No matter the time, the reason, or the season, the best kind of snack to fill you up (and keep you that way) is one that is filled with protein. Nuts are especially handy as a snack food, because they are protein-rich, portable, and give us a daily dose of […]
Back to School Recipes
Whether you’re a kid going back to school, a parent whose kids are going back to school, a hard-working teacher, or just someone who once went back to school, you know that it can be a tough transition from summer to school. To help, we’ve brought together some of our […]
Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Makes 45 cookies Make these cookies super-size to take on picnics or serve at kids parties, or miniaturize them to include as part of a cookie plate to serve at a tea or reception. Ingredients 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/2 […]
Cook This Now to Eat Later
As the days get shorter and the to-do list grow longer, the winter brings a flurry of activities, homework, and year-end meetings. When your calendar is overwhelming, it is nice to be prepared with time-saving dinners made by a less-frazzled version of you. Here are some of our favorite make-ahead […]
Creamy Whole Wheat Pasta Salad
Makes 4 to 6 servings We don’t like to dumb food down for kids, but we also know that sometimes kids are picky. So this plant-forward (vegan, in fact!) pasta salad is just a good starting point. The tangy chickpea dressing is creamy like mayo, but packed with protein. Add […]
Eat Like a Chef: Put an Egg on It
A commonly asked question of chefs is, “Do you enjoy cooking at home?” It’s a great question! After all, most accountants don’t crunch the numbers every day, just to come home and do it for themselves and their families (at least, we don’t think so?). For those of us at […]
Healthy Cooking with Picky Eaters, from a CIA Chef
Food preference may feel instinctual, but like everything our kids learn, it all begins with education, and participation is an integral part of the learning process. I started a tradition with my children to help spur their curiosity around healthy foods. Every Wednesday after school, we make a trip to […]
Homemade Greek-Style Yogurt
Makes 1 quart Fresh yogurt is really easy and fun to make. The secret to making Greek-style yogurt is to strain it after it sets, which makes it thick and rich, even if it’s made with low-fat milk. Cleanliness is an absolute must in yogurt making, so be sure that […]
Kid-Friendly Lunch Recipe for Back to School
Back-to-school was always my favorite season. I was never a summer kid, and heading back to the classroom meant cooler weather, new Lisa Frank school supplies, and school friends! Since the day I learned how, I don’t think I have stopped talking. At home I had three older brothers who […]
Mango Green Tea Smoothie
Makes 6 servings Ingredients 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups) 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 cup brewed green tea 1 cup ice cubes 1/4 cup chia seeds, soaked in water for at least an hour, up to overnight Matcha powder, for garnish (optional) Activated […]
Plant-Forward Ranch Dip
Makes about 1 1/2 cups Thanks to protein-rich beans and yogurt, this dip doubles as a perfect school lunch for the picky kid in your life. Pair it with carrot sticks, cucumber, bell peppers, and some multigrain crackers for an energy-packed meal. Ingredients 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained […]
Stuffed Peppers Without a Recipe
There are tons of stuffed pepper recipes in the world, but you don’t need a recipe to make a hearty make-ahead dinner with all the ingredients your family likes best. There are four primary components of a basic stuffed pepper: the pepper, the substance, the flavor, and the sauce. The […]