Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Apple Spice Baked Oatmeal

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 squares (2.5 inches x 2.5 inches)
Serving Size 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
1⁄2 cup applesauce
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons oil
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

TOPPING
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil or spray an 8" x 8" baking pan.
2. Combine the egg, applesauce, milk, vanilla and oil in a bowl. Add the apple.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to the liquid Ingredients and mix well.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish, and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with brown sugar and nuts.
6. Return to oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until top is browned and the sugar bubbles.
7. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Substitute other fruit for the apple. Try bananas, pears, blueberries or a mixture

Skillet Granola

Skillet Granola

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tablespoons honey
1⁄4 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups uncooked, old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup raisins

Directions

1. Warm oil and honey in a skillet for one minute over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add powdered milk and vanilla.
2. Stir in oats and sunflower seeds, and mix until coated with oil and honey mixture. Heat over medium heat. Stir until oatmeal is slightly brown.
3. Take off heat. Stir in raisins.
4. Cool mixture. Store in an airtight container (jar or plastic bag).

Notes

• Try baking this dish instead. Once the first six Ingredients are combined transfer to a baking pan and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes or until golden brown, stirring half way through.
• Try adding any of these Ingredients: one teaspoon cinnamon, chopped nuts, dried fruit, wheat germ, or coconut.
• Serve with milk, yogurt, ice cream, and/or fresh or canned fruit.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Chinese Spicy Noodles

Chinese Spicy Noodles

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti, uncooked
2 Tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup )
6 cloves minced garlic or 1 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
2 Tablespoons curry powder
1 Tablespoon chili paste
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
2 cups shredded cabbage (1/3 head)
1 cup shredded carrot
1 cup shredded zucchini
6 green onions, thinly sliced
2 large tomatoes, coarsely diced
1⁄4 cup honey
1⁄2 cup peanuts
lime wedges

Directions

1. Boil water in a large pot; add spaghetti and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (300 degrees in an electric skillet). Add onion and sauté about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, curry powder, chili paste, and soy sauce. Mix well.
4. Stir in cabbage, carrot, and zucchini and cook, stirring, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Stir in green onions and tomatoes; continue to cook another 2 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and mix in vegetables. Add honey and toss.
7. Top with peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Notes

• Try adding 2 tablespoons peanut butter to increase protein.
• Try whole wheat spaghetti.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Peanutty African Stew

Peanutty African Stew

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 cup instant brown rice
2 cups chicken broth, reduced sodium (see Notes)
1 teaspoon dehydrated minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper (optional)
2 cups medium diced peeled sweet potato or yam
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1⁄4 cups non-fat or 1% milk
3 cups baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
1⁄4 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts (optional)
green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

1. Combine first 9 Ingredients in a soup pot. Bring to a boil, then turn down to medium low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in peanut butter and milk. Return to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Top with peanuts and green onion, if desired.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Substitute a 10 ounce package of frozen spinach for the fresh spinach.
• Flavor boosters: chopped cilantro, red and green peppers, raisins.
• To avoid peanuts or peanut butter, try sunflower seeds or sunflower seed butter.

Fabulous Fig Bars

Fabulous Fig Bars

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Serving Size 1 bar (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Ingredients

16 ounces stemmed, chopped dried figs
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)
2 Tablespoons hot water
1⁄2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1⁄4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine figs, walnuts, sugar, orange juice and hot water in a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Mix together margarine and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix until smooth.
4. Mix flour and baking soda. Stir into egg mixture. Blend in oats to make soft dough.
5. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping. With floured fingertips, press the remaining dough into a thin layer on the bottom of baking pan.
6. Spread fig mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble reserved dough over top, allowing fig mixture to show.
7. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in baking pan. Cut into 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Baked Berry Oatmeal

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups nonfat or 1% milk
4 teaspoons butter or margarine, melted
2 cups cane berries, fresh or frozen (raspberries, blackberries, marionberries)
1⁄4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until blended; Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, milk and melted butter.
4. Pour wet Ingredients into the dry Ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Add the berries and stir lightly to evenly distribute.  Pour mixture into 2 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Rice Salad

Rice Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled
1⁄4 cup chopped celery
1 apple, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
1⁄4 cup raisins
2 Tablespoons chopped almonds
1⁄2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

1. Combine rice, celery, apple, raisins, and almonds in a medium bowl and mix well.
2. Combine yogurt, orange juice, and sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture over the rice mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Add any of your favorite fruits for variety.
• Make this a whole grain recipe by using brown rice instead of white rice

Orange Rice Salad

Orange Rice Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
1⁄2 cup celery, diced
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon orange juice or vinegar
1⁄4 cup parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 green onions, washed and thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges with juice
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all Ingredients together in medium-sized bowl.
2. Chill for an hour to allow flavors to blend.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding 2/3 cup diced green peppers or other crunchy vegetables.

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Hoppin' Pear Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4 bunnies
Serving Size 1 bunny

Ingredients

2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach
4 pear halves, fresh or canned
1⁄2 cup cottage cheese
8 pieces sliced almonds
12 raisins

Directions

1. Place about 1/2 cup shredded lettuce on each plate.
2. Place one pear half on the lettuce, cut side faced down.
3. On the narrower end of each pear, make a rabbit face: Poke two pieces of sliced almonds into the pear to make ears. Arrange two raisins for eyes and one for the nose.
4. Place 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese at the opposite end of each pear half to make a tail.

Notes

• Optional: Add a miniature carrot or two for the bunnies to snack on.
• Look in the bulk food section of the store to buy only the amount you need of raisins or sliced almonds. 

Kale Salad

Kale Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup
Chill Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

8 cups chopped kale (about 1 large head)
1 can (15 ounces) fruit in 100% juice (try pears, peaches, mandarin oranges, apricots, pineapple)
1⁄2 cup 100% fruit juice, reserved from canned fruit
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1⁄4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Wash kale and pat dry. Remove rib from the middle of each leaf. Chop or tear leaves into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Drain and chop fruit if pieces are large. Add to kale.
2. In a small bowl, combine fruit juice, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and sunflower seeds, if desired. Mix well.
3. Add dressing to the kale and fruit and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours

Notes

• To soften the kale and improve the flavor, before adding the fruit in step 1, rub the torn leaves together until the kale becomes dark green and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, OR prepare the salad a day ahead and refrigerate.

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Very Berry Muesli (‘mew-slee’)

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1 cup
Chill Time: 6 to 12 hours

Ingredients

1 cup low fat fruit yogurt
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (raw)
1⁄2 cup non-fat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup dried fruit (try raisins, apricots, dates)
1⁄2 cup chopped apple (about 1/3 a medium apple [3” diameter])
1⁄2 cup frozen blueberries
1⁄4 cup chopped, toasted walnuts

Directions

1. In medium bowl, mix oats, yogurt, and milk.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours.
3. Add dried and fresh fruit, and mix gently.
4. Serve scoops of muesli in small dishes. Sprinkle each serving with chopped nuts.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Muesli makes a delicious breakfast. Try drizzling with milk.
• Substitute any frozen, canned/drained, or fresh chopped fruit for apples and blueberries.
• Flavor boosters: cinnamon, grated orange peel.

Cuban Baked Bananas

Cuban Baked Bananas

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 bananas
Serving Size 1 banana

Ingredients

6 bananas, sliced lengthwise
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
4 Tablespoons margarine or butter
1⁄2 cup raisins, or other dried chopped fruit
1⁄3 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Arrange the split bananas in the pan.
3. Top evenly with brown sugar, small pieces of margarine, raisins and pecans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cinnamon Baked Pears

Cinnamon Baked Pears

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 pear halves
Serving Size 1 half pear

Ingredients

2 ripe pears
3 Tablespoons walnuts, chopped
2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon dried cranberries

Directions

1. Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or melon baller.
2. Place pears in a baking dish. Fill centers with chopped walnuts and drizzle about half a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar over each pear half.
3. Sprinkle each half with cinnamon and cranberries.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until pears are soft when poked with a fork. Serve warm.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Cranberry Oatmeal Balls

Cranberry Oatmeal Balls

Prep time: 15 minutes
Makes: 18 balls
Serving Size 3 balls
Chill Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup quick-cooking oats
1⁄3 cup almonds, chopped
1⁄3 cup reduced-fat peanut butter
1⁄4 cup honey
1⁄3 cup dried cranberries

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine all Ingredients until well mixed.
2. Form oat mixture into 18 balls about 1 inch wide.
3. Place balls on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Notes

• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.
• To avoid sticky fingers, keep the oat balls cool until ready to eat.

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Do-It-Yourself Trail Mix

Prep time: 5 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 cup square-type whole grain cereal
1 cup o-type whole grain cereal
1 cup puff-type whole grain cereal
1 cup dried fruit of your choice
1 cup small pretzels
1⁄2 cup small nuts*

Directions

1. Set out a bowl of each ingredient with a serving spoon.
2. Let guests add a spoon of each ingredient to a platic bag or other container. Shake to mix. Enjoy!

Notes

• Peanuts and other small foods that are round are easy for your preschooler to choke on when swallowing them. Have your child eat at the table, or at least while sitting down.
• Always watch your child while he or she eats.

Green Beans with Onions and Almonds

Green Beans with Onions and Almonds

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
1 small onion (1/2 cup chopped or sliced)
1⁄4 cup almonds, chopped, sliced or slivered
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons orange juice (juice from 1/4 orange)
1 Tablespoon mustard
4 cups green beans, fresh (cooked), frozen or canned (drained)

Directions

1. Melt margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and almonds and cook until onions are tender.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, orange juice and mustard. Stir into onion mixture.
3. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, until sauce begins to thicken. Stir in green beans and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 4 cups of green beans is about 1 pound fresh OR 16 ounces frozen OR 2 cans (15 ounces each)
• To cook fresh green beans:
• Wash and trim green beans. Cut or snap into desired length. Place in a small saucepan and fill with enough water to cover beans. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain beans and set aside.
• For extra flavor, add ¼ cup dried cranberries to the skillet along with the green beans.

Ginger Almond Asparagus

Ginger Almond Asparagus

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3⁄4 pound asparagus, washed and trimmed (2 1/2 cups sliced)
1 teaspoon oil
3 Tablespoons slivered almonds
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
1⁄8 teaspoon ginger powder

Directions

1. Slice the asparagus diagonally into pieces about ¾ inch long.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining Ingredients. Stir and sauté until asparagus is a brighter green, 3-5 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook until the asparagus is just fork-tender. Avoid overcooking. Shake the pan occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup 

Ingredients

1⁄3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 apples, cored and diced
1 cup celery, diced
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are evenly toasted.
3. Combine apples, celery, nuts, and raisins.
4. Stir together yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour over apple mixture and toss lightly.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve this dish with a whole-wheat roll for a hearty meal.
• Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.

Tropical Carrot Salad

Tropical Carrot Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 cups shredded carrots (2 to 3 carrots)
1 cup unsweetened pineapple tidbits, drained
3⁄4 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup low-fat mayonnaise or low-fat plain yogurt
1⁄4 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds

Directions

1. In a medium serving bowl, combine carrots, pineapple and raisins.
2. Stir in mayonnaise or yogurt and nuts or seeds. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Save leftover pineapple and juice in the refrigerator for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Leftover pineapple can be used in smoothies, fruit salads and more. See FoodHero.org for recipes.

Fruit and Nut Slaw

Fruit and Nut Slaw

Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

5 cups thinly sliced cabbage (about 1 1/2 pounds or 1⁄2 small head – try a mix of red and green)
1⁄2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or raisins work well)
1 carrot, washed, peeled and grated
1⁄3 cup vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
2 1⁄4 cups thinly sliced apples
1⁄4 cup chopped nuts, toasted

Directions

1. Mix cabbage, dried fruit and carrots in a large bowl.
2. In small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, oil, salt and pepper.
3. Pour vinegar mixture over cabbage mixture.
4. Add apple and nuts just before serving. Mix well.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.