Tag: the cub

Dinner, Lunch, Snack, Uncategorized

Artichoke and Dip Dip

by The Kitchen CubLeave a Comment on Artichoke and Dip Dip
Artichoke and Dip Dip

The ancients considered the artichoke full of health benefits, including uses like a diuretic, a breath freshener, and even a deodorant. Thankfully we’ve developed different forms of deodorant over time.

Grandma DiDi grew up a few miles away from the artichoke capital – Castroville – and recalls it being a staple at the dinner table when she was growing up. We hope to pass the same memories onto the cub. And this veggie is a good source of folate, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K. Artichokes are also packed with antioxidants; they’re number 7 on the USDA’s top 20 antioxidant-rich foods list.

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The cub begins by seasoning the water, that we used to steam the artichoke, with herbs, garlic and oil.

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While the cub takes an apple juice break, she watches Grandma DiDi carefully cut and trim the artichoke outer leaves.

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The cub can’t wait to use the scissors to help trim the leaves.

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While the artichoke steams on the stove, the cub helps prepare the dip dip.

The base of ours is greek yogurt. You can also use plain melted butter or mayonnaise as a dip.

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The cub added mustard to the yogurt.

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Then curry for added flavor. She mixed it up and waited for the artichoke to finish cooking.

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Once the artichoke was complete, the cub dug in with a big munch! She loves artichokes!

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Enjoy! What kind of dip do you like to use when eating an artichoke?

Artichoke and Dip Dip

Ingredients

  • Fresh artichokes (as many as you would like)
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried Herbs de Provence or oregano
  • Enough water to cover half of the artichokes

Dip Dip

  • 1/2 cup good plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp curry powder (depending on your taste – start light)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions

  1. Wash the artichokes well under running water; pulling leaves out a bit to rinse away any dirt or residue
  2. Trim top off with serrated knife and pull outer smaller leaves. If you want, snip all leave tops off with scissors (this removes little stickers on tips of artichoke leaves).
  3. Place right side up in saucepan that will comfortably hold the number of artichokes you are cooking. Fill with water to about half way up artichokes.
  4. Add oil, herbs, and chopped garlic to water.
  5. Place artichokes on stove over medium heat and cover.
  6. Cook for 30 – 45 minutes or until artichokes are tender when heart is pierced with a knife or fork. When the artichokes are done, drain all of water off and turn them upside down to make sure all water is out. (keep an eye on water level – it can evaporate so you may need to add more hot water during cooking time)
  7. To make dip, blend yogurt, curry, garlic powder and mustard together. Cover and let sit in refrigerator for an hour.
  8. Artichokes can be eaten hot, warm, room temp or cold and hold for days in refrigerator after being cooked.

Notes:

  • When choosing artichokes at the market, look for those with leaves that are tightly closed and when the leaves are squeezed gently there is a squeaking sound. These are the freshest!
  • Artichokes can also be placed on a steamer plate to cook.
Snack, Treats

Watermelon Granita

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Watermelon Granita
Watermelon Granita

During these hot summer days, there is no better way to cool down than with a delicious cool treat, like Granita! Not only is it the perfect mix of refreshing and sweet, it’s also a ton of fun to make. Let’s get started!

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We decided to use kombucha for the base. You could use water or juice as well.

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The cub adds her favorite part…sugar!

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Next up the cub chops the watermelon. One piece in the blender, one piece in the mouth! 🙂

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Grandma DiDi zests a lime and adds it to the blender.

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Then the cub gets to squeeze the lime for its juices. SQQQUUEEEEZZEE!

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They poured the kombucha mix into the blender and it was ready to mix.

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The cub covered her ears because it was really loud!

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Once it’s all mixed together, they poured the mixture into a 9 X 13 pan (metal works best) and put it in the freezer.

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Outfit change! Every 45 minutes they pulled it from the freezer to scrape it with a fork. This process insures it breaks into little fluffy ice pieces.

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The finished product… Summer treat perfection!

 

Watermelon Granita
(Recipe adapted from Kitchn)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 of a small seedless watermelon(any fruit you choose)
  • 1-2 tbsp of sugar (depending on sweetness of fruit)
  • 1/4 cup of ginger Kombucha (or water or other liquid you wish to use)
  • 1 lime, for zest and juice

Directions

  1. Mix together kombucha and sugar, set aside so sugar dissolves
  2. Cut the watermelon into small pieces
  3. Add all ingredients, plus lime zest and juice to blender and puree until smooth
  4. Pour into 9 X 13 pan
  5. Place pan in freezer and set timer for 30- 45 minutes
  6. Remove and scrape the granita mixture with fork and return to freezer
  7. Repeat scraping with fork 3-4 times and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving
Snack, Treats

Cotton Candy Popsicles

by The Kitchen CubLeave a Comment on Cotton Candy Popsicles
Cotton Candy Popsicles

Summertime means sun, lots of outdoor fun and a time when you can buy the most delicious fruit! One in particular – Cotton Candy grapes! If you haven’t heard of them, ask your local grocer if they are getting any in and make sure to grab a bag before they are gone. I know when they hit the shelves in our hometown they don’t last long!  They are super sweet and taste just like cotton candy.

We grabbed a bag and decided to make popsicles with them!  And these couldn’t be easier!

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The cub started by chopping the grapes in half. We wanted to keep some of the grapes in bigger chunks.

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The rest of the grapes she dumped into the blender.

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For liquid we added one squeeze apple juice box to the blender.

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A quick stir and then it was time to blend up the ingredients.

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Time to get the Koji popsicle mold ready for the mixture.

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In goes the apple grape mixture… oh, and a little friend joined in on the fun.

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Grandma DiDi, the cub and her friend all helped put the grape halves in the popsicle mold. The bigger chunks give the popsicle more texture.

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Last step before they go in the freezer is to put the sticks and caps on.  Notice that Grandma DiDi is getting a little help from a Santa sticker strategically placed on her arm by the cub earlier that morning.

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Finally! The sweetest popsicle on a hot summer day!

 

Cotton Candy Popsicles

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of cotton candy grapes; save about 1/8 cup just chopped
  • 1 7oz apple juice box

Directions

  1. Wash and prepare grapes
  2. Chop all grapes (reserve approximately 1/8 cup)
  3. Place grapes (except reserved) in blender
  4. Add 1 box of apple juice
  5. Blend for about 1 minute or pulse about 10 times
  6. Pour into popsicle mold
  7. Add reserved chopped grapes to each popsicle mold
  8. Freeze and enjoy. It should take 1 – 3 hours to fully freeze depending on the molds you use
Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Plantain Crusted Chicken Strips

by The Kitchen CubLeave a Comment on Plantain Crusted Chicken Strips
Plantain Crusted Chicken Strips

A new restaurant recently opened up by our house and they make these amazingly crunchy and slightly sweet plantain chicken strips. The cub loves them so we decided to try and recreate them. Not quite the same, but close!

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The cub started off the preparations by scooping some coconut oil into a bowl. This will serve as a coating for the chicken.

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We ran to our nearest Trader Joes and grabbed their Sweet Plantain Chips. Sooo good!

We placed the chips in an old coffee grinder to bring them to a fine ground.

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The cub enjoyed pushing the button!

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Grandma DiDi scooped the plantain grinds into a bowl while the cub watched.

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The cub seasoned the plantains with salt and pepper. Now they are ready to dip the chicken!

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The cub helps Grandma DiDi coat the chicken in plantain grinds.

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The chicken strips are placed on a baking sheet ready to go in the oven.

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Time to dig in!

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Try our healthier version of a chicken strip! Enjoy!

Plantain Crusted Chicken Strips

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lbs. chicken breast strips
  • 1/2 bag Sweet Plantain Chips from Trader Joes, crushed to either a crunchy or fine grind
  • Approximately 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted or 2 eggs whipped
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F
  2. Grind plantain chips to a fine ground (or courser if you choose)
  3. Season plantain grounds with salt and pepper
  4. Dip chicken strips in coconut oil (egg would work also here)
  5. Dredge chicken in plantain grounds
  6. Place chicken on parchment covered baking sheets
  7. Bake chicken for 15 – 20 min or until cooked through

 

Snack, Treats

Kale Popcorn

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Kale Popcorn
Kale Popcorn

Need an easy snack that your kids will love that also has some nutritional value to it? Look no further – an easy recipe that will satisfy that salty craving all while eating your greens! It’s a win-win situation!

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The cub began by helping strip the kale from the stems.

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Grandma says, “Way to go”!

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Once all the kale had been stripped, the cub stopped for a snack. Raw kale for the win!

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Next up, the cub oils the baking sheets.

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And tosses the kale in the oil and adds some salt for flavor.

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While the kale bakes in the oven, the cub gets to work prepping the toppings. Popcorn wouldn’t be complete without a little cheese!  Yes, this task necessitated a princess and some help from Grandma!

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After the kale was cooled, the cub crushed the chips into small pieces.

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But she needs to taste them first to make sure they are just right! Delicious!

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Once all the kale has been crushed, Grandma DiDi adds the popcorn to the mixture. We used pre popped popcorn from the store, but you can make your own if you prefer.

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The cub stirs it up so that all the popped kernels are covered.

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Grandma DiDi does the final toss!

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The finished product. It didn’t last long!

Kale Popcorn

(Adapted from Smitten Kitchen Kale Dusted Popcorn recipe)

Ingredients

Kale Dust:

  • A bundle of Lacinato kale (aka dinosaur or Tuscan) although, we used red curly kale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Sea salt

To finish:

  • 4 to 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels or bag of popped popcorn(we used  1 bag of Trader Joe’s olive oil popcorn)
  • 2/3 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 300°F. Rinse and dry the kale. Remove and discard the tough stems.
  2. Lightly brush two large baking sheets with olive oil. Arrange the leaves in one layer on the prepared baking sheets, sprinkle lightly with salt, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the leaves are crisp. Let cool completely. In a food processor, with a mortar and pestle, or even with a muddler in a bowl, grind the kale chips down into a coarse powder.
  3. Make the popcorn (Directions from Smitten Kitchen): Place 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 or 3 kernels of popcorn in a 3-quart or larger pot. Turn the heat to medium-high, and cover with a lid. When you hear these first kernels pop, add the remaining kernels and replace the lid. Using pot holders, shimmy the pot around to keep the kernels moving as they pop. When several seconds pass between pops, remove from the heat. (Or use your preferred brand bag of popcorn heated in oven on tray for just a couple minutes.)
  4. Transfer to a bowl, and immediately toss with the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, kale dust, Pecorino, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Taste, and adjust the seasonings if needed.

 

Dinner, Lunch

Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta

by The Kitchen Cub3 Comments on Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta
Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta

Delizioso! Nothing like homemade pasta! Grandma DiDi and the cub took on the task of making homemade whole wheat pasta and boy was it worth it! All the while, the cub learned about the time and energy it takes to prepare and cook noodles.

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The cub was feeling brave today and decided to work with the food processor. In goes the flour.

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Then the eggs and a little water!

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The cub watches while Grandma DiDi mixes the dough. The cub stands back, but isn’t as intimidated this time around.

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Grandma DiDi rolls out the dough.

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Now it’s the cubs turn to pat the dough and shape it so it can rest for an hour.

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The cub delicately wraps the dough with plastic wrap.

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Time to feed the dough through the Kitchenaid pasta attachment.

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After a few passes, the dough stretches out nice and long! Almost time to feed through the noodle press. The cub enjoys her duty of helping hold the dough with her hands.

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The cub got to pick between fettuccini and spaghetti… she chose Fettuccini and was eager to help feed it thought the roller.

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All done and the cub wants me to see her finished work!

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Fettuccini!

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And we had enough dough to make spaghetti!

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Lunch is served! Our version of Caccio e pepe! We added oil, butter, salt, pepper, parmesan and peas! Make your own creation and share it with us!

 

Whole Wheat Homemade Pasta

(adapted from Small Victories)

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • Water, as needed

Directions

  1. Combine in bowl or food processor the flour, eggs and salt. Run machine until it forms ball of dough and it doesn’t stick to fingers or blade. Add water, teaspoon at a time, until this occurs (took more water with the whole wheat flour than with all-purpose). When dough has formed, pat into flat disk and dust with some extra flour. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest at room temp for one hour.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Using a kitchenaid mixer with correct attachments:  After dough has rested for an hour, cut dough into about 6 equal pieces (keep the rest covered).  Press one piece of dough down with the heel of your palm until it flattens,  then run it through the pasta machine on level one. I needed to do level 1 several times with the whole wheat pasta, folding over once or twice to get the consistency correct. Run dough sheets through every level (up to6 or 7) at least once or twice until you have achieved desired consistency.  Towards the end, sheets become very long and it’s necessary to gently carry them on the backs of your hands.  If dough becomes sticky dust with a little flour.
  4. You can use the flat sheets for lasagna – no pre cooking needed. We changed the attachment and fed the sheets through to make fettuccini and spaghetti.
  5. Cook noodles in boiling, salted water for about 3 minutes  and serve with your favorite sauce/toppings.
  6. All pasta should be cooked right away or refrigerated in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

 

Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Strawberry Spinach Wrap

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Strawberry Spinach Wrap
Strawberry Spinach Wrap

Staying creative with meals can be a challenge, allowing us to easily fall into the same routine – I’m very guilty of this! This wrap is easy and uses items you probably already have in your refrigerator.

The cub loves sour foods, i.e., lemon, vinegar, etc. So when thinking of something that would fit her palate, we decided to make a sweet and sour tasting wrap! The perfect balance in flavor and nutrition.

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The cub began by helping Grandma DiDi cut up the strawberries.

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Next up, Grandma DiDi made the ricotta spread. She used regular ricotta cheese and added honey .

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The cub loves lemon, so we zested a lemon and added it to the ricotta spread to create a light balance that was slightly sweet with the zesty brightness of the citrus.

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The cub must try it to make sure it’s just right! She approves!

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Grandma DiDi grabs a lavash wrap and spreads the ricotta on one side.

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Next, the cub layers spinach leaves on the ricotta.

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On go the strawberries!

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Strawberries go really well with a balsamic dressing so we added that to give it a bit more flavor. The cub helps drip it on the strawberries. It’s almost time to eat!

 

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Such fun watching it roll up. Some of the ingredients fell out the side and the cub helped push them back in as Grandma DiDi rolled it up.

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Dig in! A perfectly balanced snack or lunch that is sure to satisfy your sweet and sour cravings!

 

Spinach Strawberry Wrap

Ingredients for 2 wraps

  • 1 12 x 9  whole wheat Lavash cut in half
  • Handful of spinach/or arugula
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon zest or to taste
  • 1 tsp honey or to taste
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Cut the lavash in half, crosswise.
  2. Mix the ricotta cheese with honey and lemon zest and set aside. Wash the strawberries and slice.
  3. Make dressing by mixing vinegar, oil and salt and pepper.
  4. To assemble, spread half of the ricotta on top half of the lavash as well as the one inch portion on other end to create a glue when you roll it into a wrap.
  5. Cover the ricotta with a thin layer of spinach.
  6. Cover the spinach with a thin layer of strawberries.
  7. Drizzle with as much balsamic dressing as you would like and roll up.
  8. Cut in half at an angle or into two inch rings.
  9. Remaining dressing can be used for dipping on the side.

 

Lunch, Snack

Deviled Egg Bunnies

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Deviled Egg Bunnies
Deviled Egg Bunnies

Easter is upon us, and before you run out to the store to grab everything you need for the celebrations, consider jazzing up your deviled egg recipe by adding some bunny faces to them.

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After the eggs had been hard-boiled and cooled, the cub got right into rolling and peeling them. It took a few tries until she understood how to roll them under her palm. On this particular day she woke up feeling like a princess, so, of course, she needed to dress the part.

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Grandma DiDi then demonstrated how to cut them in half. With a little bit of help, the cub did an excellent job.

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Grandma DiDi showed the cub how to pop the yolk out of the egg white. The cub watched intently.

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She did it! Yay!

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Now it’s the cubs turn. This took patience and practice.

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One for you, one for me. The cub is always tasting the food we make.

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Now for the additions to the deviled egg mix. The Cub and her knife skills went to work. Chopping the celery to add to the mix was easy.

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This Cinderella princess is right at ease stirring up a batch of deviled eggs.

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Pausing to smell the ingredients is a MUST. The cub helps us chop some dill for the deviled egg mix and I think we will also use some for whiskers.

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Next up the cub chopped up some olives for the deviled egg bunny decorations. We think we will use them for eyes and maybe a nose!

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We let the cub design her own, but for our finished product, Grandma DiDi took over the assembly of the bunnies.

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HOPPY EASTER!

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We hope you enjoy the day with friends and family!

Deviled Egg Bunnies

Ingredients

  • Dozen hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 -2 Tbsp Chopped celery (to taste)
  • 1-2 Tbsp mayonaise
  • 2-3 Tbsp greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp dill, chopped
  • Toppings: radish, carrots, chives, olives, dill, and capers

Directions

    1. Bring eggs to a gentle boil for about 10 minutes then let them sit in the hot water for about another 5, covered. Cool them completely in an ice bath for 10 minutes.
    2. Peel eggs and slice them lengthwise in half.
    3. Remove yolks and place in a medium size bowl. Smash well with a fork.
    4. Add yogurt, mayonnaise and mustard  to the egg yolks and blend well. Add more or less depending on the consistency you prefer.
    5. Add chopped celery, salt, pepper, and dill to the egg yolks (we kept the eggs pretty simple. Feel free to add other ingredients like onions, pickles etc.)
    6. Fill the egg white halves with prepared yolk mixture using a small spoon or pastry bag.
    7. Decorate the eggs with eyes, nose, whiskers and a smile using  your choice of toppings.
    8. Eat and enjoy!
Breakfast, Snack, Treats

Baked Blueberry Lemon Glazed Doughnuts

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Baked Blueberry Lemon Glazed Doughnuts
Baked Blueberry Lemon Glazed Doughnuts

In honor of the cubs birthday this week, we made DOUGHNUTS!!!

She was thrilled to say the least and it was a new experience for Grandma DiDi. As much as she’s cooked in her day, she’s never made doughnuts.  We found the recipe on Flick of a Whisk. Donuts

The cub started by greasing the doughnut pan.

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Then she helped by mixing the dough ingredients.

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Watching Grandma DiDi measure the ingredients. In goes the vanilla.

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Eggs are so fun! Especially when Grandma DiDi cracks them super high and lets the egg slip out.

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“Grandma, what’s that?” The cub gets her first lesson in zesting!
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Time to add the flour. The cub was up for this task.

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The dough become too thick so Grandma DiDi took over stirring.

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Grandma DiDi shows the cub how to make a DIY pastry bag. The cub doesn’t know what to think…

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Grandma DiDI cut just one corner of the ziplock bag.

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And squeezes the dough into the doughnut baking sheet.  See Note*

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They are ready for the oven!

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While the doughnuts bake, the cub and Grandma DiDi make the icing. Of course, it’s lemon flavor! One of the cubs favorite flavors!

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After the milk and powdered sugar were added, the cub enjoyed the leftover powdered sugar. Yum, yum, extra yum!

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The doughnuts are ready and the cub dips them into the icing!

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And quickly sneaks a bite! Cub approved and such a special treat for a special girl!

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Happy Birthday, Cub!

Baked Blueberry Lemon Glazed Doughnuts

Recipe from Flick of the Whisk

Ingredients

For the doughnuts:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
For the glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered icing sugar
  • 1-2 tsp lemon zest
  • 7-8 tbsp fresh lemon juice or milk(or little of each depending on taste)
  • Optional: sprinkles(Cubs favorite!)

Directions

Make the doughnuts:
    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and grease your doughnut pans with butter or non-stick spray.
    2. In a large bowl, combine butter, oil and sugar and whisk until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
    3. Add in eggs, vanilla, lemon zest and yogurt and whisk until smooth.
    4. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and stir until combined. Stir in blueberries. Batter will be thick.
    5. Spoon batter into a large disposable piping bag or freezer bag. Cut off the end of the bag so your opening is about ½-3/4” wide (big enough for the blueberries to get through). Pipe batter once around each doughnut hole – the batter shouldn’t quite fill the hole as they’ll expand and rise.
    6. Bake for 7-8 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from the doughnut pan to cool completely.
Make the glaze:
  1. In a shallow, medium bowl, combine sugar, zest, and 6 tbsp of juice or milk. Add an additional 1-2 tbsp of liquid if needed. You want your glaze to be thin enough to evenly coat your doughnuts, but thick enough that it will set and become dry to the tough.
  2. When doughnuts are completely cool, dip tops of doughnuts into the glaze and overturn so the glaze runs down the sides. Set aside for the glaze to set.

*Note: We purchased a mini doughnut pan and found that piping the dough into the little molds was difficult and that the blueberries were almost too big for the mini doughnuts. A larger doughnut baking sheet would work better.

Snack

Artichoke Hummus and Whole-Wheat Poppy Seed Crackers

by The Kitchen Cub1 Comment on Artichoke Hummus and Whole-Wheat Poppy Seed Crackers
Artichoke Hummus and Whole-Wheat Poppy Seed Crackers

Crackers and dip – pretty much the epitome of snack time. We try not to snack too much in our house in order for the cub to focus on eating meals. But when we do eat snacks, we try to make them wholesome and nutritious.

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The cub began by helping prep our ingredients. In this case – butter! Her knife skills are improving! Practice makes perfect.

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Colorful, large measuring cups make it easy for little toddler hands to hold. From the look on her face, you know she’s proud of herself. Mission accomplished.

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A bit more difficult of a task, but she executed perfectly. Measuring herbs and spices always has an additional step – stop and smell the aroma!  She was picking the spices this time by smelling curry and garam marsala.  She picked curry!

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In goes the agave syrup. “I can do it grandma,” explained the cub.

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The cub enjoys using her pink piggy spatula to stir all the  ingredients for the crackers. We needed to mix it until it became a ball of dough. The cub started and then grandma DiDi took over.

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After the dough is formed, roll the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. While the cracker dough chills, we started the hummus.

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Grandma DiDi heard that boiling your canned garbanzo beans first will help them blend into a creamier hummus. So after the beans boiled, the cub helped add them to our blender. Another fun task for her was watching the liquid separate from the beans.

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Measuring and smelling all the yummy ingredients into the blender. The cub dumped everything in and then stood back for the blending part. She doesn’t like how it makes such a loud noise.

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Cracker dough is ready. Slice into 1/8 inch rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.

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After placing them on a prepared baking sheet, sprinkle the tops with poppy seeds. The cub took this task very seriously and kept asking us to look at her work. “Good job, honey!” Pop them in the oven and then it’s time to eat!

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As soon as the crackers cooled, the cub dove right in!

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So yummy!

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Make some for your cub at home and feel confident you are feeding them whole ingredients, with no crazy additives you find in so many products these days. Dive in!

Artichoke Hummus and Whole-Wheat and Poppy Seed Crackers
(Cracker recipe adapted from Vegetarian Heartland )

Artichoke Hummus

Ingredients

  • 1 can garbanzo beans
  • 1 tbsp. tahini
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 lemon juiced –  or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts
  • 1 clove garlic or more to taste
  • 1/2 bay leaf
  • salt to taste
  • olive oil

Directions

  1. Heat garbanzo beans in juice with garlic and bay leaf at a simmer for 20 mins
  2. Remove bay leaf
  3. Strain beans and garlic into blender, reserving 1 Tbsp or more liquid for blender
  4. Add all other ingredients to blender and mix well until creamy
  5. To serve drizzle with good quality olive oil

Note: Store in air-tight container for up to a week in the fridge.

Whole-Wheat Pumpkin and Poppy Seed Crackers 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp poppy seed, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 tsp ground spice of choice – we chose curry but you can use spice of choice, even cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 Tbsp agave
  • 4 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Measure all dry ingredients into bowl.  
  3. Work cubes of butter into dry ingredients with pastry cutter or fork until they are incorporated well into dry small particles
  4. Add pumpkin and mix well into ball
  5. Wrap in plastic wrap and form into log about 6 inches long.  Refrigerate for 1 hour
  6. Slice with sharp knife into 1/8 inch slices and place on a parchment covered baking sheet
  7. Sprinkle with more poppy seeds
  8. Bake 15 – 20 min until edges start to brown