Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

                            
                             Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins

 

I busted out the Sneaky chef to help get our healthy back on. All of our Summer activities kept us outdoors and me out of the kitchen!  With Fall quickly approaching, I wanted to start the new season on a good note.

 

As you may have noticed, peanut butter is a front runner in our home. I love it as much as the kids. As I was flipping through the pages of the Sneaky chef, I came across Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins and knew I had to make them. These are not your ordinary muffins.

                                                                                                                                                Hidden inside is an orange puree which consists of sweet potato and carrot. Sweet potatoes are filled with antioxidant vitamins C and E, carotene's,calcium, potassium, and iron. Carrots are the richest source of carotene and antioxidants among veggies. The flour blend which the muffins are made with contain 1 cup of wheat germ. Wheat germ is a powerhouse of nutrients that offers an excellent source of iron, protein, B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin E. The B vitamins nourish the nervous system and may help prevent fatigue and migraines.

 

Like I said, these are not your ordinary muffins!

 

Missy Chase Lapine recommends pre -making the purees to lesson the workload of her recipes.

 

 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

 

Orange Puree

1 medium sweet potato peeled and roughly chopped

3 medium to large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick chunks

3-4 tablespoons of water

 

Boil about 20 minutes until veggies are tender.

Puree on high with 2 tablespoons of water- the less water the better (use more if need be)

This makes about 2 cups of puree.

You can freeze what you do not use.

 

Flour Blend

 

2 cups of whole grain pastry flour

1 cup of wheat germ, unsweetened

 

Ingredients

 

1 cup of the Flour Blend

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

 

3/4 cup Orange Puree

3/4 smooth peanut butter

8 heaping teaspoons of your favorite jam

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Flour Blend, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

 

In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined, then whisk in the oil, Orange Puree, and peanut butter. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until flour is just moistened (don't over mix to avoid dense muffins).

 

Scoop about two tablespoons of batter into the large muffin cups until half full. Place a heaping teaspoon of jam in the center of each muffin. Cover the jam with another two tablespoons or so of batter, filling the cups just over the top.

 

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.

 

 

I made these muffins in the morning when the kiddies were just waking up. Chloe asked what the orange puree was and I told her I was making baby food for my godson! I was so excited for Chloe and Max to try them. I put my blood, sweat and tears into making them! I had to go to so many different stores for the various ingredients, make the Orange Puree...and lets not talk about the cleanup!

 

I give the kids the muffins and Max says "YUCK" and wont even attempt a bite. Chloe takes one bite and says shes full!

 

Chloe ate more of them and continued eating them in the days to follow! My parents enjoyed them, my brother loved the jam in the middle and my husband had his share as well...you couldn't taste a hint of veggies.

 

I am definitely sending these to school with Chloe for her A.M snack. She actually asked me to make them again today...so back at it tomorrow! (I already have the Orange Puree frozen)

 

I highly suggest skipping the minis and making all regular sized muffins- they were moister and tastier.

 

I hope all my fellow peanut butter fans make these muffins! They are worth all of the work-especially knowing you are filling your kiddies bellies with some good stuff.  

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packing Healthy Lunches for Kids

You've got the school supplies ready to go, but what's your plan for packing healthy back to school lunches? I know this is on the mind of many a mommy- including me. Packing a healthy lunch at home can ensure kids get the nutrition they need without all the fat, calories and salt found on convenience foods and many school lunches. Too much salt, calories and fat can contribute to long term health issues like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Among children today, obesity is causing health problems that previously weren't seen until adulthood- now that's scary.

Preparation is an important factor in helping your child eat healthily.

 Tips on Packing Healthy School Lunches

Plan ahead! Writing out a list helps me stay to focused on my purchases. Going rogue can be dangerous because your just grabbing at unnecessary stuff.  

Shop your local health store for pre-packaged snacks that are high in fiber and low in fat, sugar and calories. A couple of great options are nuts which are high in protein and pre-sliced apples in individual bags. 

  Write down ideas as you see them. Keep a pad out on the counter until your ready to get to the store. If you see a sandwich idea, jot down all ingredients needed for it.

                                                                                                                                                         Having a variety of containers helps me to pack healthier. My obsession? Lunchbots. They are stainless steel bento box style containers with dividers. I bought one for Chloe and Max. It will make sending in fresh fruits and veggies along with rolled up turkey and crackers a cinch. I bought the quad which has four sections- they also come in three, two or even one sectioned containers...and they are waste free so great for the environment!

Rinse and slice fruits and veggies Sunday night so they are easily accessible all week when your ready to pack lunches.

Cut fruit into shapes for greater acceptance. You can use cookie cutters.

Getting lunches made right after dinner can help the morning run more smoothly.

100% juice boxes with no added sugar (I like fruitables) in the freezer will keep lunches cool until lunchtime.

Watch your portions. Size does matter! Portion size has a lot to do with why our kids are gaining weight. Because there's too much of everything on their plates, our kids are getting far more calories than they need. You may be surprised to learn these are serving sizes:

• 1 slice of bread
• 1/2 cup of rice or pasta
• 1 small piece of fruit (super large apples are 2+ servings)
• 1 wedge of melon
• 1/2 cup of fruit juice
• 1 cup of milk or yogurt
• 2 to 3 ounces of meat, poultry or fish (approximately the size of a deck of cards)

                                                       Health on the Go!
                                                
Hummus now comes in individual snack packs! Send them to
school along with cut up pieces of whole grain pita bread, pretzels, celery, cucumber or carrots. Hummus is a low fat protein source and is high in iron and vitamin C.

Sandwiches can be made healthily on whole grain or wheat bread, pita, wraps or flatbreads. Choose lean meats in low sodium such as turkey or chicken. I love Boarshead low sodium chicken breast. Use reduced fat mayo or mustard to dress it up.

Peanut butter makes for a high protein lunch. I made a PB&H (honey) with apples that my kids loved. Substitute the peanut butter with soy nut butter if need be. I am healthy makes a great one.

Hard boiled eggs are great for lunch- my daughter refuses to take them because they smell! If your child doesn't mind- its a great option!

Low-fat or light yogurt with a side of granola and chopped fruit can make a great lunch or snack! Stay away from yogurts targeted at children because they are high in calories and sugar. My kids love Danon Oikos in Vanilla.

Cereal is great for lunch! Buy individual milk containers or pour some 2% milk into a spill proof container and freeze it the night before.

Look for granola bars that are low in fat and sugar. Choose ones that contain less than 1 gram of saturated fat per serving and no more than 35% sugar by weight. There should be at least 5 grams of protein as well....not all granola bars are created equal!

My peanut butter and yogurt dip is another great option that got rave reviews from not only my children, but most of my readers and their children as well. Click on the link for the quick and easy recipe to make it!



I hope I was able to help some. I know it is not easy- especially for those with picky eaters.

Do you have any healthy lunch ideas you can share? I would love to hear them.

Ways to ease school anxiety

 

Back to school time is filled with many emotions- excitement, anticipation, anxiety for both children and parents. Anxiety is the front runner in my house.  

 

 I am afraid of mentioning Kindergarten to Chloe in fear of the meltdown that follows. I was hopeful that the visit to her new classroom, meeting her new teacher and classmates would help some, but it didn't. Whenever we talk about returning, she cries and says she'll miss me.

 

  Chloe attended a three year old program. It was two days a week, two and a half hours per class. She was a little apprehensive leaving me at first, but to my surprise adjusted quickly. I made up a little song for her knowing how she liked them.

I always come back,
I always come back,
I always come back for you!

I never said it was a fantastic song! For being created on a whim, it worked! Every time I picked her up, she would sing "you always come back, you always come back, you always come back for me"!

The following year, Chloe attended Pre-K. This doubled in both days and hours. She went Monday- Thursday, 10am-2pm. She really liked it but complained of how long it felt to her from September all the way through June. I had trouble getting her there the last month. This came to a surprise to her teacher when I mentioned it. She was doing so well in school, never showing signs of anxiety.

She grew very attached to her Pre-K teacher and is having a hard time knowing she is not going to be her teacher again. To boot, not one student from her Pre-K class is in her Kindergarten class. On top of that, she will be in school for 2 hours longer than Pre-K. A lot of change for a little person.

My mom taught Kindergarten for 25 years and recommended some books to help ease her woes. My favorite is The Kissing Hand. When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. Mrs. Raccoon teaches Chester that just because he is away from her doesn't mean that she cant be with him in other ways. She shows him the secret of the kissing hand so he doesn't feel lonely at school and knows his mother loves him. It comes with little heart stickers to place in your child's hand to remind them of how much you love them when they're away from home. So cute and Chloe loved the little stickers. She slept with one in the palm of her hand after reading it before bed.

We also read llama llama misses mama. I loved that this story went along with my little song of always coming back. Little llama wouldn't try anything new all day. He wouldnt play, read or eat with his classmates. He was so sad his mom left. When she returned to pick him up, he realized that she will always come back for him and that he does in fact like school.                                       
 
Reading has helped Chloe's anxieties some. We also went shopping for her supplies together- I read that this can help. I thought she would be apprehensive but she was excited to pick out her own lunch bag, backpack and folders...everything princess of course! This helped her realize that its not just talk- that it is in fact beginning soon. She didn't freak out- so I have that!

I also started getting back on a set schedule now- before school begins. Bed time gradually  returned to the 7:30 pm it was before Summer. This will help reduce Chloe's stress. Creating a daily routine has always been a huge part of our family life- it's what keeps me somewhat sane! I am going to create a morning checklist (will post!) to help our mornings run smoothly and organized. Daily things like brushing teeth, combing hair, getting dressed will be on the checklist. This will also allow Chloe to feel as though she is in control of her morning which will hopefully lead to less of us butting heads.

This is not easy! Knowing she is having anxiety is giving me anxiety!

Do you have any tips to help ease the transition from Summer to school? Please share!

 

 

 

 

 

Pack a back to school lunch with a punch!

                                   PB&H Honey & Apple Sammie

Once again- peanut butter prevails! Never in a million years did I think Chloe would eat this sandwich! The apple and honey with the peanut butter is so sweet and salty- with my first bite, I understood why she liked it so much! I'm so happy to have another great, healthy option to pack for her school lunch!

The National Honey Board was at Blogher 12 giving away many different honey products. I scored some great lip balm, honey sticks and sampled some yummy hybrid honeys! My favorite was the blueberry honey. The avocado honey...not so much! The best score? A mini honey cookbook with this sandwich in it. Luckily, I got the last one!


PB&H honey & apple sammie

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup of peanut butter
1 green apple, thinly sliced

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add honey, vanilla extract and cinnamon; mix well.

Spread the peanut butter on whole grain bread (or bread of your choice). Top peanut butter with 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey cream cheese mixture. Layer with apple slices, close sandwich with second slice of bread, cut & enjoy!

This is such a quick and simple sammie to add to your child's lunch menu!

For more great honey recipe ideas, visit www.honey.com

Next on my list, honey banana pops!

How to Buy Children's Shoes: A Guide for Moms

I was shocked when I took my children to have their feet sized at our local Stride Rite. Chloe who is going to be 5 this September measured an 11 1/2. Max who will be 3 in September, also measured an 11 1/2! The sneakers I have for him are a size 10- those surely aren't working for school! He hasn't worn them all summer- but my has his foot grown!

As I scanned the sneakers , the 11 1/2 looked tremendous. I knew I couldn't buy a pair without him present. The stuff at Stride Rite wasn't my style, so I took him to Nordstrom where they are known for doing great shoe fittings for children. They also have an excellent return policy as well. Chloe's Tom's shredded after two wearings and they took them back  no questions asked. Max measured an 11 1/2 in Nordstrom too, but none of the 11 1/2 fit him. We ended up with a size 10 1/2 in the Adidas shown (he chose them himself- great job Max!). Before he was measured, I ordered a pair of Pumas for him from Piperlime in a 10 1/2 that were way too small for him...this is what prompted this post and this guide to purchasing children's shoes. As I researched this topic, I learned there was so much to know when buying shoes for children that I hadn't known before. I definitely wasn't getting their feet measured as much as recommended, but will be doing so from now on to ensure proper fit for my little loves.

Shoe Buying Tips for Children

• A child's foot can grow up to the age of 18. The most important development happens in the first seven. Under the age of 1, kids feet can grow every 2 months. From age 1- 2 1/2, every 3 months. From age 2 1/2 - 4 years old, every 4 months. From 4-6 years old, every six months. Shoes that do not fit properly can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Don't guesstimate your child's size. Always get them measured before buying them shoes.
• Have your child's feet measured every 2-3 months until toddler years, every 3-4 after that.
• Don't order on line unless you know the sizing of the brand. Every shoe brand has different sizing as I explained above. Don't buy based on the size printed on the shoebox
• If both feet measure differently (which is common) buy for the larger foot.
• Flexibility is important to look for in a shoe. Bend the shoe in your hand making sure it bends by the toe and ball of foot rather than in the middle.

                                                         

• While your child is standing, press down feeling for toe space. There should be about 1/2 inch between the longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• Shoes do not need "breaking in". Especially for kids! Shoes should be comfortable from the very first wear. I should take this advice next time I'm trying on a pair of stilettos!
•  A light shoe is key. A heavy shoe can make your child walk irregularly, preventing the development of a normal walking pattern.
•  Have your child try on every pair and have them walk to make sure they seem comfortable and fit properly.

So much to know, right? When it comes to buying shoes for the kiddies, there are so many different types available that it can be hard to figure out which ones are best for them. The most important thing to remember is how critical it is for your child to be wearing proper foot support. Don't always go for your favorite if it doesn't work for them. I've been guilty of this in the past! I know how my feet feel after a long day in uncomfortable shoes and refuse to do that to my children. Even though I'm not a sneaker girl for myself (besides for the gym), both Chloe and Max will be donning sneakers for school. Chloe Lelli Kelli for a little added sparkle!

I hope you found this helpful and that your children will be as comfy as mine this school year!

Happy shopping!!!

The Dirty Dozen- Top Foods to Buy Organic

Organic Strawberries- a must!

When I found out I was pregnant with Chloe, eating clean became a top priority in my life. I wanted to provide her with the best nourishment I could from the start. Once she was born and started eating herself, going strictly organic was important to me. I made my own baby food for both of my children using only organic fruits and veggies. Feeding my kids is my shtick! I get pure joy out of feeding them to this day.

Now at 5 and 3, I no longer buy strictly organic. Although I still feed them as healthily as I possibly can, the cost is too high for me to be able to buy everything organic. My staples are milk and yogurt and the fruits and veggies referred to as "the dirty dozen"! You can lower your families pesticide intake substantially just by buying these fruits and veggies. Most of the foods listed below have either thin skin or no skin, which is the reason they are exposed to more pesticides that we end up eating (so scary to me). These fruits and veggies represent the USDA's list of most contaminated.

The Dirty Dozen

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Peaches
• Celery
• Sweet bell peppers
• Nectarines
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Cucumbers
• Potatoes

Green beans and leafy greens such as kale and collard greens were recently added to the dirty dozen because of the highly toxic insecticides they are contaminated with. The dirty fourteen doesn't sound as good as the dirty dozen! I find that Trader Joe's has decent prices on their organic fruits and veggies. If I don't buy them there, I buy at Bj's. Just be careful when buying in bulk because organic tends to go bad quickly. Freeze freezable fruits in baggies if you can't use them in due time. Frozen fruits are great for smoothies.

To keep your cost of food shopping down, here is a list of safer foods that you can buy non- organic. These are referred to as "the clean 15". Love the quirky titles!

The Clean 15

• Onions
• Pineapple
• Mangoes
• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Sweet Corn
• Cabbage
• Sweet Peas
• Asparagus (which surprise me)
• Cantaloupe
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms (again, surprised)
• Sweet Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Kiwi

Happy & healthy eating!

Healthy back to school lunch!

Peanut Butter & Yogurt Dip

What can be more frustrating than feeding a picky eater? Packing a school lunch for one- that's what! I'm with all of you moms who are in dire straights over what my kids are going to eat while at school. Chloe has to bring in an A.M snack and a lunch for lunchtime. Max will only be there for 2 1/2 hours so he will only be taking a snack.

I had this amazing snack at my friends house last week, and knew I had to share it with you. It was so delicious- and perfect for a school snack or lunch...and its HEALTHY to boot! Whoo-hoo!!! LOL

I made it at home tonight for a test run and let me tell you, they ate it all! There wasn't one bit left. This makes mama happy. I love when my kids enjoy healthy foods. So, the test run went smoothly. Kid tested, mother approved! Go for it ladies!

 Peanut Butter & Yogurt Dip

Makes 3/4 cup, 6 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
1/3 cup of peanut butter. I used Teddie Smooth all natural peanut butter with flaxseed.

1 container (6 oz.) of nonfat Greek vanilla yogurt. I used Danon Oikos.

I cut up 1 Granny Smith
             1 Gala apple
             4 celery sticks

 And added a handful of Trader Joe's pretzel thins.



I had the perfect Tupperware (with cover) for this! Now I just have to find another (I believe they sell it at Stop & Shop)  so I can send both Chloe and Max to school with an amazing, healthy lunch/snack. If my picky eaters ate this- yours will too!



I will be attempting more school lunch creations before school starts! Be sure to check back if your in a pickle over what to pack!

                                                 

Playdate 101

Can't we just all get along? LOL

I've learned a lot about playdates in the past year. Before moving to the suburbs, the word playdate didn't exist to me! Growing up in Brooklyn, scheduled playing was unheard of. We just all played outside together. I'm getting acclimated to this playdate thing but one thing is for sure- they should come with a handbook! Since they don't come with one, I've created my own!

Playdate 101

• If your child wants to have a playdate, simply ask the parent. You can schedule something you're comfortable with. Personally, I am not comfortable dropping my children off at someones home- so I don't- that's the bottom line. Don't do anything you are uncomfortable with. Suggest your home if you are comfortable with that and tell the parent they can come along. Ask if the child has any allergy restrictions before buying snacks for your playdate. If you aren't comfortable doing it in your home, suggest the playground.

• All good things come to an end- so end it before its not good! I have learned to limit playdates to 2 hours. At around the 2 hour mark I begin noticing the kids have had enough. Arguing begins- crankiness takes over. If a child is dropped off by me, I ask the parent to come back in 2 hours. If I'm going to someone else's home, I say that I will be leaving at whatever time 2 hours later will be! It just works this way.

• Whether your doing it your home, another persons or the playground- have a quick chat with your child prior to the playdate. Go over sharing, keeping hands to themselves and following the rules of wherever you will be. Example- my rule is sitting at our table to eat. Any kids I have in my home must follow this rule. Its okay to have rules and you can go over them quickly at the start of your playdate.

• It is not another parents responsibility to discipline your child. If your child isn't doing the right thing and your present for the playdate, correct their behavior! I've had parents in my house that don't say anything to their kids and I don't want to feel like I'm babysitting!

• All kids want the same thing. Always have enough of the same snack for the kids to share. If you are going to someones home, bring a snack and have enough for everyone.

• Be prepared to feed your playdate. I'm a feeder so I enjoy making a lunch for our visitor. Be sure to ask the parent if its okay.

• I've had wonderful playdates and not so wonderful playdates. If you have an awful playdate - don't do it again. Break up with the playdate! Everyone has to have a good time or at least not have a killer migraine when the playdate is through...so if your not enjoying it- end it!

Do you have any playdate etiquette to share?

10 Ways to Make Your Photos Blogworthy

Picture from layoutsparks

I attended the Adorama Blographer event today and learned some great tips to apply to my blog. Besides the professional pictures I have posted on my site, great pictures is something Secrets of a Momaholic lacks. Mostly all my pictures are shit and I know it! Better photography is something I have wanted to work on to improve upon my blog so this was a huge help. I hope it comes in handy to you as well!


10 Ways to Make Your Photos Blogworthy

1. Empower your images to tell your story
2. Find the best light
3. Be consistent with your style and skill
4. Use aperture to focus on important elements
5. Use shutter speed to dramatically freeze or blur motion
6. Select images that support your style/brand
7. Shoot with skill and edit for impact
8. Lighten up to emphasize detail
9. Train your eye to recognize proper white balance
10. Prepare properly for the web

Amanda Padgett, a photo blogger who was a speaker at the event said something that stood out to me. She said, "do not buy an expensive camera and leave it on automatic". She went on to describe some of the many ways you can manipulate a camera to do amazing things it wouldn't do in automatic. If I didn't attend this event, I probably would have done just that.

I plan on owning a Canon Rebel in my very near future (my anniversary is at the end of the month!!) I will put my tips to work and report on how its going! Hopefully the proof is in the pudding and you'll see it in my photos!

Oh & one more cool thing about the event- I won something!!! I never win anything! And its something awesome for when I do get my camera. A Joby gorillapod focus & ballhead which is a flexible tripod that you can hook up to just about anything to take pictures! Yayyyy me!!!