to KSW readers}

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wHy nOt tRy sOmEtHiNg fUnKy

by Stacy on July 1, 2009

Like most moms, I spend way too much time struggling to find healthy snacks for my kids. No matter what I choose, I usually come home feeling guilty about my choices. Guilty because what I’ve chosen is either healthy for them but horrible tasting or delicious tasting and full of sugar and preservatives.

That’s why I was thrilled when I found Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks. Funky Monkey, the fruit that crunches, is a delicious, convenient freeze dried snack with the natural goodness of fresh fruit.

Available in Bananamon, Carnaval Mix, Jivealime, or Purple Funk

Why KSW loves it: We love that Funky Monkey uses whole fruit slices so you can see the natural goodness you’re giving your kids. We also love that each package is just 110 calories and contains the equivalent of 3 servings of fruit and NO added sugar or preservatives. It’s also 100% Natural ~ Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Dairy Free and three of the flavors are USDA certified organic.

Tip: Try some Funky Monkey in yogurt or even on top of ice cream

Grab some Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks from Amazon. You can even Save an extra 15% with Subscribe & Save and get FREE SHIPPING

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