Category: toddler friendly

Almond French Toast

Almond French Toast
Almond French Toast

French toast is a lovely, quick breakfast. It is one of my go to breakfasts for my toddler. By using a sprouted grain bread and add a few things I am increasing the nutritional value and converting a quick diner breakfast into a healthy start to you day.  I have a few versions, one with pumpkin to continue on my quest for veggies in everything, and this one that just adds a bit more protein and nutrients from the almonds. This french toast is filled with almond goodness and bursting in with flavor. I love to top it with plain yogurt, bananas, and a light drizzle of maple syrup.

Almond French Toast

 Ingredients

  • 2 happy eggs
  • 1 TBL milk or nondairy milk
  • 1/3 cup almond meal
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
  • 3 slices sprouted grain bread
  • Coconut oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl until uniformly yellow in color.
  2. Add milk, almond meal, vanilla, and almond and whisk to combine.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat, when hot melt a little coconut oil in the bottom, just enough to coat the pan you are using.
  4. Dip the bread in the egg mixture one slice at a time making sure each slice is completely coated with egg mixture on all sides.
  5. Place egg coated bread in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on the first side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until the second side is also golden brown. 2-3 minute more.
  6. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
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St. Patrick’s Day Green Muffins (Zucchini-Spinach, sugar free, vegan, toddler approved)

Spinach Zucchini Muffins -date sweetened
Spinach Zucchini Muffins -date sweetened

Who doesn’t love green food? Oh, yeah, toddlers. Well, except mine who things it needs to be green to be edible! These yummy muffins are packed with vegetables, take their sweetness from the dates, and are good enough I was sneaking them when my daughter wasn’t looking. These are quite green from all the vegetables and would be perfect to introduce on St. Patrick’s Day if you have a picky eater. Also perfect to bring to work to nourish you throughout the day to prepare you for your evening activities. Spread a little almond butter on these and you have yourself a meal.

Spinach Zucchini Muffins -date sweetened

Makes 12 regular muffins

 Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dates (about 5-7 dates)
  • hot water to cover dates
  • 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1 packed cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1 TBL chia seeds
  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 and prepare a muffin pan with paper liners or by lightly oiling the pan.
    2. Place chopped dates in a glass measuring cup, pour boiling water over the top just to cover the dates, and set aside to soften, about 5 minutes.
    3. In a mixing bowl combine all of the dry ingredients, flour through cinnamon.
    4. When dates are soft place them, the soaking water, coconut oil, and the baby spinach in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
    5. Pour date mixture into bowl with dry ingredients, add chia seeds, zucchini, and vanilla stirring to combine.
    6. Divide the batter evenly into prepared muffin tine and bake 18-20 minutes until tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean.
    7. Remove from the pan and allow to cool a bit before eating.

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry
Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

As part of my New Year’s resolution to cook more new things I have gone back to my cookbooks. The Veganomicon is still one of my favorites, especially for inspiration. I love to page through it and soak up ideas to be turned into food at a later date. However, sometimes you just need to good from a recipe. This delightful pineapple quinoa stir fry is just such a recipe. I have made a few minor changes based on what I had in the house and the recipe below reflects those changes.

This is a lightly fruity stir-fry balanced by the saltiness of the cashews and has the pop of fresh herbs. This can be a main dish or a side depending on your goals. I served only four people as a side last time I made this, but we are all big eaters.

Vegan Pineapple-Cashew-Quinoa Stir-Fry

Originally from The Veganomicon

 Ingredients

FOR THE QUINOA

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 teaspoon tamari

FOR THE STIR-FRY

  • 1/2 cup roasted and salted cashews (original recipe calls for raw unsalted)
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 a medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 hot red chili pepper, sliced into very thin rounds (optional)
  • 1⁄2 inch piece ginger root, peeled and minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin shreds
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 cups bite-size chunks of fresh pineapple
  • 3 tablespoons tamari
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

FOR THE QUINOA:

  1. Combine the quinoa, juice, water, and soy sauce in a medium-sized pot.
  2. Cover, place over high heat,and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir a few times, lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa appears plumped and slightly translucent.
  4. Uncover, fluff, and let cool.
  5. For best results,place the quinoa in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
  6. If you’re in a hurry, chill the covered quinoa for at least an hour. I have also done this with warm quinoa and it comes out just fine, but it sticks to the pan a bit more.

FOR THE STIR-FRY;

  1. Use the largest skillet you have (at least 11 inches in diameter) or a wok.
  2. Have ALL of your ingredients chopped and easily within reach.
  3. Place the cashews in the dry pan and heat over low heat, stirring them, until lightly toasted, about 4 minutes.
  4. Remove the cashews from the pan, raise the heat to medium, and add the oil, red onion, and garlic.
  5. When the garlic starts to sizzle, add the sliced chili pepper and ginger.
  6. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, then add the red bell pepper and peas.
  7. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the bell pepper is just softened.
  8. Add the basil and mint, and stir for another minute before adding the pineapple and quinoa.
  9. In a measuring cup, stir together the soy sauce, vegetable stock, and sugar.
  10. Pour over the quinoa mixture.
  11. Stir to incorporate completely and coat the quinoa.
  12. Continue to stir-fry for a few minutes, until the quinoa is very hot.
  13. Garnish with the chews and serve hot.

Tofuballs with Extra Veggies

Toddler Approved Tofuballs With Extra Veggies
Toddler Approved Tofuballs With Extra Veggies

I know I just posted the Italian Tofuballs a few weeks ago, but I figured out how to add a few more cups a vegetables to the mix while keeping the flavor and texture. I just had to share. This version calls for an egg, which helps the texture a bit, and helps them hold together. If vegan you can omit the egg altogether or substitute with a few tablespoons of aquafaba. These are a delightful snack, I actually even like them cold, or can be used to go with pasta. My toddler gobbled these up.

Tofu Balls with Extra Veggies

 Ingredients

  • 2 TBL oilve oil
  • 11/2 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 11/2 cups finely chopped spinach
  • 3 mushrooms, minced
  • 1 lb water packed extra firm tofu
  • 1 TBL Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp granulated garlic
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 TBL nutritional yeast
  • 1 egg beaten (omit if vegan, or try 2 TBL aquafaba lightly beaten with a fork)
  • 1/4-1/3 cup vegan bread crumbs
  • Neutral flavored oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Add oil, zucchini, onion, spinach, and mushrooms and cook 5-8 minutes or until most of the water has been released and cooked off.
  3. Mash tofu in a large bowl with your hands or a potato masher.
  4. Add Italian seasoning, salt, garlic, egg, cooked vegetables, and nutritional yeast and stir together.
  5. Add bread crumbs a few tablespoons at a time stirring to combine. The mixture should start to stick together.
  6. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to taste.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Carefully place the tofu balls in the hot oil, and cook until one side is golden brown (3-4 minutes), flip them and cook on the other side another 3 minutes or so until golden brown.
  10. 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.
  11. Once cooked remove the tofu balls and place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain.
  12. Serve hot with pasta and sauce, or just eat as is. Super yummy snack!
  13. You could also bake these on an oiled baking sheet at 375 for about 20 minutes. Still good, but not quite the same.

Vegan Mushroom Walnut Pâté

Vegan Mushroom Walnut Pate
Vegan Mushroom Walnut Pate

I’ve been really hungry lately, Truthfully, I’m always really hungry, but it seems especially bad lately. I think it’s because I’ve finally started working out again post baby. Being hungry is good and bad for me. I love to eat, but I actually hate snacks. I pretty much never want to eat snacks. More often than not they aren’t very good, and then you can’t eat something you really want to eat because you’re full. Also, rarely are snacks good for you, at least the ones that taste good. So, I don’ t like snacks. If I do snack (and I do, several times a day) I usually eat a small portion of leftovers because it’s just better food. I’m ranting about this because this Pâté is an exception. I made it for guests, and then ended up eating it for days and looking forward to it!

This delightful Pâté -originally from the Veganomicon– is super easy, and you probably have almost everything in your pantry. I used fresh herbs in mine because I happened to have them hanging around. The original recipe calls for dried so I’m sure that would be fine if it’s what you have on hand.

 Vegan Walnut Mushroom Pâté

Originally from Veganomicon

 Ingredients

  • 3 TBL olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 TBL fresh tyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 TBL fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 LB cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 cup lightly toasted walnuts
  • 3/4 cup cooked cannellini beans
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • up to 1/4 cup vegetable broth (I didn’t use any)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions and saute for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent,
  3. Addthe garlic, thyme, tarragon, salt, and pepper, and cook another minute.
  4. Add the mushrooms and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until they are very soft, lowering the heat if necessary to prevent them from burning.
  5. While the mushrooms are cooking, place the walnuts in a food processor or blender and process until very fine.
  6. Add the cooked mushroom mixture to the walnuts in the food processor, along with the balsamic vinegar, beans, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Process until smooth, adding the vegetable broth 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to make a smooth puree. Note: I didn’t need to use any.
  7. Continue to puree the ingredients until the pate resembles a smooth, thick and spreadable paste.
  8. Scrap mixture into an airtight container and chill for at least an hour before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.

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.

Vegan Chickpea Cutlets

Vegan Chickpea Cutlets
Vegan Chickpea Cutlets

These amazing, delicious, soul satisfying chickpea cutlets are from the Veganomicon , which is, incidentally, my favorite cookbook. I’m on a short weekend getaway and I brought it with me for inspiration. I’m feeling a little routine in the kitchen these days and needed some amazing recipes to give me a kickstart. So thank you Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero for being amazing vegan cooks and delightful inspirations.

These chickpea patties are packed with flavor, chewy, and perfect for a heaping helping of gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. My daughter also loved helping with this recipe as it requires some kneading and she thought that was pretty much the best. If you are in the mood for comfort food this will fit the bill. I made this recipe before Thanksgiving and used a few of the cutlets in my one dish masterpiece. Really, it was so I got to eat all the leftovers without having to share with my husband. Don’t tell him.

Chickpea Cutlets

Originally from Isa Chandra Moskowitz

 Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated with a Microplane grater
  • Olive oil for pan frying

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, mash the chickpeas together with the oil until no whole chickpeas are left. Use an avocado masher or a strong fork.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and knead together for about 3 minutes, until strings of gluten have formed.
  3. Preheat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over low-medium heat. I like to use my cast iron pans for this.
  4. Divide the cutlet dough into 2 equal pieces. Then divide each of those pieces into 4 separate pieces (so you’ll have 8 all together). To form cutlets, knead each piece in your hand for a few moments and then flatten and stretch each one into a roughly 6 by 4 inch rectangular cutlet shape.
  5. Add a moderately thin layer of olive oil to the bottom of the pan. Place the cutlets in the pan and cook on each side for 6 to 7 minutes. Add more oil, if needed, when you flip the cutlets. They’re ready when lightly browned and firm to the touch. You will have to work in batches to cook all the cutlets unless you have a bigger pan that I have ever seen.
  6. Now let them rest for a bit and you’re done!

 

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.