And just like that, I’m back. It’s been a long year off consulting full time for a giant non-profit organization. Helping them tell their story. Now I’m here again to continue with mine. This year we’ll talk about food, and plenty of it. Good-for-you food, kid-friendly food, easy food. But I’m also moving deeper into the…
Simple sausage and peppers sliders: A wholesome 15-minute dinner kids love
I discovered these simple sausage and pepper sliders a few months ago when I was at the grocery store with two of my girls. They’re five and seven and this was a slow moving day. Unfortunately it turned out to be the kind where you suddenly notice that your kids’ hair isn’t really brushed until you’re…
Real school lunches: 5 days of healthy, fast lunches ideas for preschoolers and young kids
It’s time to pack school lunches again! This year I have two elementary aged girls plus two preschoolers and I’m packing healthy lunches for ALL of them. Which means things need to be quick. Packing for four also means the potential for a LOT of waste, so I’m sharing our kids’ favorites from the week. These…
Zucchini boats: An easy way to use zucchini kids love
If you have tons of zucchini, this is the recipe for you. Actually, let’s not sell these zucchini boats short. If you have even a few zucchini, this may very well be the recipe for you! I’ve made zucchini boats for my family no less than six times this summer. In the span of one zucchini…
Chicken & White Bean Chili with Swiss Chard: My 4 Kids’ Favorite Way to Eat Swiss Chard
I did it again. With the Swiss chard in the garden. It always starts so small, this Swiss chard project. Just a handful of tiny seeds, some dirt that I bought dirt from a farmer down the road who swears it’s organic and more than a little hope. (Honestly, buying dirt? That’s when you know your farming dream has gotten…
10 Fast Weeknight Dinner Ideas Your Kids Will (Really) Love: This Working Mom of 4 Tested Them All
What do you make for dinner when you’re in a hurry after work? For every busy parent, it’s hard to beat a few easy weeknight dinner ideas your kids will really, truly, love. And boy do I know it because I just started a giant new consulting job that actually requires me to go to…
Taco Soup: a Fresh Take on a Family Favorite, Done in 20 Minutes
Here comes another fast dinner idea! In just 20 minutes you’ll have a fresh spin on the one dinner nearly every family loves (no, we’re not talking about you, pizza, so please calm down): This is taco soup. Taco soup has all the yummy flavors of tacos served in a refreshing new way AND there are…
The Last Minute Side Dish Your Kids Will Love: Veggie Cups in Mini Bread Bowls
Maybe this has happened to you too. The clock said 5:45pm and I had just stumbled in the front door from a big consulting job. Much later than usual. And, cue the meltdowns. That’s because after anxiously looking at the clock for the last 15 minutes of my day I finally cut off a co-worker who kept saying things like…
A 2-Minute, Healthy AND Adorable Veggie Platter for Spring
Who said Easter treats had to be all jelly beans and chocolate? Actually, that my have been my kids. But anyway… You can imagine my surprise at how willing they were to eat inhale this 100% vegetable snack the other day. It’s amazingly easy, took 2 minutes to make…and about the same to devour. Which was fine…
Look what happens when you change 1 thing About a Barefoot Contessa recipe: Bird’s Nest Macaroons!
Want an adorable dessert for your Easter table? How about one that’s actually a cinch to make–and the kids can even help? These coconut macaroons are adapted from one of my favorite Barefoot Contessa recipes, as part of our Barefoot for Babies series where we update the amazing Ina Garten’s ideas (along with a few…