Magnificent Muffins- What we made on the first day of the Kids in the Kitchen Challenge

This recipe was our launching recipe for the Kids in the Kitchen Summertime challenge. When my kids were young I use to make muffins from scratch. We were vegan at the time and I made more foods from scratch then. I  am now hooked on trying to decrease the gluten in our diets, for multiple reasons, one being the potential better feeling by not eating gluten and another just the pure challenge of cooking something new. Olivia and Jackson helped measure the ingredients, stir the ingredients and of course, taste the final product. This recipe was taken from Bob's Red Mill's website: 

All Purpose Muffins

• 1/2 cup Evaporated Cane Sugar
• 1/2 cup Applesauce (I used 1 applesauce squeezer and 1/2 a mashed banana)
• 1-1/2 cups Milk (Soy, Rice, Cow)
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1/4 cup Oil
• 3 cups GF All Purpose Baking Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1-1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum
• Additions of Choice*

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray. 

Step 2

Mix together sugar, oil, vanilla, applesauce and soymilk. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and xanthan gum.

Step 3

Add dry ingredients to wet and stir together. When batter is almost blended, add any addition fruits or nuts. Stir ingredients until just blended, careful not to over mix. Add any additional flavorings at this time and mix until just blended. 

Step 4

Fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake for 22-25 minutes.

Makes 12 muffins. 

Notes

*1 cup fresh berries, 1/4 cup dried cranberries and ½ cup chopped nuts, ½ cup diced apple and 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 sliced banana and ½ cup walnuts, ¼ cup shredded coconut and ½ cup sliced almonds and more.I would also add that flax seed and chia seed would make a healthy addition. 

What are you making this week? 

Don't forget to post your pics at ABCD Eat Right's FB page!

Holiday Fruit Mask for Healthy Holiday Parties is Here!

This festive penguin holiday mask will make your next classroom party or house party healthy and fun. 

Print out the free downloadable mask templates at: http://www.abcdeatright.com/ABC/about.html  . 

Cut out the masks and tape them around an apple, an orange, a plum or any other whole fruit. 

Have fun and enjoy a healthy and safe holiday! 

Share your pictures on our facebook page at: ABCD Eat Right 

Countdown for back to school...What will we make for school lunch?

Lunch Box Basics

What makes a healthy lunch? You want your child to have a nutrient packed, fun, and easy lunch but may not know where to start. Here are the top three things you should focus on and include in every lunch box.

Protein

A protein source should always be included in a lunch box. Protein is the building block for growth of muscles and the brain. Protein sources include beef, chicken, turkey, fish, pork, beans, nuts, eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt. Choose low fat and lean products from the protein choices above. A protein serving is equal to :

2 tablespoons nut butter, 2-3 ounces of lean lunch meat, 1 cup low fat milk, 6 ounces yogurt, 2 ounces cheese or 1 egg.

Calcium

Calcium contributes to building strong bones. A child reaches the majority of their bone density by the age of 18. Providing your child with calcium rich foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese will provide a solid foundation for them and help them build strong bones. Look for ready to eat yogurts, milk boxes or include cheese sticks or slices with sandwiches or crackers. Choose low fat and skim fat versions of dairy and purchase organic when possible.

Fruit or Vegetables

Crunchy, crispy and sweet these vitamin, mineral and fiber packed sides are an added bonus to a healthy lunch. Try whole fruits, dried fruits, fruit salad or canned (no sugar added) fruits. Other options include the packs of applesauce that kids can easily squeeze into their mouths and frozen kid size edamame. Cut up fruits and vegetables to make it easier for a child to eat.

Lunch is usually a highlight of a school day. This break in the day represents a time when kids can relax, refuel and reconnect with their friends. Packing a lunch with protein, calcium and fruit and/or vegetables is a great way to balance a school day and help them reach a higher level of performance throughout the rest of the day. 

For fun recipe ideas order Take Out Recipes kids edition boxes at www.ABCDEatRight.com

For nutrition advice from a Registered and Licensed Dietitian contact Brandi@ABCDEatRight.com 

If you are in South Florida and you would like a 1 hour grocery tour to break down the basics and guide you in adult or child related nutrition needs contact Brandi@ABCDEatRight.com.