Monster Muffins

Baking with kids is one of the best activities in the kitchen. Lots of pouring, measuring and stirring. These muffins are hearty, healthy and sweet. We love piping on cool designs with greek yogurt, like this scull and crossbones for halloween. 

(Serves 6 kiddos)

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed in 3 tablespoons of water
1/4 cup agave
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup zucchini, grated coarsely
1 ripe banana, mashed
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

1. In a large bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flax seed, agave, oil and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients, stir just to combine.

3. Mix in the zucchini, banana, and walnuts. Pour evenly six ways into a muffin tin lined with paper cupcake holders.

4. Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before eating.

Superhero Shake

Ok, this recipe is a winner. It is super successful in the kid crowd. First off, the color is gorgeous and this shake has spinach which you can't even taste! We're betting that you are going to love this shake just as much as your kids. It's packed with protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins. It can be hard to get those fresh leafy greens into your little one's diet, and yet the nutrients carried by leafy greens are vital to your child's health. Unless your kid is down for a salad (and YAY if they are!) then shakes are the way to go. Give this shake a rocking name and you will get far.

But if your kid doesn't like anything green, we recommend making this shake when they aren't looking. Every mom and dad has got to have their secret weapon, the opaque cup. After they drink it up, tell them what's in it! Tell them how strong their body is going to be with all that spinach!

(Serves 2-3 kiddos)

3/4 cup nonfat plain almond yogurt
1/4 cup almond milk
5 ice cubes
2 tablespoons agave or maple syrup (or to taste)
1 cup fresh spinach
2 ripe bananas

1. In a blender, combine the yogurt, milk, ice, and agave until smooth.

2. Add in the spinach and banana.

3. Puree until completely smooth.

Goldilocks Grits

Putting a new and delicious twist on an old classic. Grits are a great meal for kids, heck, for the whole family! Add some pureed butternut squash and now we're talking. Maybe add a bit of cheeze? Mmmhmmm. Pair with roasted vegetables and you've got dinner made. This also makes for a great breakfast!

(Makes about two small servings)

1/2 cup corn grits (regular, not instant)
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup squash baby food (about 2.5 ounces) or freshly roasted and pureed *
1/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste 

1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Slowly stir in the grits and turn the heat down. 

3. Cook, stirring continuously for at least 5 minutes. 

4. Stir in the cheese, squash, salt and pepper to taste.


* Want to make your own puree? It's easy. Cut butternut squash into cubes and put on a pan in a 350°degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender. Add to a food processor using a tablespoon of water. Add salt and pepper.

Prapple Butter (Pear and Apple)

Fall harvest brings so many delicious fruits...but they sure can pile up after a while!  The next time you have a big batch of overripe pears or apples (or both), try our pear/apple "Prapple" butter recipe below.  It is really easy and fun to make, plus the whole house will smell amazing while it cooks!  It keeps well in the fridge and makes for a great topping on whole wheat toast, oatmeal, or even frozen yogurt.  You can make this recipe with any combination of pears and apples you have on hand, but our favorite combination for this recipe is half McIntosh apples with half D'Anjou pears.

Prapple Butter (Pear and Apple Butter)

Ingredients:
8 medium sized pears and/or apples, sliced thick (cores/seeds removed)  
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar  
1 tablespoon cinnamon  
1 teaspoon allspice

Instructions:  
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir to blend well.  Set on low for 10 hours.  Blend in the blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.  Let cool at room temperature and then keep refrigerated.

 

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

Seriously, we cannot get enough pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING.  This blog contains other fall time goodies, like this spooky soup and pumpkin overnight oats, but we had to throw in a pumpkin smoothie.  Everyone has their own recipe for this sweet treat, but ours has added fiber and omega 3's. Perfect way to jump start everyone's day this fall, including your littlest of tots- infants over 6 months can enjoy this too!  Great choice for kids who aren't big breakfast eaters.

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:
2 frozen bananas  
1 cup almond milk (whichever type your family likes)
3 tablespoons pumpkin puree  
1 teaspoon allspice  
2 teaspoons ground flaxseed (optional)  
1 tablespoon real maple syrup

Instructions:  
Blend all ingredients until smooth. For us adults, substitute 1/2 cup of milk for cold coffee for that extra morning kick. Enjoy! 
 

Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

We love love love overnight oats! Mix ingredients, refrigerate and breakfast is waiting for you the next morning.  Make a big batch and you have breakfast for the WHOLE week.  Since we can't get enough pumpkin this time of year, we had to make a seasonal version.  Its deliciousness is not to be denied! Plus it's super healthy and the kids can help you make it, what's better than that?

Serves 2 young kids

1 cup coconut yogurt

3/4 cup of almond milk

3/4 cup of oats

1/2 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Drizzle all natural maple syrup or agave taste

Add raisins, fruit or chopped nuts for extra texture and deliciousness

Mix all ingredients together, cover and refrigerate overnight. Eat cold. 



Overnight Oats

We love coming up with fast and healthy breakfast ideas, because we know firsthand how hectic mornings with kiddos can get!  Just combine these ingredients the night before and leave in the fridge over night.  Prep takes about 5 minutes, that's all!  We can't get enough of this recipe because it has all the benefits of oatmeal without the messy pan cleanup.  Oats, milk, yogurt and fruit in one bowl will set your kids up for a productive day.

 This recipe makes one large serving.

1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup almond yogurt
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup fruit
1 teaspoon maple syrup

1.  Mix all ingredients together, cover and refrigerate overnight.  A super easy and delicious breakfast will be ready for you in the morning!