Recipe #2-Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets (or Chick'n, for Vegetarians!)

Hello readers! I'm battling a nasty sinus infection this week so bear with me; this may be a slightly rambling post (Sudafed makes me a little wordy, haha!). Chicken nuggets are something that most kids (and adults!) love. The only down side is how greasy, empty calorie leaden and processed they are-- for more info about the amount of processing chicken nuggets go through, check out this site. Turns your stomach, right? Fortunately, I have a great recipe that makes chicken nuggets wholesome, but still maintains the shape and texture of our fun, beloved dinner.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

-1lb. unfrozen, boneless, skinless chicken breast (organic and free range for best results)
-2 eggs, beaten
-1 sleeve of crushed saltine crackers
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best, but the kind in the green cans you use for pizza works in a pinch)
-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
-1/2 tsp. onion power
-1/2 tsp. black pepper
-Cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.

Preheat oven to 425°. Cut chicken breast into nugget-sized pieces (about the size of a golf ball). Combine cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese and spices in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Dip chicken pieces into egg, then coat with crumbs and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or until brown and crispy, flipping once half way through baking time. Remove and enjoy with various sauces or dips!

So, moving on, any vegetarians out there? Anyone? *crickets* Ok, well I know you guys are there! I'm a vegetarian (Ava and my hubby aren't) so when I make them chicken nuggets, sometimes I want a few to much on as well! In this case, I use Quorn brand Chick'n cutlets (find them in the freezer section with other meat-free options) which are made of a mycoprotein and yield great results. You use the the same process, defrost the pieces, cut into nugget sizes, dip in egg, then coat in the crumb/cheese mix. Bake only 20-30 minutes as they're precooked and you're just waiting for the coating to bake.

Have fun with this recipe, get your Littles involved. Yes, it's terribly messy, but that's half the fun and clean up can be done while they bake. Your Littles will love getting their hands in the gooey chicken and egg mess and then rolling the bites around in the crumbs so apron up, make your nuggets and have fun!!

Cheers!    

Popcorn!

Hello readers! Let me ask you a question: who likes popcorn? Raise your hand if you like popcorn! Ok, besides the fact that I might have just made you raise your hand (hehehe), pretty much everyone like popcorn, especially kiddos. My Little is OBSESSED with popcorn, everything from listening to it pop to trying to toss and catch kernels in her mouth,she just loves the whole popcorn process. The salty, buttery goodness is something many of us associate with movies and family fun and enjoy as a quick and filling snack. The problem? Microwave popcorn is FULL of chemicals and strange stuff that probably shouldn't be inside our tiny toddlers' tummies.

So what are popcorn loving mommies, daddies and tots to do? Making popcorn on the stove is a pain, buying a popcorn machine is expensive, there aren't any other options, right? WRONG! I figured out a way to make homemade, chemical free and low-fat (if you want) popcorn without the mess or hassle. I may not be the only one who's figured it out but I have to say, I was pretty stoked when the idea occurred in our house (and even more stoked when it actually worked!). Below is the method which works best for us and some suggestions for yummy custom popcorn toppings!

1 brown paper lunch bag (you can pick up a pack of 100 from any grocery store or Wal-Mart)
1/2 cup plain popcorn kernels (also available at any grocery store or Wal-Mart)
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
1 tbsp. butter (optional)

Put popcorn, salt and butter into brown paper sack and fold the top over 3-4 times until it's well sealed (this may go without saying but don't try and staple or paperclip the bag shut--the metal will spark in the microwave and you definitely don't want that!).

Place sealed bag in microwave and heat for three minutes on your regular heat setting (heating time may vary). Listen to the corn popping and when the pop slows to one or two pops every three seconds, stop the microwave and *carefully* remove bag. Shake vigorously and enjoy!

Other great toppings for your homemade popcorn can include (but definitely aren't limited to!):
-Parmesan cheese
-Garlic powder
-Onion powder
-Brown sugar and honey (as a combo or individually)
-Chile powder and lime juice
-Vanilla powder (available at Wal-Mart, nutmeg and cinnamon (as a combo or individually)

The options for flavorings are limitless and I would love to hear your suggestions! Mix it up, let your Littles choose fun, interesting toppings, have fun and ENJOY!

Cheers!

Hummus!

Good afternoon Readers! Today's awesome snack: hummus! Originated in the Middle East, this blended chickpea spread is delicious, full of fiber, iron, vitamin c and healthy fats and comes in a variety of flavors that can please the pickiest eater. For more info on hummus (and some great recipes!) check out this site.

So how do we get our kiddos to consume such a healthy and filling snack? By making it fun! I usually buy hummus from the refrigerated section at our local Sunflower Market (it's available in most stores--check the refrigerators by the produce or cheese). From chipotle to roasted garlic, the flavors (and colors) are endless and all of them have the same benefits as the plain original hummus.

But what can we put this stuff on? This is where the adventure really begins! Dipping or spreading hummus on bread or tortillas is delicious but what's really fun is finding other dippers. At our house, we like pretzel crisps (here's a link to the pretzel crisp website which shows where you can buy them and what varieties are available) as well as pita chips or even artichoke leaves, all smothered with hummus. Other veggies such as celery sticks or baby carrots are great too and get in more fiber for the happy digestion of little tummies.

So now it’s your turn. Venture forth, dear Readers, and experiment with dippers and hummus. Tell me in my comments area of you find something that’s delicious with hummus on it—I’d love to hear from you! Have fun, take risks and, as always, ENJOY!

Fun Yogurt Yum!

Good morning Readers! Today's awesome recipe for our tiny diners is the yogurt parfait. Sounds simple and somewhat boring right? WRONG! These are a great way for our Littles to get in a serving of fruit and dairy while having a ton of fun! The key is to let them participate in building an awesome parfait with tons of different fruits, nuts (if they're old enough--here's the link to Babycenter  that shows what foods may be inappropriate for children birth through age 3) and other exciting and healthy snacks. Put them in a fun and crazy glass, bowl or cup to up the appeal.

Below are a few suggestions which I use when letting Ava build her parfaits but any fruits/yogurts your Littles like will work!

Ava's Fruity Decadence

-1 container vanilla Greek yogurt (feel free to choose any flavor your Little likes)
-3 washed and sliced strawberries
-1/4 cup crushed pineapple
-1/4 cup mandarin oranges
-2 crushed graham crackers (you can use any flavor granola for older kids, but for Littles who don't have all their teeth yet, graham crackers make a great option)
- 2 tbsp. wild honey (optional and only for kids over 2)

Put some yogurt on the bottom of the glass and then layer all ingredients until glass is full. Chill for 10-15 minutes and ENJOY! :)

Other great parfait ingredients can include, but aren't limited to:
-Pecans
-Blueberries
-Raspberries
-Blackberries
-Raisins
-Fruit Cocktail mix (Del Monte has a great mix--just be sure to drain it first!)
-Pears
-Apples
-Grapes
-Mango
-Papaya
-Honey flavored yogurt
-A favorite whole-grain cereal

Or try a "hot parfait" by using warm oatmeal, yogurt and favorite fruits. Have fun, experiment and enjoy!

Cheers!