Mix up your pasta routine while still appealing to your kids’ picky taste buds with this creamy, warm, and comforting Fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Sneak in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and any other goods you have on hand.
Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Ingredients
1 package of fettuccine noodles
1/4 c finely chopped onion
1 c fresh sliced mushrooms
1 c spinach leaves
2 tbsp butter
1 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
2 chicken breasts, cooked (optional)
Method
1. In a large frying pan, saute the onion in butter.
2. Once the onion is tender, add the garlic and mushrooms.
3. Saute until they are all tender.
4. Reduce heat to low/medium heat and slowly stir in heavy cream.
5. Add the salt and parmesan and stir until the parmesan has dissolved.
6. Add pre-cooked spinach if desired (or, cook fresh spinach with 1 tbsp of butter until wilted).
7. If you would like to thicken your alfredo sauce add a few tbsps of flour.
8. Stir until you have achieved your desired thickness.
9. Serve over your noodle of choice and with a white chicken breast on the side (or cut up the chicken and serve it on top).
Sometimes just the thought of prepping dinner for your entire family can be exhausting. Even the thought of doing dishes after prepping a pre-made meal is too much. After a day of drop-offs, pick-ups, play time, and general kiddo chaos, going out and treating yourself to a nice meal out can seem more like a dream than a reality. Will the kids enjoy their meal? Will they refuse to eat what’s in front of them? Will you spend more time stressing about the bill than actually enjoying your time together? Put your worries away. We’ve compiled your go-to guide of all the Portland area restaurants where kids eat free (yep, you read that right), or can get meals so cheap they feel like they’re free. So what are you waiting for? Indulge yourself and enjoy at one of these local favorites or family-friendly chains tonight.
Looking for an interactive dining experience your kids will be talking about for days? Kingkong offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience everyone will enjoy. Served family style, you can grill your meal right at your table. It’s tasty fun for everyone.
The Deal: Kids under four eat free daily. Kids ages 4-8 years are half price (only on all you can eat options).
Choose your meats and veggies at the buffet, add as many ingredients as you’d like, then watch the restaurant’s talented cooks roast everything together for a truly yummy lunch or dinner.
The Deal: Kids under four eat free with a paid adult. Offered daily.
Head on over to the Evergreen State to enjoy mouth-watering ribs and a whole lot more (seriously, their menu is huge). Kids four and under get a one piece chicken and fries meal on the house at this Vancouver family hotspot! Nope, we’re not ribbing ya, this is a real deal!
The Deal: Kids under four can receive a one piece chicken and fries meal on the house. Dine-in only. Offered daily.
14415 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Unit 117B
Vancouver, WA Online:ribcity.com
Head to Pepino’s Mexican Grill on Tuesday nights for fresh, healthy Mexican food that everyone can agree on. This family-run business has been dishing up traditional faves for more than 20 years and continues to make customers smile on the reg.
The Deal: Kids 12 and under can choose between free bean and cheese burrito or a flour quesadilla with a side of rice, pinto beans, chips, and a 12 oz. beverage.
This Pacific Northwest institution has been serving up comfort food and delicious pies since 1978 so they definitely know what they’re doing. Plus, kids eat free every Tuesday whether you’re dining in, picking up, or getting delivery.
Insider Tip: Have a craving for something sweet? Come in on a Wednesday and receive a free slice of their famous pie when you order an entree or family meal.
The Deal: One free kids meal with any dine-in or Sharis.com order all-day on Tuesdays.
With locations in North Portland, Tigard, and Newberg, 48 North Pizzera is the perfect way to end a busy weekend with a bang. Their custom pizzas and delicious wings will have the adults salivating, while kids 10 and under enjoy their free cheese or pepperoni pizzas. Plus, they have vegan and gluten-free options available.
The Deal: Kids eat free all day on Sundays. Kids under 10 can get a cheese or pepperoni kid’s pizza. Please note there is a limit of one pizza per kid, and requires the purchase of any regular-priced pizza.
This national barbecue chain prides itself on its quality meats and its commitment to family fun. Everyone—from your pickiest eater to your hungriest little one—will find something to satisfy their appetite at Dickey’s.
The Deal: Kids 12 and under eat free all day on Sundays with the minimum of a $12 purchase. Please note this offer is available at participating Dickey’s locations only (please call ahead to verify) and is not valid with any other coupons, offers, discounts, or promotions.
Locations: Portland, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro & Beaverton Online:dickeys.com
Why not try out this Portland favorite? This casual dining spot gives off relaxed vibes and the para ninos menu prices can’t be beat. Enjoy a much deserved margarita (happy hour is Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) while the kids feast on the bean and rice bowl ($3.50) or a bean and cheese taco ($2.50).
The kids menu might be limited but the portions are huge. The kids bowl comes with a generous serving of green rice, beans, lettuce, and fresh avocado. It’s so big your kids can split it or take home the leftovers for lunch the next day. Even better? The whole thing costs a cool $4.
Take your sandwich to the next level with two ingredients you already have in your kitchen
Tired of your go-to sliced cheddar on white bread? Mix up your routine with this no-brainer recipe from the food bloggers Jennie and Corelynof Garlic My Soul. With two ingredients we bet you already have in your kitchen–apples and jam–the classic grilled cheese gets a major upgrade. The cooks’ secret to this delicious sandwich? Use Fontina cheese, which Jennie and Corelyn swear takes this dish to the next level.
Serves 1
Grilled Cheese with Apple and Jam Ingredients:
2 slices sourdough bread
2-3 oz fontina cheese
2 tbsp blueberry jam
¼ an apple, thiny sliced
4-5 basil leaves, chopped thinly sliced
butter
soup of your choice, optional
Method:
1. Butter both sides of your bread.
2. Spread the jam on the inside of both pieces of bread, then layer on the cheese, with the basil in the center.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat, and butter well.
4. Cook over medium heat on each side until the bread is well browned. Pro tip: if you want to, you can use a cast iron bacon press or another cast iron to put weight on the sandwich so everyone gets nice and melty.
We are deep in the throes of winter and if you’re looking for a fun afternoon activity, why not try out a few easy cookie recipes? Better yet, give a few three ingredient cookie recipes a try! These easy cookies recipes require the fewest ingredients but still pack a sweet punch. Keep reading to see everything from simple peanut butter cookies and Palmiers to cake mix cookies and more.
Thin Mints
What Molly Made
No need to wait for Girl Scout cookie season when you have this recipe for homemade thin mints. With just three ingredients, you may be making this recipe on the daily.
Palmiers are made from puff pastry dough and are oh so delicious. This easy recipe mixes store bought and pantry staples, and will wow at your cookie ecxhange,
Butter, flour and sugar is all you need to get baking. This simple butter cookie recipe make a great canvas for frosting, or enjoyed with a dusting of sugar.
Shhh! Your guests will never even realize you made this delicious lemon cookies with a box of cake mix! Add in a few extra ingredients and transform this mix into the lemony cookies of your dreams.
It only takes 10 minutes of baking to enjoy these cinnamon sugar pie crust cookies. With simple ingredients you likely have on hand, they'd make the perfect side to your morning cuppa joe!
Refreshing and oh-so-pretty, these crinkle cookies are great for spring––or just strawberry lovers. Cake mix and basic baking ingredients are all you need to whip up these sweet treats in a flash.
Customizable and creative, these cake mix cookies bring an element of fun to the table. You can stick to the three-ingredient list or add a few extra to add some fun color.
These little cookies couldn’t be easier—just melt some chocolate kisses on top of pretzels, and then the kiddos can help you decorate with festive M&Ms.
Everybody knows sweets are just better with funfetti. Grab an extra box of the cake mix the next time you're at the store, and change up dessert with this alternative treat.
These fun cookies are a nice departure from traditional ingredients like flour and eggs. Instead, grab some low mein noodles and watch them turn into a delightful, butterscotch-y dessert.
Ahh, conversation hearts. As a kid, there was nothing quite like sneaking one across the desk to your crush. Now, as a parent, you can create a (much) tastier version with your kids at home. Confetti Cakes, a mom-owned cake company, is selling an at-home baking kit, and yup, it’s in the form of a giant conversation heart! If this gives you the warm fuzzies, keep reading to find out how to get one in time for Valentine’s Day.
What It Is
This lovable cake kit is designed by Elisa Strauss, the pastry chef behind Confetti Cakes. She's been making cakes for over 20 years and is the author of two cookbooks, and last year, she added cake kits to her repertoire. Elisa says, “Creating a baking kit has been a dream of mine for over a decade! I love teaching, and I want people to feel that they can create amazing cakes at home. Also, being a mom of 3 young kids, I see how wonderful it is to have a fun project to do—especially around sweets. The most important thing in childhood is to make memories. I hope I am helping people to do that whether they are 6 yrs or 106!”
The conversation heart kit sold out in 2021, but it's back and available now. If you’re worried about procuring fancy cake-baking ingredients, don’t be. You’ll get almost everything you need to make the giant conversation hearts: vanilla or chocolate cake mix, buttercream frosting mix, stencils, cake molds, fondant and more. You just need to provide the eggs, milk, oil and butter!
How Do You Get One?
If you want the kit to be delivered before Feb. 14, be sure to place your ASAP. Each kit is $65 (plus $12 for shipping), and there’s an option to send one as a gift, which is perfect if you aren’t able to see your loved ones.
We’ve all been there: all set to bust out your favorite recipe or do some baking with the kids and you find yourself short on a key ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a baking soda substitution or you are in need of an egg substitution, or it’s just not practical (or safe) to go to the store, we’ve got a handy list for those just-in-case moments.
Baking powder: The following are equal to 1 tsp. baking powder.
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda + 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1/2 cup plain yogurt + 1 tsp. baking soda. Mix dry ingredients together first before adding yogurt. dded to dry ingredients. (Reduce amount of water or other liquids).
1/2 tsp. lemon juice + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
1/4 cup of molasses + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
1/2 tsp. vinegar + 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
Baking soda:
Baking powder at a 3x ratio (i.e. 3 tsp. baking powder = roughly 1 tsp. baking soda).
Brown sugar:
1 cup white sugar + 1 tbsp. maple syrup or molasses
Maple syrup, agave nectar or molasses at the ratio of 2/3 cup liquid to 1 cup of brown sugar. Reduce your other liquids in the recipe by 1/4 cup each.
Aquafaba, aka bean water! This is the liquid leftover from canned beans. Use 3 tbsp. per egg. This is great to sub for whipped meringues or when a recipe calls for egg whites.
Flour:
It’s Pretty hard to sub out flour, but you can create your own flour from dried oats if you powder them. Other flours, such as almond flour or coconut flour, can be used on a 1 to 1 ratio but don’t expect the same results. Liquids bind differently with these flours, so if possible try for a half regular/half alternative flour recipe.
Half and half or heavy cream:
Add 2 tbsp. of cornstarch to regular milk.
Melt 1/4 cup butter into 3/4 cup regular or skim milk.
Lemon/lemon juice:
You can sub in vinegar, orange juice, lime juice or white wine in place of lemon juice.
Powdered sugar:
DIY your own powdered sugar by putting regular (castor) sugar into a food processor until it’s…well…powdered!
Sour cream:
Add 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice to yogurt.
Yeast:
There isn’t really a great substitute for yeast, but in a pinch you can try using equal parts baking soda + vinegar (or another acid like lemon juice) to create a leavening effect.
Sub a little of your water for vodka and your pie crust somehow comes out flakier. And now you have an almost-full bottle of vodka on hand. Just sayin…
If you run out of food coloring, Use Jello to tint decorative icing.
Hear us out: potatoes just might be the perfect food. They might seem boring at first glance, but there’s an endless number of ways to prepare them, from mashed to baked to french fried. No holiday meal is complete without spuds, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite potato side dishes. Read on to find your family’s new favorite.
Because we know a good thing when we taste one, here is the ever-popular mashed potato with a twist. From chef to the stars and founder of the FoodCulture App Chef Ryan Rondeno comes a wonderfully enhanced version of mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and sour cream. Get the recipe here.
Satisfy your craving for french fries by whipping up a batch of healthier baked fries. They come out deliciously crispy and can be paired with pretty much any meal.
For a fun twist on mashed potatoes, try this delish potato casserole. It adds celery and red peppers to the mix, and it’s topped with melty cheese to lure in the little ones. To get the recipe, click here.
Potato dishes don’t have to be heavy! This salad is topped with crispy sweet potato strips and also has lots of healthy veggies, making it the perfect companion for a heavier meal.
Sweet potato fans, take note—this genius recipe from The Speckled Palate is a winner. The spuds are tossed in butter and bourbon, then roasted in the oven for a super-indulgent (and easy!) side dish.
Red-skinned potatoes are our new favorite thanks to this genius recipe from Domestic Gothess. The inside of the ‘taters stays soft and creamy, and the outside gets super crispy—aka potato perfection.
Knock. Knock. Who's There? Orange. Orange Who? Orange you thankful for sweet potato side dishes that look like cupcakes? Your dainty diners will go crazy for these festive treats, and they're a cinch to put together. Leave it to Weelicious to nail the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Let's call it a mockmash! This savory cauliflower puree from The Iron You makes a healthy stand-in for mashed potatoes. It gets its fabulous flavor from the cheese, milk (or almond milk) and a touch of butter, has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes, and best of all, little eaters may not even realize they're getting their daily dose of vegetables.
Finding perfectly hued purple potatoes is the most challenging part of this simple recipe, but if you do, you've got yourself a side dish that will be the belle of the ball (our apologies to the turkey). Pop over to Smitten Kitchen and follow their simple steps to making this stunning dish.
Au Gratin Potatoes
iStock
Pretty as pie! This healthy potato gratin with herbs is creamy without having to actually add cream—and great flavor results from thyme and rosemary. This is a go-to dish if you're going to a potluck-style turkey dinner. Hop over to Food and Wine for the easy-to-follow recipe.
These whipped coconut sweet potatoes are made with coconut milk, making them not only creamy and fluffy but also dairy-free. Add a touch of maple syrup, a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkling of coconut "snow" and voilà—they're the perfect alternative to the traditional mashed potato. Visit Weelicious for the full recipe and get whippin'!
Looking like spaghetti but tasting like sweet potato, this side dish is not just delicious to eat but is also fun to make. Have your kiddos join in on the action, since spiralizing fruits and veggies feels a lot like creating the coolest Play-Doh hair ever. Susan, the author of The Wimpy Vegetarian, is the mastermind behind this unique holiday side dish. If you don't have a spiralizer in your kitchen already, you can purchase one here.
Perfect Potato Pancakes
iStock
These simple potato pancakes, made from pre-shredded frozen potatoes, can be fun for more than just one holiday this season. Switch out the flour for matzo meal and enjoy them at Passover too. Find out how to get lucky with latkes here.
Taste Food Blog gives the little's favorite fries a healthy and colorful facelift, just in time for the holidays. Giving the russet potato a well-deserved break, this recipe calls for sliced up parsnips, carrots, rutabagas and sweet potatoes. We think these yummy baked veggies will look mighty fine next to the turkey and cranberry sauce.
Do you butter your Pop-Tarts? If you do, you’re in good company and the breakfast pastry brand is paying attention. Starting next week, you can try and snag a limited-edition Pop-Tarts x Butter Kit, featuring your favorite flavors and gourmet butter blends!
So far this year, people have tweeted about butter and Pop-Tarts 6,946 times, equating to almost one tweet every hour. Pop-Tarts decided to partner with Banner Butter, an Atlanta-based small-batch butter maker, to create kits that celebrate this delicious pairing. You’ll only be able to buy them online for $25 on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and sales start at noon ET.
Here’s what to expect if you get your hands on a kit: three boxes of Pop-Tarts in Frosted Strawberry, Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Frosted Chocolate Fudge flavors. Plus six Banner Butter varieties that sound pretty mouth-watering: Honey Habanero, Sea Salt, Strawberry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Ginger and Balsamic Fig and Caramelized Onion.
If you’re unsure on how to pair, you’ll also receive a Pop-Tarts x Butter 101 Guide. There are even tips on how to properly butter the pastries! The kits will likely sell out fast, so if you miss out, grab a box of Pop-Tarts and your fave butter and try it for yourself at home.
Now that Halloween is over, we have all of November to start prepping for the craziness that is the holiday season. In other words, parents: get your advent calendars now!
We like to think that Trader Joe’s annual milk chocolate advent calendars are the easiest way to go. Coming in at $.99, each one is packed with 24 mini chocolates made with rich cocoa butter.
Make sure to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s run for options that include sloths, a “Jolly ‘Joe-Cuterie’ Board,” Feliz Navidad and more. And to be honest, why choose? At less than $1, you can pick one of each!
Sentiment on Red Lobster may be mixed, but everyone can agree that the Cheddar Bay Biscuits are deliciously iconic. And this is very good news for biscuit lovers: for the first time ever, you can buy the product frozen and ready to bake!
No need to visit the restaurant to get your quick fix. You can buy boxes of Cheddar Bay Biscuits exclusively at Walmart and they’ll be ready for dinner in less than 30 minutes, with no mixing or prep work required. Once they come out of the oven, brush with melted butter and add seasoning from the enclosed pack to replicate the classic taste at home.
Look for the new product in the frozen food aisle at Walmart. Each box makes eight biscuits and make it easy to satisfy your Cheddar Bay cravings any time of day (or night). And if you’re avoiding gluten, you can also buy Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix at retailers nationwide!
