Whether you eat gluten-free or you just want some extra protein, Banza chickpea pasta is a delicious alternative to regular pasta. Here at The Creative Kitchen, we love their Shells & Classic Cheddar Mac & Cheese for a protein and fiber-packed meal that your kids will gobble up faster than you can say “CHEESE!” We are very excited to have Banza as a Supporting Sponsor of the 2019 NYC Kids Food Festival! Visit the KFF website to learn more!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I like this mac & cheese! It’s cheesy and yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

My kids love eating this mac and cheese, and I love feeding it to them! It has two times the protein and four times the fiber of regular pasta, which is truly amazing! It’s non-GMO Project Verified, and also allergen-free. This mac and cheese is a great option for families with allergies, as it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan! 

Flavorful Features:

Try Banza’s other flavors of mac and cheese:

• Elbows & White Cheddar
• Elbows & Classic Cheddar
• Shells & Cacio e pepe

The Icing on the Cake:

In addition to more protein and fiber than regular mac and cheese, Banza’s mac and cheese is loaded with calcium, iron, and potassium, so you can be sure your little ones are getting the minerals they need to grow strong and healthy! It’s also gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, and free of the most common allergens.

Time to Eat?!

Banza Shells & Classic Cheddar Mac & Cheese is a perfect option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Mix it Up!

Add even more nutrients to your Banza mac and cheese by adding your favorite veggies into the mix!

www.eatbanza.com

www.facebook.com/EatBanza

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Are you looking for a cheesy, crunchy, not-full-of-terrible-ingredients snack that you and your kids enjoy? Introducing Snikiddy Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs! This simple yet DELICIOUS snack is certified gluten-free and USDA organic, nut-free, non-GMO, vegetarian, and has no hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup! Did we mention how cheesy and delicious these puffs are? With a minimal, wholesome ingredient list and mouthwatering taste, these Snikiddy Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs are sure to become a family favorite!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I love mac and cheese! These puffs are crunchy and yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

My family loves to snack. I try to keep healthful products in the house, but it’s sometimes hard to find great-tasting products that have wholesome ingredients. I found Snikiddy’s Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs and instantly fell in love! They are delicious, my kids love them, and I love the ingredient list. The individual snack pack bags are perfect to throw in my kids’ lunchboxes and backpacks, or to take with us in the car on road trips! I love the organic ingredients and my kids love the taste; it’s a win-win!

Flavorful Features:

Snikiddy also makes Grilled Cheese Baked Puffs, as well as three different flavors or Baked Fries: Cheddar, Bold Buffalo, and Hot & Spicy.

The Icing on the Cake:

Snikiddy focuses on using wholesome ingredients and bold flavors in their products. There’s no hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup, and they’re certified gluten-free, USDA organic, nut-free, and non-GMO. Their Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs are a delicious and healthful choice for a snack for your family!

Time to Eat?!

Snikiddy Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs are a delectable addition to kids’ lunches, and a yummy after-school snack!

Good to Go?

The 0.75 oz snack pack bags are great for an easy addition to lunchboxes and backpacks, even purses for on-the-go snacking whenever you need it!

Mix it Up!

Try crushing up these Mac and Cheese Baked Puffs and adding to your breadcrumb mixture the next time you make chicken! Instant cheesy deliciousness!

www.snikiddy.com

www.facebook.com/Snikiddy/

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Can I have some more sweet poppers? They’re so chewy and yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

The Icing on the Cake:

Time to Eat?!

Incorporate some Yumble Protein Poppers into breakfast for some added protein! They’re also a great choice for an after-school snack…even a sweet dessert.

Mix it Up!

Take snacking to the next level by dipping Yumble Protein Poppers yogurt, nut butter, or seed butter…maybe even chocolate? The possibilities are endless!

https://yumblekids.com/

https://www.facebook.com/yumblekids/

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes the onset of backyard barbecue season! Sharing delicious meals with friends and family on warm summer nights, what more do you need? Our friends at Cooking Light have put together Kicky Black Bean Burgers that make a fantastic vegetarian meal, and can be easily customized to please dozens of different palates. Instead of using Pepper Jack, why not use provolone or mozzarella and top the patties with basil leaves instead of lettuce? Or, take the Mexican theme further with sliced ripe avocado and a dash of hot sauce.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Place beans in a large bowl; mash with a fork. Place 1 toasted bun, torn, in a food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Stir breadcrumbs, cumin, and next 5 ingredients (through egg white) into beans.

2. Divide and shape bean mixture into 4 (1-inch-thick) patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add patties to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned.

3. Divide cheese evenly among patties; cook 1 minute or until cheese melts. Top bottom halves of remaining 4 buns evenly with patties, pico de gallo, lettuce, and top halves of buns.

Tips & Trick:

• If you don’t have a food processor, you can sub about 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs for the torn bun.
• Kids can help mix the ingredients and form the patties!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Looking for an easy, better-for-you way to satisfy that pizza craving? Our friends at Cooking Light have put a delicious spin on this cheesy classic, using pita rounds and kale! These Mini Mozzarella-and-Kale Pita Pizzas require just a few ingredients, but are full of flavor! Split the pitas in half before toasting so that the “crust” for the pizzas can get extra crisp. Baby kale is a fantastic all-purpose green; and it’s a great introduction to greens other than lettuce or spinach. The kids are sure to love it, and can help with adding the fresh toppings before broiling!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat broiler to high with oven rack in middle position.

2. Split each pita in half horizontally to get 12 rounds. Arrange rounds, cut side up, on a baking sheet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Broil 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly toasted.

3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 2 minutes or until browned. Stir in kale; cook 2 minutes or until wilted. Remove pan from heat.

4. Spread about 2 teaspoons pizza sauce over each pita round; top evenly with kale mixture, cheeses, and tomatoes. Sprinkle evenly with pepper and salt. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheeses are melted.

Tips & Trick:

• Have a different green in your fridge? Use whatever you’d like!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Ingredients: 

1 pound whole wheat pasta, cooked

1 pound fresh low-fat mozzarella

5 small tomatoes

1 green bell pepper

1 orange, yellow or red bell pepper

1 15.5-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 bunch fresh basil

2 lemons

olive oil, to taste

balsamic vinegar, to taste

salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions: 

Together:  Cook pasta according to package directions.

Together:  In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta and set aside.

Kid: With a plastic knife, dice mozzarella, tomatoes, and bell peppers and add them to bowl of pasta. (Dice the ingredients small, so you can challenge your children to fit as many colors as they can into one bite!)

Kid: Remove basil leaves from stem. Tear leaves into small pieces and add to bowl.

Together:  Add beans and juice lemons into the bowl. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar to pasta salad, a little at a time. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste and eat!

Tips & Tricks: 

Give your kids options in the kitchen. Instead of the vegetables included in the recipe, ask them to suggest other favorites. Vote on a bean variety instead of cannellini beans. Have the kids choose between broccoli and spinach. When you give your kids a choice in what they eat, they are more likely to eat it! The key is to select two choices that, as a parent, you’d be happy for them to eat either way.

Article: 

To read the full article on The Kids Cook Monday, click here! For more delicious and healthful recipes for kids of all ages and abilities, check out The Creative Kitchen’s new adaptable cooking curricula, Everybody Can Cook.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Thanksgiving can be really challenging for vegetarians – with side dishes laced with chicken broth and turkey as the main event. Thankfully, our friends at Cooking Light have rounded up a bunch of delicious, meatless holiday recipes that are sure to be a hit with your vegetarian and non-vegetarian dinner guests, alike!

Pappardelle with Roasted Winter Squash, Arugula, and Pine Nuts

“This fresh and easy dish packs in lots of seasonal flavors, and you can put everything together in the 25 minutes it takes for the squash to roast. The recipe makes six filling servings, so it’s great for a family dinner or casual get-together, but you can always double or triple it to be the main course at any holiday party.”

Click here for the recipe!

Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan

“Cauliflower is a versatile yet often overlooked vegetable. Roasted here until just tender and browned, and flavored with Italian herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice, it’s the highlight of any meal. It’s heavy on flavor but light on calories, with only 89 per serving.”

Click here for the recipe!

Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash

“This side is simple and fabulous. The cooking is mostly hands-off, and the prep is easy. Serve the tender butternut squash in large pieces to catch every last bit of the honey butter drizzle.”

Click here for the recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

The midday slump happens to the best of us. A hearty and healthful lunch can help you and your kids refuel to power through the rest of the day ahead. Our friends at Cooking Light have put together a collection of healthful lunches that are sure to be a hit with you and your family! From after school activities to after work meetings, these nutritious and filling lunches will keep you and your kids going until dinnertime.

Waffle Turkey-and-Cheese Sami

Your kids will love this fun cross between breakfast and lunch! This sandwich combines whole-wheat waffles, low-sodium turkey, and a maple-mustard-mayonnaise spread for a yummy salty-sweet combination. Serve this twist on a classic turkey sandwich with some cut up fruit and carrot sticks for a complete and balanced lunch!

Click here for the recipe!

Grilled Veggie and Hummus Wraps

Make the most of summer’s last vegetable harvest with this grilled veggie wrap! Super simple to assemble and filled with fiber, plant-based protein, and tons of flavor, these nutrient-packed wraps will give you that midday day boost to keep you fueled and full for the rest of the day.

Click here for the recipe!

Parmesan-Panko Chicken Tenders

What kid (or kid at heart) doesn’t love chicken fingers? This healthful upgrade on a fast food favorite uses crunchy panko breadcrumbs to give the tenders that crispy texture without the need of deep frying! Pack these in your kid’s lunchbox with cut up veggies and a yummy dipping sauce for a meal that will be a huge hit at any lunch table.

Click here for the recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Spaghetti squash is a tasty, inexpensive and nutrient-packed alternative to traditional pasta. Our friends at Cooking Light have put together several simple to prepare and family pleasing recipes.

Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Mushrooms, and Spinach

This quick and easy recipe is sure to find a place on your family dinner rotation.

Click here to try this yummy recipe!

Spaghetti Squash Gratins with Chunky Tomato Sauce

These individual casseroles are like little lasagnas with spaghetti squash replacing the traditional lasagna noodles.

Click here to try this yummy recipe!

Meatless Meatballs over Herbed Spaghetti Squash

Reminiscent of classic spaghetti and meatballs, this meatless recipe will please both vegetarians and meat lovers. Spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta noodles, while soy meatballs stand in for the beef variety.

Click here to try this yummy recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Superbowl Sunday is almost here! Our friends at Cooking Light have taken the guess work out of cooking for a crowd. They have put together some tasty chili recipes that are packed with flavor and nutrients, and are sure to have the whole group clanking their spoons for more!

Turkey and Bean Chili

Make this low-calorie chili in just 20 minutes for a quick, one-pot supper. Serve with corn bread to complete the meal.

Click here for the recipe!

Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

This recipe proves that hearty chili doesn’t necessarily mean meat on the ingredient list. The variety of beans give great texture and flavor.

Click here for the recipe!

White Chili

This white chili recipe uses hot pepper sauce made from jalapeños; it’s milder than the red hot pepper varieties. Stirring frequently toward the end of cooking time prevents the bean-thickened broth from sticking to the bottom and scorching.

Click here for the recipe!

Smoky Slow Cooker Chili

A smoked ham hock, cooked with the chili and then discarded, adds just the right amount of smokiness with minimal effort.

Click here for the recipe!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner.  Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children.  She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.