Easy/basic and healthy recipes for a college student?

I me

I like to eat healthy, and i would like to konw about some basic recipes. I have a blender, so I can make soups and juices :)

For veggies, i have:
Potatoes, zucchini, green peppers, tomatoes, carrots

For fruits, i have:
Pears, kiwis, bananas, apples, nectarine

Please no fancy recipes, just basic ones with salt and pepper, olive oil and stuff like that

Thnx in advance :)

Answer
We are now doing the following - microwave and etc:

1. At your grocery store, buy the sealed PRE-COOKED meats that come is small packages such as the following. You can make two or three meals out of them (or you can freeze the meals too):

Beef tips with gravy,
Roast with gravy,
Pork roast,
Chicken,
Baked ham,
Pork chops,
Meatloaf,
etc.

Just heat in your microwave; directions are on the packages. You will find these packages in the cold section (not the freezer). Ask a clerk to help you find these. They are delicious.

Use these for your meat dish with a side dish or two of canned or frozen vegetables, beans, potatoes or sweet potatoes which can all be found on shelves or in the freezer section and they are already cooked.
.
You can now buy bags of different flavors of precooked rice that you put into your microwave for a minute or two. These are on shelves at the grocery store. We like the chicken flavored best of all. Have a clerk help you find them.
.
Real mashed potatoes that come in a bag...add water, butter, milk. Delicious. Read the directions.
.
Jars of all types of sauces for making pastas. On shelves.
.
Boxes of pastas with everything needed inside the boxes. On shelves.
.
Buy top brand cans of stew for each person. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or toast.
.
Soup and a grilled (fried) cheese sandwiches. Go to this video to see how to make a quick grilled cheese sandwich:
http://startcooking.com/video/326/Grilled-Cheese-Sandwich
.
Omelet with Cheese - Video:
http://startcooking.com/video/326/Grilled-Cheese-Sandwich
.
You can buy all types of salad greens in large packages now. Buy the ones that have been pre-washed. Add your own dressing which you can buy in bottles.
.
2. The top brands of microwave frozen dinners are very good now. These come in single servings or in family sized bags. Follow directions. Look for the words "No Preservatives" marked on the box or package.
Just add a canned or frozen vegetable as a side dish.

Top brands of dinners that are found on shelves. No fridge needed. Add water, microwave. These are good to take to school or work. Follow directions on the containers.
.
3. Video On How To Cook A Rib Eye Steak on Stove Burner (turn on your sound), click this link:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-rib-eye-steak
.
4. Supermarket deli's have pre roasted chickens, fried chickens, roast beef, and side dishes. You can stop in on the way home and grab a quick dinner to take home. I buy their roasted chicken often...they are delicious.
.
5. Buy a crock pot. You put everything into the pot in the morning, set it on low for 8 hours, and your dinner will be ready for you when you come home in the evening! I kid you not. Be sure to read the instruction booklet.
There is a recipe booklet that comes with the crock pot. You can buy crock pots at places such as your grocery store, Walmart, and etc.

Here are 1,160 crock pot recipes:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search?q=crock+pot

DON'T FORGET TO PLUG IT IN! This happens more than you would think. lol

6. Salads. All types:
http://southernfood.about.com/od/saladrecipes/Salad_Recipes_Salads_and_Dressings.htm

7. Twenty three Snacks for watching TV movies and Football games:
http://startcooking.com/blog/277/Top-23-Snacks-for-All-Night-Gaming/

I need some quick and easy kids meals...anyone have some online links to share?

Debby J

A good friend has asked me to come help her out - she just took custody of several kids (6,8 and 12) I could use some quick and easy lunch/dinner reciepes - ones with 'normal' but healthy simple to prepare dishes - thanks

Answer
Hi Debby, have a look at these sites:

This site has so much to offer:

School Lunch Ideas and Information
Healthy Lunchbox Builder
Back-to-School Savings: Cheap and Healthy Lunch Ideas
Jazz Up Your Kids' Lunches
Lunch Box Recipes
Quick Lunch Ideas
Easy Recipes for Yummy Lunches
Lean Lunches
Lively Lunches
Lunch Box Ideas
Top Ten Packable Lunches Kids Love
Favorite Lunch
Skinny Sandwich Secrets
Nutty Nutrition
Mouth-Watering, No-Cook Summer Recipes
Top 10 Easy Meals
Parent Ideas: Favorite Family Recipes
Parent Ideas: Recipes Kids Can Help Make
Parent Ideas: Quick and Healthy Meals
Lightening Up Your Soup Recipes
Bean Basics
Vegetable Soup
Tasty Tofu Recipes
Sensational Summer Salads

http://life.familyeducation.com/nutrition-and-diet/healthy-lifestyle/34432.html

Pasta's
http://recipes.kaboose.com/pasta-easy-recipes.html

Easy Kids Meals with 6 or Fewer Ingredients:
http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-kids-meals-6orfewer-snacks.html

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-kids-meals-6orfewer-breakfast.html

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/easy-kids-meals-6orfewer-maindishes.html

Healthy Kids Main Dishes:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_eating_kids

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Can you give me a healthy kid-friendly easy recipe?

easy healthy sandwich recipes kids image

Mrs. Wiles

Hi,
My hubby is going to Iraq soon. So its just going to be me and my 2 daughters (ages 5 and 2) for awhile. What i am looking for is some easy healthy kid friendly recipes. I am also hoping that these recipes have "normal" ingredients, LoL. Like i have NO idea what a leek is, i don't know if that is even know if thats spelled right.
Anyways... healthy....kid friendly. I would like to lose some weight while he is gone and not have to make a separate meal for my kids and also add some recipes to my very small collection that are healthy. Please don't refer me to any recipe sights because I've looked at a billion of them and have found very little that helps me. I would like mother tested and approved Ideas. Thanks in advance :)

Answer
Replace all your ground beef with ground turkey to save 50% in calories.
Brown it in big batches, then freeze in 1# baggies. Thaw it out to make tacos (add a pkg of taco seasoning & simmer til dried, put on hard shells or tortillas w/lettuce, cheese, tomatoes.
Thaw & add to a jar of spaghetti sauce & serve over noodles.
Thaw and add a can of manwich, simmer, serve on buns.

Get a crockpot & put a beef or pork roast in it, cook all day with onions, carrots & potatoes. Use the leftovers for sandwiches, stew or soup the next day.

Breakfast-for-dinner is a hit for kids: make french toast or pancakes, or scrambled eggs for dinner. Or "toad-in-a-hole"--
cut a circle in a bread slice with a cup. Fry on one side til golden, flip, and break an egg into the hole. Fry til done.
(don't throw the circles away--fry them too)

Healthy Foods for a kid with Braces?

Candace T

Hi! Anybody have any healthy recipes that are easy to make and safe for braces. Prefferably for school lunches. Thanks!

Answer
banana
sandwiches
string cheese
yogurt
milk
grapes

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What is a good, healthy, easy recipe I can fix with my kids (ages 4 & 6) that is REAL food that they will eat?

easy healthy sandwich recipes kids image

CrazyChick

Using actual healthy meat and veggies and stuff, cooking actual food.

Don't tell me that everybody loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I want to find something they can HELP me fix that is an actual decent, healthy dinner that does not take forever to make and that doesn't cost a lot.

Answer
Deep Dish Taco Squares

2 cups biscuit mix
½ cup cold water
1( 8-oz )carton sour cream
1/3 cup prepared Ranch salad dressing
1½ pounds ground beef
¼ cup green and/or red bell pepper – finely chopped**
2 Tbsp. chopped onion**
1 pkg taco seasoning mix (¼ cup)
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
½ cup mild salsa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Combine biscuit mix and water, stirring with a fork until blended. Press mixture in bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2” baking dish. Bake at 375ºF for 9 minutes.
Combine sour cream and Ranch dressing. Spread over baked crust and set aside.
Cook ground beef, green bell pepper, and onion in a large skillet until meat is browned and crumbled; drain well. Stir in tomato sauce, salsa or picante sauce, and taco seasoning mix, spoon over Ranch filling.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over meat mixture. Bake at 375ºF, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until casserole is lightly browned. Cut into 12 squares to serve.

** If serving to picky children, you can omit the bellpepper and use 2 tsp. onion powder instead of fresh onions. Omit salsa and add a second can of plain tomato sauce.

--Sugar Pie
--------------------------------

Skillet Lasagna (aka Hamburger Helper)

1 lb. lean ground beef
¼ cu p chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrots
1½ cups mafalda (mini-lasagna noodles or other pasta)
1½ cups water
½ tsp. Italian seasoning blend
2 cups marinara or other tomato-based pasta sauce
8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup or more shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook lean ground beef, chopped onion and chopped carrots in a Dutch oven on medium-high about 6 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in raw pasta, water, Italian seasoning, pasta sauce mushrooms. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and serve.
---------------------------------------

Oniony Baked Chicken

Chicken:
1/3 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/3 cup crushed saltine crackers
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
8 chicken drumsticks

Dip:
1 med (1 cup) cuke, peeled, chopped
1 cup LAND O LAKES® Light Sour Cream
1½ teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

Heat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in oven in 13x9-inch baking pan (5 to 7 minutes). Stir together crushed crackers and onion soup mix. Dip chicken drumsticks into melted butter, then coat with crumb mixture. Place drumsticks back in same pan; sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until no longer pink.

Meanwhile, stir together all dip ingredients in medium bowl. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve chicken hot or cold with dip.
Makes 4 servings (1 1/3 cups dip).
---------------------------------------

Fried Rice with Ham
Serves 4.

3 large eggs, lightly beaten w/ 2 tsp. waer
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Coarse salt to taste
4 green onions, thinly sliced diagonally (both white and green parts)
4 garlic cloves, minced
5 oz. ham, thinly sliced and chopped
4 cups cold cooked rice
¼ tsp. sesame oil
3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. oil, swirling to coat. Beat eggs, with 2 tsp. water and ½ tsp. coarse salt. Cook in skillet, moving cooked eggs aside gently to allow raw eggs to run in their place, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate; when cool enough to handle, cut into strips.

In same skillet, heat remaining Tbsp. oil. Add garlic and scallions, heat and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ham and rice, season with salt and sesame oil, and cook until very hot, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add vinegar, peas, and eggs, cook until very hot, about 2 minutes.

What are some healthy recipes for kids?

Ashlie

I have a summer sitting job and the childs mom told me that she wants her child eating healthier this summer. what are some quid, easy,and healthy recipes that I can do that involve the child?
For Jacob:

I would like some recipes that would be easy to make, and that I can get her involved in. She is 11 years old, so it doesn't have to be the most simple thing in the world. I just want to keep it healthy and fun for her to help make.

Answer
Salads are usually pretty healthy, she can help you trim and prep whatever fresh veg are in the fridge. This will give you lots of vitamins and fiber. If you find some leftover chicken or steak or ham you can add that. Keep salad dressings light and just a drizzle.

You can also make fresh dips and serve it with baked tortilla chips or pita wedges. Salsa...this is tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Guacamole...fork mash some avocados with chopped tomato, some onion and garlic salt, and lime juice. Hummus...drain and rinse a can of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), whiz them up in the food processor, add some garlic powder, onion powder, a little salt and pepper, and a little olive oil to get them to the right consistency. Bean dip...same as hummus but use black beans instead of chickpeas.

You can make a simple soup. Start with your soup pot on med high heat...add a carton of chicken broth, a jar of pasta sauce and let it come to a boil...taste it...if you need something, try salt and pepper first, and then you can add some italian seasoning, or maybe some bay leaves (you have to remove those). Add a box of rotini or shell or penne or elbow macaroni pasta. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Just before the pasta is cooked all the way, add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. If you have some leftover chicken, or a smoked sausage you can also add that. This makes a large pot of soup. Serve it with a sandwich or salad...parents can take for lunch the next day.

You can do a simple pasta salad...instead of adding mayonnaise (the most unhealthy ingredient) use some greek yogurt or fat free sour cream. Shells and rotini work great for this...add some frozen peas and a can of tuna or chicken.

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What is a good, healthy, easy recipe I can fix with my kids (ages 4 & 6) that is REAL food that they will eat?

easy healthy sandwich recipes kids image

CrazyChick

Using actual healthy meat and veggies and stuff, cooking actual food.

Don't tell me that everybody loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I want to find something they can HELP me fix that is an actual decent, healthy dinner that does not take forever to make and that doesn't cost a lot.

Answer
Deep Dish Taco Squares

2 cups biscuit mix
½ cup cold water
1( 8-oz )carton sour cream
1/3 cup prepared Ranch salad dressing
1½ pounds ground beef
¼ cup green and/or red bell pepper – finely chopped**
2 Tbsp. chopped onion**
1 pkg taco seasoning mix (¼ cup)
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
½ cup mild salsa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Combine biscuit mix and water, stirring with a fork until blended. Press mixture in bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2” baking dish. Bake at 375ºF for 9 minutes.
Combine sour cream and Ranch dressing. Spread over baked crust and set aside.
Cook ground beef, green bell pepper, and onion in a large skillet until meat is browned and crumbled; drain well. Stir in tomato sauce, salsa or picante sauce, and taco seasoning mix, spoon over Ranch filling.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over meat mixture. Bake at 375ºF, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until casserole is lightly browned. Cut into 12 squares to serve.

** If serving to picky children, you can omit the bellpepper and use 2 tsp. onion powder instead of fresh onions. Omit salsa and add a second can of plain tomato sauce.

--Sugar Pie
--------------------------------

Skillet Lasagna (aka Hamburger Helper)

1 lb. lean ground beef
¼ cu p chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrots
1½ cups mafalda (mini-lasagna noodles or other pasta)
1½ cups water
½ tsp. Italian seasoning blend
2 cups marinara or other tomato-based pasta sauce
8 oz. fresh sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup or more shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook lean ground beef, chopped onion and chopped carrots in a Dutch oven on medium-high about 6 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in raw pasta, water, Italian seasoning, pasta sauce mushrooms. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and serve.
---------------------------------------

Oniony Baked Chicken

Chicken:
1/3 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter
1/3 cup crushed saltine crackers
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
8 chicken drumsticks

Dip:
1 med (1 cup) cuke, peeled, chopped
1 cup LAND O LAKES® Light Sour Cream
1½ teaspoon chopped fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

Heat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in oven in 13x9-inch baking pan (5 to 7 minutes). Stir together crushed crackers and onion soup mix. Dip chicken drumsticks into melted butter, then coat with crumb mixture. Place drumsticks back in same pan; sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until no longer pink.

Meanwhile, stir together all dip ingredients in medium bowl. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Serve chicken hot or cold with dip.
Makes 4 servings (1 1/3 cups dip).
---------------------------------------

Fried Rice with Ham
Serves 4.

3 large eggs, lightly beaten w/ 2 tsp. waer
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Coarse salt to taste
4 green onions, thinly sliced diagonally (both white and green parts)
4 garlic cloves, minced
5 oz. ham, thinly sliced and chopped
4 cups cold cooked rice
¼ tsp. sesame oil
3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 cup frozen peas, thawed

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. oil, swirling to coat. Beat eggs, with 2 tsp. water and ½ tsp. coarse salt. Cook in skillet, moving cooked eggs aside gently to allow raw eggs to run in their place, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate; when cool enough to handle, cut into strips.

In same skillet, heat remaining Tbsp. oil. Add garlic and scallions, heat and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ham and rice, season with salt and sesame oil, and cook until very hot, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add vinegar, peas, and eggs, cook until very hot, about 2 minutes.

What are some healthy recipes for kids?

Ashlie

I have a summer sitting job and the childs mom told me that she wants her child eating healthier this summer. what are some quid, easy,and healthy recipes that I can do that involve the child?
For Jacob:

I would like some recipes that would be easy to make, and that I can get her involved in. She is 11 years old, so it doesn't have to be the most simple thing in the world. I just want to keep it healthy and fun for her to help make.

Answer
Salads are usually pretty healthy, she can help you trim and prep whatever fresh veg are in the fridge. This will give you lots of vitamins and fiber. If you find some leftover chicken or steak or ham you can add that. Keep salad dressings light and just a drizzle.

You can also make fresh dips and serve it with baked tortilla chips or pita wedges. Salsa...this is tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Guacamole...fork mash some avocados with chopped tomato, some onion and garlic salt, and lime juice. Hummus...drain and rinse a can of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), whiz them up in the food processor, add some garlic powder, onion powder, a little salt and pepper, and a little olive oil to get them to the right consistency. Bean dip...same as hummus but use black beans instead of chickpeas.

You can make a simple soup. Start with your soup pot on med high heat...add a carton of chicken broth, a jar of pasta sauce and let it come to a boil...taste it...if you need something, try salt and pepper first, and then you can add some italian seasoning, or maybe some bay leaves (you have to remove those). Add a box of rotini or shell or penne or elbow macaroni pasta. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Just before the pasta is cooked all the way, add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. If you have some leftover chicken, or a smoked sausage you can also add that. This makes a large pot of soup. Serve it with a sandwich or salad...parents can take for lunch the next day.

You can do a simple pasta salad...instead of adding mayonnaise (the most unhealthy ingredient) use some greek yogurt or fat free sour cream. Shells and rotini work great for this...add some frozen peas and a can of tuna or chicken.

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Easy low fat recipes for picky kids?

Q. Maybe even vegetarian type meals? I have a few picky eaters and on some weekends we have all the kids so there are 7 plus my husband and myself so it would need to be relatively easy and of course healthy, low fat and nutritious. I have one kiddo who hates almost everything except pasta, sandwiches and cereal(of course, it could be also that he just prefers his moms cooking which I can respect). I feel guily trying to make my kids eat foods they don't like but for the sake of their health they need to eat veggies, beans, whole grains, proteins, etc.

So anyone with good recipes for picky eaters would be appreciated.

And please don't just say 'make them eat what you serve'. I've tried that and it seems cruel to watch them sit there so long and then leave the table hungry because after awhile I tell them to just go if they refuse to eat their veggies or whatever. I also have tried withholding any snacks or desserts if they won't eat their dinner - doesn't work either.

Thanks!

A. CRUNCHY FRIED FISH

Here's a low fat version of fried fish. Simply coat chunks of white fish fillets in breadcrumbs and bake in a hot oven. Serve with tarter sauce and russet fries baked alongside. Kids LOVE this!!

1 1/4 pounds firm white fish, such as cod or halibut
1 egg lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp paprika
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place a large cookie sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray in the oven.
Meanwhile cut fish into chunks. Put beaten egg into a small bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, herbs, paprika and pepper in a large shallow bowl.

Remove cookie sheet from oven. Dip the fish first into the egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture and on to the cookie sheet. Repeat with each piece of fish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until fish is cooked through.

LOW FAT FISH TACOS

Halibut and cod work especially well with these low fat fish tacos. Bake, broil or grill the fish after briefly marinating it, and serve with your choice of low fat or fat free garnishes on top of warm corn tortillas.

2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp freshly chopped cilantro
1 pound firm white fish fillets such as halibut or cod
8 corn tortillas

In a small bowl, combine lime juice, cumin, olive oil and cilantro. Place fish in a glass baking dish or in a resealable plastic bag. Add marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Coat a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place marinated fish on baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Alternatively, broil or grill fish, allowing 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Warm corn tortillas according to instructions on package. When fish is cooked, cut into strips or chunks and divide among corn tortillas. Add shredded cabbage, low fat or fat free sour cream and salsa for garnish.

Serves 4.


LOW FAT CHICKEN ENCHILLADAS

This a is a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. These creamy enchiladas are quick and easy to make. It's comfort food with a fraction of the fat.

4 corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (skinless, white meat)
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup sweet corn
1 cup medium or hot salsa
1 cup plain low fat yogurt
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
1/2 cup reduced fat shredded Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Warm tortillas according to instructions on package.
Mix salsa, yogurt and sour cream and spoon half the salsa mixture into the chicken, beans and corn. Blend well.
Divide chicken mixture among the tortillas. Carefully roll tortillas and place them seam down in the baking dish. Spoon remaining salsa mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Serves 4.


BEEF AND PENNE CASSEROLE

This is comfort food at its best (and a family favorite), combining extra lean ground beef, tomatoes, penne pasta and a sprinkling of reduced fat cheese. Sometimes I wilt half a 10-ounce pack of fresh baby spinach (squeezed dry) and stir it into the beef and tomato mixture.

1/2 pound penne pasta
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce, no salt added
1 tsp oregano
1 pound lean or extra-lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded reduced fat mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Boil pasta according to instructions on package. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet sprayed with cooking spray, saute onions and ground beef on a medium to high heat until the beef is browned. Add crushed tomatoes, sauce and oregano, and stir well. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Empty pasta into a 2 quart baking dish; add beef and tomato mixture and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with cheese blend and bake for 25 minutes.

Serves 4-6

You can also do a lot of wonderful things with POLENTA, which is very healthy, pre-cooked and you can buy it in the supermarket in a roll you just have to slice. It's a great substitute for pasta. Try covering it with fresh tomato sauce and a little reduced fat cheese as a side dish to broiled chicken or veal, etc.

Hope this helps!

Original Question

Any suggestions of tofu dinner recipes that are kid-friendly?

Q. I'm curious to try making some tofu dinner dishes, but I'd like this to go over well with the kids. Any suggestions or ideas of tofu dishes that the kids won't shun? (or is this an impossible task?)

Thanks.

A. When I wrote an article on tofu recipes for kids for a national magazine some years ago, I used my friends' children (as well as my children's friends) as guinea pigs. My own children, after all, had cut their teeth, so to speak, on tofu dishes and so the "T" word didn't faze them. I was surprised at how open most kids were to trying these new tofu dishes. They didn't have as many preconceived notions about the white stuff as many adults do. The result was a plethora of kid-pleasing recipes that my own sons and their friends still ask for. The real trick here was not in getting them to eat these dishes, but in getting them to share them with their parents!


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Tofu Basics Parents always welcome new options for healthy eating, and tofu is a superb food to add to the repertoire of growing children. It’s high in easily digestible protein, low in fat, and is a good source of calcium, iron, and B vitamins. To increase your chances of kid-pleasing results, prepare tofu simply, combining it with other mild or familiar flavors. Here’s a brief lexicon of the most common tofu varieties:

Silken tofu: Available in 16-ounce tubs or 12.3 ounce aseptic packages, this type of tofu is very soft and smooth. It’s great pureed and used as a base for soups (“Creamy” Corn Chowder), dressings and dips, and sauces (Macaroni and Cheese With Secret Silken Tofu Sauce). It also makes an ideal dessert puddings or pie filling (Miniature Chocolate Pudding Pies). This may be the best type of tofu to use when you need to “sneak” it into your child’s meal!

Soft tofu: This comes in 16-ounce tubs and is good for using crumbled, as in faux scrambled egg recipes or imitation “egg salad” or patties (Tofu Patties). Finely crumbled, this is also a good substitute for ricotta cheese (Vegetable Lasagna). Like silken tofu, soft tofu can also be pureed and used as a soup or sauce base, with a somewhat heftier consistency.

Firm or extra firm tofu: Again, available in 16-ounce tubs, and also fresh in chunks or cakes, use this when you want the tofu to hold its shape. Firm tofu is ideal for use in stir fries, stews, and as cutlets or nuggets (Baked Tofu Nuggets).

Baked marinated tofu: Of the tofu varieties listed here, this one is the most difficult, alas, to get in supermarkets. Look for this chewy, dense, and flavorful form of tofu in natural foods stores. Sliced, diced, or (with effort) crumbled, it can be used as a chicken or tuna substitute in stir fries, sandwiches, casseroles, and tortilla dishes (“Chicken”-Style Tofu Fajitas).


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"Chicken"-Style Tofu Fajitas
Makes: 8 fajitas (2 fajitas per serving)

In this super-easy, nearly-instant tortilla recipe, chewy baked tofu stands in for chicken. Letting the kids make their own fajitas becomes part of the fun!
8 fajita-size (6- to 7-inch) flour tortillas
10- to 12-ounce package baked tofu, cut into strips
Prepared salsa, your favorite brand
1 cup plain low-fat organic yogurt or soy yogurt
2 cups finely shredded lettuce
1 cup grated cheddar cheese or cheddar-style nondairy cheese, optional
Wrap the entire batch of tortillas in foil and warm in a preheated 400-degree oven or toaster oven.

Place the tofu strips on a plate and microwave briefly until well warmed, about 3 minutes.

Spread a little salsa and yogurt down the center of each tortilla, then arrange a few tofu strips over them. Sprinkle with some lettuce, and if desired, a little cheese. Roll up snugly and eat out of hand.


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Baked Tofu Nuggets
Makes: 4 to 6 kid-sized servings

These breaded nuggets become firm and chewy as they bake. Kids enjoy dipping them into their favorite sauce.
16-ounce tub firm or extra firm tofu
3 tablespoons wheat germ
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Marinara or barbecue sauce (warmed), or ketchup
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Blot well between clean tea-towels or several layers of paper towel, then cut into 3/4-inch dice. Combine the wheat germ, cornmeal, and seasoned salt in a mixing bowl. Add the tofu chunks and stir gently until evenly coated.

Arrange the tofu on a lightly oiled non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice during this time, or until golden and firm. Serve at once with sauce of your choice for dipping or topping.


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Macaroni and Cheese with a Secret Silken Tofu Sauce
6 to 8 kid-sized servings

The same children I tested this on 5 years ago still request this each and every time they come to my house for dinner. This basic macaroni and cheese is rich and comforting. Using pureed silken tofu as a base for the sauce gives the kids a good dose of soy goodness.
10 to 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or other short pasta shape such as cavatappi)
12.3-ounce package silken tofu
2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated margarine
1 1/2 cups firmly packed organic grated cheddar cheese or cheddar-style nondairy cheese
Salt to taste
Cook the macaroni in plenty of rapidly simmering water until al dente, then drain.

Meanwhile, puree the tofu until perfectly smooth in a food processor or blender. Transfer to a medium sauce pan and add the margarine and cheese. Slowly bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often, then cook over low heat until the cheese is thoroughly melted.

Combine the cooked macaroni and sauce in a serving container and stir together. Season with salt to taste and serve at once.

VARIATION: Bake in a casserole dish at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crusty.


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Creamy Corn Chowder
Makes: 8 kid-sized servings, or about 6 average servings

Pureed silken tofu is a superb base for creamy soups, such as chowders. It provides substance without the need for thickening. The mild, familiar flavors will entice kids of all ages to enjoy a soothing bowl of soup.
1 1/2 tablespoons light olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 large celery stalk, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 medium-large potatoes, peeled and finely diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
3 cups cooked fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
12.3-ounce package silken tofu, well pureed in a food processor or blender
Low-fat milk, rice milk, or soy milk, as needed
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Heat the oil in a soup pot. Add the onion and celery and sauté over medium heat until golden. Add the carrots, potatoes, bouillon cube, and cumin, plus just enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Stir in the corn kernels and pureed tofu. Add just enough milk to give the soup a medium-thick consistency. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for another 10 minutes over very low heat.

If time allows, let the soup stand off the heat for an hour or so before serving, then heat through as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.


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Miniature Tofu Chocolate Pudding
Serves: 4

Silken tofu is a great base for pudding—it has just the right consistency, and it spares you from bothering with a flour-thickened milk sauce, which tends to scorch and lump.
16-ounce tub silken tofu
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 to 4tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional
Puree the tofu in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. Transfer to a small saucepan and add the chocolate chips. Cook over medium low heat, stirring often, until the chocolate chips have melted. Stir in the maple syrup and optional vanilla.

Allow to cool completely, then serve at room temperature.

for more ideas go to

http://vegkitchen.com/index.htm

Original Question

What are some good inexpensive but easy to make meals?

Q. When I cook for my husband, usually I have just one main dish, a side, and soup. What are some good course meals that are inexpensive and easy to make that he can enjoy? I am running out of ideas. Not just one dish, but one main dish with other small dishes that works with it.

A. Here are some cools & easy cooking meals receipe

Grilled Bullseye

2 eggs
2 pieces of bread
1 slice cheese
Butter

Cut a hole in the center of each piece of bread using a glass, glass jar, or cookie cutter. Butter the pan. Turn stove on Low at first then move to Medium once eggs are in.

Place both pieces of bread on the pan. Crack each egg and drop one into each hole in the center of the bread. Cook egg to your liking, take two peices of bread off pan and let cool. Put cheese slice in-between slices of bread. Place in microwave for 30 seconds or under the grill to melt cheese.

*This recipe was sent in by Nic.

BLC (Bacon, Lettuce, Ceasar) Sandwich

Multigrain bread, sandwich sliced
Lettuce, shredded
Cheese slices (American, Swiss, or your favorite)
Ceasar salad dressing
Pepper to taste
Bacon strips


Toast bread. Top with cheese slices and melt cheese in toaster oven. In a small bowl, add dressing to lettuce and toss. Smother salad over cheese and lightly pepper. Cook bacon in microwave or frypan and place strips over salad. Add some pickles or olives if you like. Place toasted bread on top to make a delicious lunch that kids will enjoy!

*Recipe sent in by Kayla.


Robin Hood Wrap

1 package tortillas
Cold cuts, sliced from the deli (ham and turkey)
American cheese
Swiss cheese
Chopped vegies (lettuce, cucumbers, pickles, olives)
Mustard and mayonaise

Lay a tortilla out flat and spread with mayonaise, then mustard. Then layer with a slice of ham and a slice of turkey. Next add a slice of American chesse and a slice of Swiss cheese. Add lettuce, olives, cucumbers, and pickles. Roll up your wrap and cut into round bite-sized pieces. Pack in an airtight container. Simple to make and great for school lunches!

*Recipe sent in by Chelsey F.

Mashed Hot 'Tater Dog

1 hot dog bun per person, toasted
1 hot dog per person, heated
prepared instant mashed potatoes
1 package frozen peas and carrots, cooked
salt and pepper to taste

Toast buns, heat hot dogs, and cover hot dog with mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. Add ketchup if you like. A healthy twist to the old hot dog.

*Submitted by Kristina.




Ned's PBJ Sandwich


peanut butter
grape jelly
2 slices bread


Mix peanut butter and jelly together in a bowl until completely blended (should be an icky gray color). Spread on sandwich bread. It doesn't look that pretty, but it sure tastes GREAT (trust me).

Avocado Sandwich

1 avocado
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 slice American cheese
2 slices bread


Mash the avocado in a bowl. Add lemon juice, oil, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Stir together. Spread over sandwich bread and top with a slice of American cheese.



Ham and Cheese Sandwich

1 slice sandwich ham
mustard or mayonaise
1 slice American cheese
1 slice bread


Put ham on sandwich bread. Spread with mustard or mayonaise. Take a slice of American cheese and cut out a simple shape such as a heart or star. Put cheese slice on top of ham slice. Kids love this simple open faced sandwich.

California Roll Up


1 whole wheat flour tortilla
4 slices deli shaved turkey breast
1 slice mozzarella cheese
4 thin slices cucumber
4 slices avocado
alfalfa sprouts

Layer tortilla with turkey breast, cheese, cucumber and avocado slices, and a handful of sprouts. Roll it up and slice in half. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Perfect for school lunches.

Tofu Burgers

1/2 block firm tofu
2 cups oats
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons oil
whole wheat buns


Cut up 1/2 tofu block into small cubes. Then mash the tofu with your hands and place in a large bowl. Add oats and soy sauce. Mix together well using your hands. Make tofu burger patties with your hands. Fry in oil until golden and crispy.


Drain on paper towels. Serve on a whole wheat bun with ketchup, lettuce, and any other burger toppings you like. Kids will love these healthy burgers. - Serves 4.

Ham Sandwich


1 bagel
1 cucumber
3 slices of ham
Mustard
Salt
Butter
Cheese


Carefully cut the bagel in half. Then cut the cucumber into four or more slices(as many as you like). Toast the bagel. Then spread the butter onto the bageland add the slices of cucumber. Next add the salt and a slice of ham. Then addthe mustard. Add a piece of ham. Then add the cheese.


Hamurger with the Works


1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 eggs
4 slices American cheese
hamburger buns


In a bowl mix together ground beef, onion, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Make patties, fry, and drain on paper towel. Fry eggs. Top burger with fried egg, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and your favorite burger toppings.


Serves 4.

Tuna Tacos


1 large can of tuna
2 tablespoons cole slaw dressing
1 package cole slaw mix
12 flour tortillas

In a medium bowl mix the tuna, cole slaw mix and cole slaw dressing. Spoon into flour tortillas. Serve with corn chips and salsa.




Crispy Bacon Tortilla

one tortilla
4 pieces of bacon
4 slices of American cheese


Cook 4 pieces of bacon in microwave (or in frypan - kids, have parents fry for you). Put the tortilla on a plate and add cheese. Put in microwave for 20 secounds to melt. Then put bacon on the chese and roll your tortilla up. Add salsa, avocado, or sour cream.


Or you can just click belwo

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_qe_meals_for_one/0,2857,FOOD_27039,00.html

Hope the infromation was useful to you pal.

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