Black Bean Dip

Ok, so by now you've realized that we love black beans! And what's not to love? It's super healthy, packed full of protein, vitamins and fiber. Plus it keeps bellies full longer. Now we've done black beans and rice, black bean soup, and here's the dip. Kids love dip. Let's face it, dips make life just a little bit better. This dip is really simple and super easy. Encourage your kids to create a design on top with chips. Plating is everything. You eat with your eyes first! This is a great dish for kids in the kitchen who can help add spices and seasonings.

(Serves two kiddos)

1 can of black beans
4 tbsp soy yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp salsa
Garlic powder to taste
Salt to taste

1. In a small blender or food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth or until desired consistency.

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.

Cucumber Sandwiches

This recipe is just delightful. DELIGHTFUL. 1. Because it's fast and simple 2. Because it just tastes awesome. Whether it's tea time or a lunchbox sandwich, this is a winner! Use cookie cutters and have your kids help!  

Peeled cucumber slices
100% whole wheat bread
Soy yogurt
Dried dill
Salt
Pepper to taste

1. Peel and thinly slice cucumbers.

2. Mix yogurt with seasonings, have the kids help!

3. Spread yogurt on bread, place slices on top add bread and serve.

Creamy Lemon Dressing

It usually isn't too hard to get kids to eat creamy salad dressings.  We even know some strict 'meat and potatoes' adults who happily nosh on celery sticks dipped in blue cheese dressing or raw broccoli florets dipped in ranch. Unfortunately bottled dressings are often loaded with salt, sugar and other not so good for you ingredients which is why we came up with our own easy recipe. This creamy lemon dressing is super simple and adds protein, calcium and other important nutrients to the mix and tastes great!

Juice of one lemon
3 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of plain almond yogurt
1 1/2 teaspoons of maple syrup
Dash of oregano
Dash of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Add all of the ingredients into a jar or tight sealing container.  Seal and shake vigorously to combine.  Toss with your favorite salad mix or use as a dipping sauce or marinade.