Category: toddler food

Simple Kale Chips

Simple vegan kale chips
20 Simple vegan kale chips

I was going to buy kale chips the other day, and then I was like  “why would I do that?” They are so simple, and quick to make at home, and wayyyy cheaper. So here is your very simple kale chip recipe. Feel free to add other seasonings of choice to jazz them up a bit, though they are delicious as is. My toddler loved them! She kept asking for the “crackers” how could I say no? The picture above is her sneaking a few as I was attempting to shot a legitimate photo. I couldn’t keep her out of them long enough to get a good picture, so you have proof these are irresistible to toddlers.

Kale Chips

 Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of curly kale de-stemmed and roughly chopped
  • 1 TBL olive oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200F.
  2. Place the chopped kale into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Using your hands massage the kale with the oil until each leaf is coated with oil.
  3. Place kale in a single layer (very important!) on a baking sheet, or two if needed.
  4. Sprinkle lightly with salt and bake for 15-20 minutes until the kale is crispy to the touch and the edges are just starting to brown. Start checking around 10 minutes and check every few minutes after to make sure it isn’t burning.
  5. Allow to cool before consuming.

Vegan Italian Tofuballs for Pasta-Toddler Approved

Vegan Italian Tofuballs
Vegan Italian Tofuballs

In need of some comfort food? I feel I am most of the time in the winter. I just want warm, filling, soul satisfying food. These delightful little nuggets fit the bill perfectly, especially when paired with whole wheat pasta and either your favorite sauce, or my favorite sauce.

Wolfie loved to help with these. She does everything from mashing the tofu to help form the balls. She also ate them! I mean, why wouldn’t you? They are a bit crisp on the outside, a bit salty, faintly “cheesy”, and heavy with Italian seasonings. These also freeze well if you feel like making a double batch.

Tofu Balls

 Ingredients

  • 1 lb water packed extra firm tofu
  • 1 TBL Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1 cup grated zucchini (optional)
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes to taste
  • 2 TBL nutritional yeast
  • 1/4-1/3 cup vegan bread crumbs
  • Neutral flavored oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Mash tofu in a large bowl with your hands of a potato masher.
  2. Add Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, zucchini, pepper, red pepper, and nutritional yeast and stir together.
  3. Add bread crumbs a few tablespoons at a time stirring to combine. The mixture should start to stick together.
  4. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. Heat about a 1/4″ of oil in a large heavy bottomed skillet to about 350 degrees. I never actually check this with a thermometer, but you should. It should be hot, but not smoking, and when you flick a few drops of water into the oil it should sizzle and pop.
  6. Form the tofu mixture into walnut sized balls with your hands. Pack them a bit, but don’t worry if they feel loose as long as they hold their shape in your hand. If they don’t add more breadcrumbs until they do.
  7. Carefully place the tofu balls in the hot oil, and cook until one side is golden brown (3-4minutes), flip them and cook on the other side another 3 minutes or so until golden brown.
  8. Unless you have a super huge skillet you will need to work in batches. You might need to add more oil between batches. If this happens don’t forget to reheat the oil before frying.
  9. Once cooked remove the tofu balls and place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
  10. Serve hot with pasta and sauce.
  11. You could also bake these on an oiled baking sheet at 375 for about 20 minutes. Still good, but not quite the same.

Baked Broccoli “Tots”

Baked Broccoli Tots
Baked Broccoli Tots

These broccoli tots are a fun way to eat your vegetables. My daughter had a blast helping me make these, and using the mini muffin pan allowed her to help shape the tots. She scooped them in and I patted them down. These were super yummy, and toddler approved. You could also serve these with a yummy dip for an appetizer. My husband and I ate them with pasta as a play on meatballs. A versatile dish to be sure.

Healthy Baked Broccoli “Tots”

Originally from gimmedelicious.com

Ingredients

  • 2 cups roughly chopped broccoli
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup diced yellow onion
  • ⅓ cup cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic granules
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 24 cup mini muffin pan, or baking sheet.
  2. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute then remove and shock with cold tap water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
  3. Chop broccoli finely and mix thoroughly with the egg, onions, cheddar, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.
  4. Divide evenly into cups of a muffin pan patting down to ensure they hold their shape. If you don’t have a muffin pan shape into tots and place onto prepared baking sheet.
  5. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove from the oven and enjoy warm, or cold if you’re my daughter.

Pumpkin Zucchini/Carrot Muffins-Vegan

Pumpkin Zucchini/Carrot Muffins
Pumpkin Zucchini/Carrot Muffins

And the quest for vegetables in everything continues. These are some delightful little muffins filled with vegetables, yet sweet and satisfying enough for an adult snack with tea. Whole grain, lightly sweet, nutritious, toddler and husband approved. I’m still on my pumpkin kick. Partially because my daughter loves the pumpkin pancakes so much I always have a half can of pumpkin in my refrigerator, and partly because it’s fall.

For these muffins either shredded zucchini, or carrots, or a mixture of both works beautifully. If you want them a little sweeter you could also sub in shredded apple, but, well, apple isn’t a vegetable…

Pumpkin Zucchini/Carrot Muffins

 Ingredients

  • 2 cups spelt flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini or carrots or mixture of both
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 3 TBL sunflower or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup seeds or chopped  nuts (flax, chia, pumpkin, walnuts or almonds)-optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 12 cup muffin pan with paper liners or a light coating of oil and preheat oven to 375.
  2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flours, baking soda, spices, and salt. Stir briefly.
  3. Add the zucchini/carrots and pumpkin puree, milk, molasses, oil, and seeds or nuts if using stirring to combine.
  4. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups and bake for 20-23 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. Remove from pan and cool a few minutes before enjoying.

 

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

I have been in a pumpkin mood because, you know, fall. Also, it is a super easy ingredient to add to most anything and goes with my theme of veggies in everything! These pancakes are particularly good. My daughter loves them, and one of her friends calls them “cookies”. I always make a big batch and use leftovers for snacks. My daughter and her friend will sit on a park bench together eating these pancakes cold and going “mmhhmm”. It’s pretty rewarding, as you know, a toddler will never hide their feelings about food.

These pancakes are spiced for fall, light,  fluffy, and totally delicious. They could easily be made vegan with and egg substitute of your choice and non-dairy milk and yogurt.

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 small banana
  • 1 cup pumpkin
  • 2 eggs or egg substitute
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups spelt or whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp each ginger and cloves
  • dash of nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt -nondairy is fine
  • 1/2 cup milk – nondairy is fine

Instructions

  1. Mash banana in a medium bowl with the pumpkin puree.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla whisking to combine.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, yogurt, and milk and stir together. If mixture needs more liquid add it to your desired consistency. Thicker batter makes thicker pancakes, thinner batter makes thinner pancakes.
  4. Heat a large skillet, I use my biggest cast iron pan, over medium heat.
  5. Once pan is hot add a small amount of oil to prevent pancakes from sticking.
  6. Pour batter into the pan making sure to leave enough room between the pancakes to flip them!
  7. Cook on first side until bubbles that form on pancakes burst and edges start to dry out.
  8. Flip and cook until golden brown on second side.
  9. Serve hot.

Pumpkin Zucchini Oatmeal – Toddler Breakfast

Pumpkin Zucchini Oatmeal
Pumpkin Zucchini Oatmeal

My sweet toddler continues to eat most of her vegetables in things, primarily oatmeal and scrambled tofu, her two favorites. I used to make only her superfood oatmeal because that is all she would eat, now we are branching out to keep things fresh. This oatmeal is backed with veggies, and tastes just a bit sweet from the dates, with hints of fall with the pumpkin and cinnamon.

We, of course, have to serve oatmeal in the “fish” bowl. It just doesn’t taste as good otherwise.

This recipe makes A LOT of oatmeal. She eats a ton! For most people I would say this would serve 4.

Pumpkin Zucchini Oatmeal

 Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 2 medjool dates, finely minced
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 TBL hemp seeds (optional)
  • 2 TBL flax seeds (optional) cup chopped nuts or seeds (toasted if you desire)

Instructions

  1. Combine the water, zucchini, dates, and salt in a small saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil.
  2. Once the water is boiling add rolled oats, pumpkin, cinnamon, and hemp seeds if using, and cook stirring occasionally until water is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Once oatmeal is cooked remove from heat and stir in flax seeds if using.
  4. I serve as is to my toddler, and add a touch of maple syrup to my bowl.

 

Vegan, Gluten-Free, Veggie-full Cashew Mac and “Cheese”

vegan gluten free mac n cheese
vegan gluten free mac n cheese

Here is traditional “kid food” made in a way I am comfortable serving it to my daughter. I use the gluten free noodles simply because it is a way to get different grains into her diet and the brand I choose is nutritionally dense compared to traditional dried pasta. I also add in some grated zucchini because the texture fits right in. The sauce is vegetables and nuts. How awesome is that?! Again, nutritionally dense, and very yummy. My husband and I love this mac and cheese. It tastes very similar to my other vegan mac n cheese  but uses a few different ingredients to keep it gluten free.

Vegan, Gluten-Free, Veggie-full Cashew Mac and “Cheese”

 Ingredients

  • 8-10 oz gluten free pasta
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 3/4 cup peeled and cubed russet potato (1 small)
  • 2 TBL sliced carrot (1 very small)
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews
  • 3/4-1 cup reserved cooking water
  • 2 TBL nutritional yeast
  • 2 TBL tahini
  • 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp tomato paste
  • additional salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. During the last minute of cooking throw in the zucchini to soften it before draining everything together.
  3. Meanwhile:
  4. Place potato and carrot in a small saucepan and cover with cold water.
  5. Add the vinegar and 1 tsp salt to water, bring everything to a boil partially covered, and boil for about 10 minutes.
  6. Add the cashews and continue to cook until the potatoes and carrots are completely tender, about 5 minutes more. They are done when they slide off a fork that is inserted into a piece of potato or carrot.
  7. Drain potatoes and carrots reserving at least 3/4 cup of the cooking water.
  8. Transfer potatoes, carrots, cashew, and 3/4 cup cooking water to a blender.
  9. Add nutritional yeast, tahini, mustard, and tomato paste and blend until smooth.
  10. Taste, and adjust salt as needed.

Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Muffins

Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Muffins
Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Muffins

Are you suffering from an overabundance of zucchini? I’m here to help. These delightful oatmeal muffins are the perfect healthy make ahead breakfast or snack that sneak in a some zucchini. They are perfect cold from the refrigerator, reheated, hot from the oven, and they even freeze well! This is also a wonderful place to get a few more veggies into my lovely daughter. She loved these, even sneaking them off the cooling rack as soon as they came out of the oven. With no added sugar, and filled with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains I was perfectly happy to let her “sneak”.

Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Muffins

Adapted from www.hummusapien.com

Makes 12 servings

 Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds + 6 tbsp water (alternatively, you can use 2 eggs)
  • 2 medium to large over-ripe bananas
  • 2 small zucchini, grated (don’t squeeze water out)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or grease with coconut oil.
  2. Place flax and water in small bowl. Stir and set aside to “gel.”
  3. Place bananas in a large bowl and mash with a fork. Add grated zucchini, vanilla extract, and flax mixture, stirring to combine.
  4. Add oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, Stir until just combined.
  5. Spoon mixture into muffin cups, filling nearly to the top.
  6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and dry on top.
  7. Store cooled oatmeal cups in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. These freeze well, too!

Refined Sugar Free Cinnamon Muffins + Vegan 4th of July Ideas

Cinnamon Banana Whole Grain Muffins- Refined Sugar Free
Cinnamon Banana Whole Grain Muffins- Refined Sugar Free

This pregnancy thing is kicking my butt again. I have to be super careful of what I eat avoiding: acidic, fatty, and spicy foods. Even the good fats were sending my body into a tizzy! So here i sa delicious, low-fat, sugar-free, whole grain muffin to satisfy. I’m not going to lie, I was surprised at how well these turned out! They are moist, flavorful, sweet, and really don’t taste “healthy”! I’m planning on experimenting with the addition of berries and the like as the base for these is just so wonderful.

Due to the lack of fat these will only keep on the counter for about 2 days, then you should freeze them and thaw as desired.

These really are a perfect start to your 4th of July celebrations as they are easy to make, ready for snacking throughout the day, and healthy. If you are looking for something a bit more traditional for the 4th, I have a few ideas:

Whole Grain Cinnamon Muffins- Refined Sugar Free

Makes number of servings (yield): 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup oat flour (I ground rolled oats into flour)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup nondairy milk
  • 2 TBL aquafaba (liqid from a can of beans- Garbonzo, white, black, pinto, whatever)
  • 1/2 a large very ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 TBL coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray muffin tin with non-stick spray.
  2. Mix together dry ingredients (flour through cinnamon) in a large bowl.
  3. Mix the apple cider vinegar and nondairy milk and set aside for a few minutes.
  4. In a small bowl whisk the aquafaba until just foamy, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add aquafaba, mashed banana, coconut oil, vanilla, maple syrup, and milk/vinegar mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into 12 prepared muffin cups.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Vegan Drop Biscuits – Whole Wheat with Veggies

Vegan Drop Biscuits
Vegan Drop Biscuits

I feel as if I am always trying to fit extra nutrients into our food these days. Between making sure Wolfie gets vegetables and whole grains, and that I am eating everything I should to grow a person I’m just putting vegetables in everything! Wolfie has been on a bread kick so I made some biscuits adapting an old recipe with a few extras so I felt ok with her eating these one after another.

As for being biscuits, they’re pretty good. Flaky, a bit buttery, and easy. I like drop biscuits because I don’t want to roll and cut them since I usually just top them with gravy. I take my usual gravy recipe and add cooked lentils to it for a yummy breakfast, or dinner! These are also good topped with jam for a quick snack.

Vegan Drop Biscuits

 Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 TBL baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot or zucchini (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups non-dairy milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
  3. Cut in the shortening with a fork.
  4. Mix in shredded carrot if using.
  5. Stir in milk a little at a time until batter is sticky, not runny.
  6. Drop by overflowing spoonfuls onto un-greased cookie sheet.
  7. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.