Leader Enterprise - Sept. 13, 2017 - Starting School Right

Cafeteria Peanut Butter Balls

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. The school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

The place where kids study should be comfortable, quiet and free from distractions. They can go to their room, close the door and kill as many distractions as possible - like music, television, and even the internet and their phone. 

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown bag rut'. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents:don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ,optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed,optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ, optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

William Butler Yeats has been quoted as saying "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". 

Leader Enterprise - August 13, 2014 - School Studies & Lunch Ideas

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. I believe the school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

Any area where your child studies needs to be free of distractions: toys, phones, clutter, etc. It has always bothered me to see or know of a child who studies with their books in their lap. Everyone needs a cleared flat surface to lay books and to be able to write. A bulletin board nearby gives them a place for a calendar, school papers and lists. Have a sturdy place for the student to sit giving good support and with feet touching the floor.

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the'brown bag rut'. It's great to have more control over what your child is eating. Taking a lunch to school has taken plain ole peanut butter sandwiches to a whole new level. Now there are wraps, pitas and tortillas available to send. Be sure they are ''100% whole grain" and the first ingredient listed is 'whole grain'. For variety, cut sandwiches into 4 squares or 3 strips. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

Mini Brownie Treats

There's a real variety of  'cool' ice packs to keep lunches cold. You can use hard ice packs (wrap in a paper towel to collect moisture )or the soft gel kind. If you include a juice box in the lunch, freeze it first and as it thaws it will keep the foodstuff chilled, and should be ready to drink by lunchtime. Gotta love those kinds of practical ideas huh?

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags-a great way to have perfect single-serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version. Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth. Instead of purchasing pre-sliced apples at the store, make your own! Toss apple slices in a mixture of lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents: don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress in ways you may never know.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter 
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ, optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed, optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield: about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ,optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. coconut oil, melted (or butter)

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12 - 13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

Whether or not you pack these are a fun little snacks in their lunch or give them as after school snacks, kids will have a blast making these themselves. 

MINI BROWNIE TREATS 

1 package (9"X13"pan size) fudge brownie mix

48 striped chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for fudge-like brownies. Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 18 - 21 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.Immediately top each with a chocolate kiss. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 4 dozen yummy little treats.

​

Leader Enterprise - August 21, 2013 - Back to school breakfasts and snacks

'Labor and Delivery' are over - my 'BABY' has arrived! All 500+ copies of "LOVE AT FIRST BITE" were delivered last Wednesday and I have been one busy bee ever since. If you purchase one before any of my signings, please feel free to bring it to me so I can autograph it for you! Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement in this special season of my life.

(And if you have an interest to read more about the book, including ordering details, click  here)

Since school begins soon, I wanted to share these simple ideas for helping everyone have a smooth transition going into the new year. Research shows that kids who eat breakfast fare much better in school than those who don't.   It helps maximize school performance and helps them grow properly also. Consider these simple routine changes so your kids can begin the day out right by having time for breakfast.

Make sure homework is finished and the bags packed ready for school by bedtime. 

Get up 15 minutes earlier if need be. 

Give up TV and computer games before school. 

Children should decide what they're going to wear to school before going to bed. 

Know where shoes are to save time. Relieve morning stress by planning ahead.

Here's some easy ways to get nutrition in your kids in the morning.

Breakfast doesn't have to be a victim of the early AM rush. Some of these things can be eaten on the go. Be sure to stock healthy foods; allow children to choose favorite yogurt or cereal when shopping. 

Breakfast Split-place vanilla yogurt in a bowl,
top with fresh banana slices, strawberries, raspberries or favorite fruit and top with granola. Place in a disposable cup or bowl and let children eat breakfast on the way to school if need be. 

Banana Pancakes - Mix 1/2 banana with 3/4 cup milk in blender. To 1-1/4 c. pancake mix, add 1 lg. egg, 2 TB.peanut butter, 1 TB. oil,and banana milk. Cook until bubbly; turn. Top with peanut butter. Many breakfast foods like this one can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated for a quick breakfast on a busy morning. 

Fruity Milkshake - In blender place 3/4 c. milk, 1/2 c. frozen whole strawberries and 1/2 cup (frozen) vanilla yogurt. Cover with lid; process until smooth. Pour into glass. Yield: 1 serving. 

INVISIBLE BANANA FRENCH TOAST
2 eggs
1 banana, sliced
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 slices white bread
1 TB. margarine or oil
Place eggs, banana slices and cinnamon in blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into bowl - heat margarine. Dip bread into batter and fry. Serve with warm maple syrup or even peanut butter. For a quicker breakfast, roll up and eat on the go.

These omelette 'muffins' are great for making on the weekend and reheating for a protein packed breakfast during the week. Add your family's favorite veggies and cheese and your kids will be begging for more.

MINI MUFFIN OMELETS

12 eggs (I used 11 so my pans weren't so full)

2 Tb. milk

1 c. chopped deli ham or cooked bacon or sausage

2 ozs. shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

blanched veggies of choice

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 12 muffin tins generously with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix eggs and milk - pour evenly into pans. Sprinkle with add-ins, then salt & pepper. Bake 20 minutes. They come out of the pans a lot easier than I expected them to. 

How about making your own pop-tarts? They're easy enough for the kids to help with, and you'll know what's in them. They're frugal too! Great for breakfast or after school snacking.

HOMEMADE POP TARTS 

1 pkg. refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Strawberry Jam
1 can strawberry or vanilla frosting
sprinkles

Preheat oven to 400. Cut dough into 3-inch rectangles. On one side, spread jam leaving about 1/2-inch on all sides. Top with another rectangle. Using a fork, crimp the edges to close. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet (or spray with cooking oil) and bake for 9 - 12 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and transfer to a cooling rack and place in fridge for about 5-7 minutes. (This will make frosting much easier...and we don't want those precious babes burning their mouths!).  Spread frosting on; top with sprinkles.

Here's a couple of ideas for healthy and fun after-school snacks. My Long-Time Favorite: Apple Smiles: Cut a red apple in half;  core; then cut each half into 4-5 slices. On one side of each apple slice spread peanut butter, add 4-5 mini marshmallows (to represent teeth), then top with another slice, peanut butter side down. You'll have 2 'lips' and 'teeth'.

BANANA MONKEY CRUNCH

1-14 oz. can crushed pineapple,drained
3 cups vanilla(Greek)yogurt
1 (4-serv.size)  instant vanilla pudding mix
1 c.granola cereal
2 bananas, sliced
Drain pineapple juice into large bowl. Add yogurt and pudding mix to juice and whisk until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Add crushed pineapple; stir well. Let stand a few minutes or refrigerate. Spoon into dessert bowls. Top with granola and banana slices.

Here's a list of seasonal foods (in NW Ohio) that will be cheaper to purchase the last part of August: apples, pears, grapes, broccoli, okra, nectarines, cabbage, summer squash, peppers, corn and tomatoes.

Leader Enterprise - Brown Bagging - Sept. 19, 2012

With school starting and homework piling up, the structure and routine of the school year quickly replaces those relaxed summer days we've all enjoyed. I believe the school year can go smoother with a planned study space for students. Less stress..more success.

Any area where your child studies needs to be free of distractions: toys, phones, ipads, clutter, etc. It has always bothered to see or know of a child who studies with their books in their lap. Everyone needs a cleared flat surface to lay books and to be able to write. A bulletin board nearby gives them a place for a calendar, school papers and lists. Have a sturdy place for the student to sit giving good support and with feet touching the floor.

Studying, of course, needs to be somewhere away from the tv or loud music. Be sure there is sufficient lighting so the child doesn't get a headache from eye strain. Desk lighting is always the best, but overhead lighting is good also. The spot where they study doesn't need to be anything fancy, but having a good place to study will help your kids get a good start to their school year.

Whether or not your child takes their own lunch every day or just occasionally, try not to fall into the 'brown bag rut'. It's great to have more control over what your child is eating. Taking a lunch to school has taken plain ole peanut butter sandwiches to a whole new level. Now there are wraps, pitas and tortillas available to send. Be sure they are '100% whole grain" and the first ingredient listed is 'whole grain'. Try new foods in lunches - whether for school or work. Watch for what's in season and vary between fruits and veggies.

There's a real variety of 'cool' ice packs to keep lunches cold. You can use hard ice packs (wrap in a paper towel that can also be used as a napkin if need be) or the soft gel kind. If you include a juice box in the lunch, freeze it first and as it thaws it will keep the foodstuff chilled, and should be ready to drink by lunchtime. Gotta love those kinds of practical ideas huh?

You can pack healthier options, and most kids won't even know the difference. Replace chips with pretzels or goldfish. Place them in ziploc snack bags - a great way to have perfect single - serving sizes. Mix assorted snacks like dried cherries or apples, raisins, yogurt raisins, banana chips, goldfish, cheerios and raisins to make your own 'trail mix'. If your kids want chips, try a healthier baked version.Multigrain Pringles are great.

Purchase items like teddy grahams, granola or animal crackers to satisfy their sweet tooth.You can also add apple slices.Toss apples in a mixture of lemon-lime soda for about 10 minutes, then drain. Store in snack size ziploc bags and be sure to squeeze all the air out.This will prevent the apple slices from browning.It's much more frugal than purchasing presliced apples from the store.

No matter what the kids are taking in their lunch, a note from mom or dad can always brighten their day, so parents: don't forget to add a little love note to your child's lunch or backpack. Knowing you are thinking of them while they're gone helps boost their self-worth and aids them in their school progress.

This is a healthy snack your family is sure to enjoy.

CAFETERIA PEANUT BUTTER BALLS
1 c. honey
1-1/4 c. natural creamy peanut butter
1-1/2 c. dry powdered milk
3 c. quick or old fashioned oatmeal, uncooked
1-2 Tb. wheat germ, optional
1-2 Tb. flax seed, optional
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, optional

Mix all the ingredients together with a electric mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper until firm. Remove from freezer and store in a large zip lock bag in the refrigerator. Yield:about 30 peanut butter balls.

CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BITES

2-1/2 c. quick or old fashioned oats

1/2 c. crisp rice cereal

2 Tb. flax seed, optional

1 Tb. wheat germ, optional

1/2 c. semi-sweet, white chocolate or butterscotch chips

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c.coconut oil, melted

1/3 c. honey

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

Preheat oven to 350. Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix all ingredients except for chocolate chips; stir with spoon until well blended. If mixture seems too dry, add more honey or coconut oil. Add a little at a time until mixture sticks together (but will not be like cookie dough). Stir in chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, place granola mixture in mounds; press mixture firmly with your fingers or back of a spoon. Bake 12-13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from pan with knife and enjoy. Store in airtight container or place in ziploc bags and freeze to be tossed into lunches later.

Who doesn't love PB & J?These cookie bars are a delicious treat anytime of day.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY BARS

1 c. butter, softened

1-1/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 lg. eggs

2 c. (18 ozs) creamy peanut butter

3 c. flour (I use half in white whole wheat)

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1-1/2 c. (18 ozs) favorite jam

chopped peanuts, optional

Grease 9"X13" pan and line with waxed paper. Grease and flour pan. Cream butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes.On low speed add vanilla, eggs and peanut butter; beat until well combined. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. On low speed add to creamed mixture just until combined. Spread 2/3 of dough into pan evenly. Spread jam over dough. Drop remaining dough on top and press lightly. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired. Bake 30-40 minutes until golden brown. (Be careful not to overbake or they will be too dry).