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.

Tropical Beets

Tropical Beets

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Serving Size 1/3 cup

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 can (8.75 ounces) pineapple tidbits in 100% juice
1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
1 1⁄2 cups sliced beets, cooked from fresh (5 beets, 2" diameter sphere) or canned/drained (most of a 15 oz can)

Directions

1. In a small saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in pineapple tidbits with juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring occasionally.
3. Add margarine or butter and beets. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Spinach with Garbanzo Beans

Spinach with Garbanzo Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup chopped onion
1 package (10 ounces) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Add oil, garlic and onion to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes or until onion becomes clear. If you use garlic powder, add it in step 2.
2. Add spinach, garbanzo beans, cumin and salt. Cook until heated through, mashing the beans slightly with a spoon. Serve warm.
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve as a side dish or as a spread with French bread or pita chips.
• Add more garlic, if desired. 
• Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups drained beans.

Sesame Turnips and Carrots

Sesame Turnips and Carrots

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

2 medium turnips
2 medium carrots
4 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon oil
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
3 Tablespoons honey or brown sugar

Directions

1. Wash, peel (if desired) and cut turnips and carrots into ¼ inch cubes.
2. Combine all Ingredients in a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often until vegetables begin to brown (caramelize).
3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

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

Sautéed Zucchini

Sautéed Zucchini

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

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄8 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon oregano (optional)

Directions

1. Wash zucchini and cut into ¼-inch thick rounds or sticks.
2. In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Add garlic and zucchini then sprinkle with salt, pepper and oregano, if desired. Cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Sautéed Peppers

Sautéed Peppers

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

2 bell peppers (greeen, red or yellow - try a mix)
1 medium onion
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Wash and cut peppers into long strips.  Slice or chop onion.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until onions are clear and peppers are tender.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Serve as a side dish; add to sandwiches, tacos or wraps; add to cooked pasta or rice bowls.

Sautéed Onions

Sautéed Onions

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1 cup
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 medium onion, sliced or chopped
1 teaspoon oil, margarine, or butter

Directions

1. Heat oil in a wide bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped or sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until desired softness and color are reached. Reduce the heat as needed to prevent burning.
3. 3-5 minutes – onions will be crisp-tender and a clear white
4. Longer cooking will start to brown the onions. They will become softer and sweeter.
5. Cooking for a long time (30 minutes or more) at a lower heat will turn onions a rich golden brown.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• When sauteing more than one onion, avoid crowding them in the pan.

Sautéed Corn and Onion

Sautéed Corn and Onion

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon margarine or butter
4 cups corn (try frozen, canned and drained, or fresh, cut off the cob)
1 cup chopped onion
1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon dried basil
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Directions

1. Heat margarine in medium skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
2. Add corn, onion, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
3. Cook uncovered until onion is tender and corn is heated through, about 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 1 cup corn (canned and drained, frozen, or fresh cooked).
• Add chopped bell pepper for more color.

Roasted Zucchini

Roasted Zucchini

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 pounds zucchini, whole
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash zucchini and cut into 3-inch lengths.Then cut each 3-inch section into ½-inch thick sticks.
3. In a bowl or plastic bag, combine zucchini sticks with oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place in a single layer onto a large baking sheet. Be careful to not crowd the pieces of zucchini. Lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment will help with cleanup.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned but still tender-crisp.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans
1 Tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Snap the ends off the green beans and rinse the beans in water.
2. Lay the green beans on a metal baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the oil, salt and pepper over the beans. Toss to coat.
4. Roast in a 425 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir the beans a couple times while roasting.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 pounds Brussels sprouts
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash and trim Brussels sprouts. Cut large Brussels sprouts in half from top to bottom; leave small Brussels sprouts whole.
3. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with the oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
5. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once after 10 to 15 minutes.  Sprouts should be tender and browned.
6. Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted Asparagus

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

3 pounds fresh asparagus spears
1 Tablespoon oil
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash asparagus spears and trim off tough ends. Leave whole or cut into shorter lengths
3. In a large bowl, toss spears with the oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place spears in a single layer on a large baking sheet.  Lining the baking sheet with foil or baking parchment will help with clean-up.
5. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes or until the asparagus pieces are lightly browned.  Thick spears will take a longer baking time.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Potato Pals

Potato Pals

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

Ingredients

1 pound red potatoes, scrubbed and cut in 1-inch cubes
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In large bowl, stir together potatoes, oil, salt and garlic powder.
3. Lay potatoes out on a baking sheet with sides.
4. Bake until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Toss a couple times while roasting.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Honey Mustard Green Beans

Honey Mustard Green Beans

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 4 cups
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
3 Tablespoons honey
3 Tablespoons vinegar
4 cups green beans, canned, frozen or cooked from fresh

Directions

1. For fresh green beans, cook until tender.
2. Heat a medium saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add mustard, honey and vinegar and mix well. Cook until sauce boils and becomes thick, about 10 minutes.
3. Add green beans and stir to coat evenly. Cook until beans are heated through. Serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• 4 cups of green beans is about 1½ pounds fresh or 16 ounces frozen or 2 cans (15 ounces each) drained.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

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.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Baked Tortilla Chips 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Makes: 16 chips
Serving Size 8 chips

Ingredients

2 whole grain corn tortillas (6 to 8 inches)
1⁄8 teaspoon salt (optional)
1⁄4 teaspoon oil (optional) or cooking spray (optional)
1⁄8 teaspoon seasoning (try garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder or a mixture) (optional)

Directions

1. Choose a baking temperature (between 375 and 450 degrees) and preheat oven.
2. Choose your version:
   Plain - Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
   Cooking spray – Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
   Oil – Brush oil on one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle with salt or other seasonings, if desired.
3. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes depending on oven temperature.  Watch closely to avoid burning.

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.

Summer Cucumbers

Summer Cucumbers

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

Ingredients

5 cups sliced cucumbers
1⁄2 cup sliced red onion
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

1. Combine cucumbers, onion, salt, black pepper and vinegar together.
2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 9 servings
Serving Size 2/3 cup

Ingredients

SALAD
1 cup quinoa (dry)
2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
3 large celery stalks, diced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 green onions, sliced
3 Tablespoons minced parsley

DRESSING
1⁄2 cup rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh wire strainer under running water for 1 minute.
2. Bring the water or broth and quinoa to a boil in a 2-3 quart saucepan. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Refrigerate until cool.
3. Meanwhile, combine all the vegetables in a salad bowl.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the dressing Ingredients. Add to the vegetables.
5. Add quinoa and stir gently to combine.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.