ML Interest Tag: dip

Baked Chicken Nuggets

by Erin Lem

You’ve heard your kids beg for chicken nuggets from the golden arches. Give them something to really beg for with this homemade and healthy version of the fast food staple. Your kids will gobble up these baked morsels of chicken and you’ll feel good knowing that their dinner isn’t processed or artificial.

Makes: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
1½ lb chicken cutlets, cut into nuggets
2 Tbsp oil
6 Tbsp honey
6 Tbsp ketchup
1 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
1½-2 cups panko crumbs

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine oil, honey, ketchup, mustard, and chili powder (optional). Use a spoon to stir the mixture until smooth. Pour half the sauce into a separate bowl to use as the dipping sauce; set aside.

3. Place panko crumbs into another bowl.

4. Dip chicken nuggets into the honey mixture and coat completely. Then, press into panko crumbs until chicken is fully coated on all sides.

5. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet. Spray the top of the nuggets with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes. For extra-crispy nuggets, turn the chicken halfway through the cooking time, baking for 12-13 minutes per side.

6. Serve with dipping sauce that you set aside in step 2.

From Panini Wraps to Hot Dog Garlic Knots to Homemade Button Candy, Kids Cooking Made Easy, The latest cookbook in the popular “Made Easy Series” by authors Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek, makes sure kids will never be bored or hungry again. Buy it here artscroll.com/Books/kcmep.html. 

Click here for more kid-friendly recipes!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Now Open: The Delectable Churro Borough

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, a new Los Feliz ice cream shop is turning out churros with an extra sweet twist. Churro Borough is sandwiching ice cream between cinnamon and sugar coated fried dough to create a crunchy & creamy taste sensation kids (and parents) can’t resist.  Get there early, because it feels like all of LA is in line for sammies, paletas and something called churro fries.

The Scoop
Let’s start with the inside of the sandwich. Churro Borough scoops up 12 different flavors of hand made, small batch ice cream.

Six classic flavors including vanilla custard that purists will love and a spicy Mexican hot chocolate for more adventurous eaters. Others include Spanish Latte, Horchata Sorbet, and Orange Dreamsicle. Be sure to check out their seasonal ice cream menu as well. Right now they’re scooping a Chocolate Malt, Brown Cookie Butter Sorbet, and Coconut Kaffir Lime Sorbet that are worth come back for again, and again and again.

Can’t decide? Tasting is encouraged. We watched one patron ask to taste all 12 and the server didn’t even blink. Perfect for kids who aren’t sure what they want; one taste of that perfect flavor and they’ll know.

Then your ice cream selection is sandwiched between two freshly fried churro discs, which were tossed in a house spiced sugar.  Mmmmm.

More Than Just a Sandwich
Not into ice cream sandwiches? Get it as a scoop (or two) with your choice of chocolate, caramel or guava syrups. Top it with churro bits, almonds, or whipped cream.  Or an ice cream shake, topped with whipped cream.

On the lighter side, the paletas (popsicles) are all gluten free and fresh as can be ranging from tart and tangy (guava lime) to sweet and refreshing (watermelon lemon grass).

Coffee selections rotate from local LA roasters. One week it might be Intelligentsia the next Stumptown, Groundworks or Handsome Coffee.

And we can’t say enough about the churro fries – the thinner, crispier, shorter, version takes a humble kiddie snack to the next level. They’re great for portion control, so your kids aren’t totally bouncing off the walls by the time you get home.  They’re also great for sharing (or stealing) and dipping in one of the house made dipping sauces (choose from chocolate, toffee or guava).

Grab a Seat…If You Can
There’s counter seating inside the small storefront and tables outside, but it all fills up fast. So grab a seat while someone else waits in line and orders.

Heads up: the place is new and popular, which is LA speak means long lines. Try going for a midday treat to avoid waiting at least ten people deep for your churro fix or (gasp) risking that they sell out of sandwiches.

 

Nearby: Got your treat?  Now explore the street with your kids.  Skylight Books has one of the best curated kid’s sections in town, and is one of our favorite bookstores for adults and kids (and cards…Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are around the corner).  And if you’re in the market for stylish pint-sized clothes, you won’t find a cooler selection than that at La La Ling.

Good to know: Check Churro Borough’s twitter updates before heading over. They’ve been known to run out of product well before closing. But not to worry, they restock every night so your churro dreams can be fulfilled bright and early the next day.  They’re open Tues.-Fri. from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. from noon-10p.m.

You may find street parking if you’re lucky, but there’s a $5 pay lot right around the corner, worth it so you don’t have to make a trek with tots in tow. Or lose your place in line.

Churro Borough
1726 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz
323-662-0341
Online: churroborough.com

Where (besides Disneyland!) do you go for a churro fix?  We’d love to hear your favorite fried dough maker and flavor.

—photos and story by Christina Fiedler

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Cheese, Please! 5 Fab Eateries for Grilled Cheese

by rtjamybond

If you’re tired of your go-to sliced cheddar on white bread, turn your grilled cheese adventure up a notch at these eateries that have re-invented the classic American favorite. From grilled cheese served up from a truck to sandwiches accompanied by a spicy marinara dipping sauce, you don’t have to go far to find some of the tastiest grilled cheese sandwiches on the planet. Read on to discover five of our favorite spots that guarantee big time smiles from your kids.

Bayou Bakery
Bayou Bakery’s owner David Guas knows a thing or two about Cajun-inspired flavor and some say a taste of his cooking is akin to having a jazz band play in your mouth. So imagine what he can do with a grilled cheese. Be sure to grab his famous sandwich that boasts warm, rich pimento cheese oozing from thick slices of buttery Texas-style toast.

1515 North Courthouse Road
Arlington, Va
Online: bayoubakeryva.com

The Big Cheese Food Truck
If you’re walking around downtown and want to grab a quick bite between museum visits, forget the hot dog stands on every corner and beeline it to the Big Cheese Food Truck, which features a number of decadently delicious grilled cheese varieties that will have you saying things like, “I never thought I’d pay $9 for a grilled cheese sandwich, but that was worth it!” Try the Mt. Fuji with Camembert, fuji apple and honey on multigrain, or the Midnight Moon with goat gouda and caramelized onions. There’s also the Cherry Blossom with chevre and cherry preserves on multigrain. Rumor has it that any choice you make here is a good one.

Online: bigcheesetruck.com
Twitter: twitter.com/bigcheesetruck

Room11
Some places only need to offer one kind of grilled cheese to earn a reputation for having the best and DC’s Room 11 is that place. Their signature grilled cheese sandwich is said to channel all the comforts of childhood in one bite. It features a gooey mix of oak cheddar, mozzarella, and local caciocavallo, and it comes with a side of spicy marinara for dipping. One bite and you’ll soon understand why DC locals swear by it.

3234 11th St. NW
Washington, DC
Online: room11dc.com

Grilled Cheese DC
Get ready to become parent of the year because all the dishes at Grilled Cheese DC begin with one of every kid’s staple food preferences: grilled cheese, mac ‘n’ cheese, or tator tots! Choose from several pre-designed options such as the Young American with American cheese, tomato and bacon on sourdough, or the District Cemita with pepper jack, chorizo, avocado, and salsa on white bread. Many say the best by far is the French Onion with Gruyere and caramelized onions on challah bread. Got a picky eater who isn’t into their menu? Build your own grilled cheese sandwich from a long list of bread, cheese, meat and veggie options.

1730 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC
Online: grilledcheesedc.com

photo: Jennifer L. via Yelp

Cheesetique
With a name like Cheesetique, there’s not much guesswork to what you’ll find on the menu. In addition to a decadent cheese bar, this place has it’s own “grilled cheese menu,” you can choose from a multitude of heavenly versions, including simple ones like cheddar on sourdough or more complicated indulgences, such as glazed Greek figs and fresh arugula, with fontina and Amish blue cheese. Wow. There also an Italian mix of fresh Mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil on grilled ciabatta; and another with Brie, apples and prosciutto. We recommend having everyone in your group order something different and then share so you get to try as many of these cheesy grilled concoctions as possible.

4056 Campbell Ave.
Arlington, Va
Online: cheesetique.com

What is your favorite destination for grilled cheese? Share the love in the Comments below!

— Jamy Bond

all photos courtesy of the business unless otherwise noted

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Chocolate Bunny Dipped Berries

by Erin Lem

After the kids have had their fill of miniature milk chocolate lambs and hollow bittersweet bunnies, pile the collective haul into a double boiler.  It all gets melted down and then paired with Spring’s best strawberries for a dipping extravaganza.  With strawberry season coinciding perfectly with Easter, the timing couldn’t be better.

Kids just may delight in watching the magic that happens when heat is applied to chocolate.  It’s important to be sure the berries are thoroughly dried after washing so the chocolate adheres. Opt for organic berries if possible since conventional ones are some of the biggest offenders on the pesticide front.

If you don’t have leftover bunnies, or don’t celebrate Easter, it’s worth scaring up some chocolate for this anyway.  Chocolate dipped berries may be passé in gourmet circles, but in kid circles, they still rank pretty high.  And as far as desserts go, it’s not all bad – a few nutrients, not a ton of calories, and antioxidants if you are opting for dark chocolate.

Ingredients:
8 ounces leftover chocolate
1½ baskets fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried

Method:
1. Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler one-third full of water.  Bring to a gentle boil.  Break chocolate up into 1-inch pieces and put in the top of a double boiler.  Melt the chocolate, stirring from time-to-time until smooth.

3. Remove the double boiler from the heat.  Hold each strawberry by its stem, dip it into the chocolate, and set it on the baking sheet to cool.  You may need to reheat the chocolate if it starts hardens up.

4. Allow the chocolate-covered strawberries to cool completely.

5. These are best eaten within a day of when they are made.  Store in the refrigerator

Katie Sullivan Morford is a mom, food writer and registered dietitian. You can find her family-friendly recipes and kitchen wisdom at Mom’s Kitchen Handbook. 

Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market
Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Party Perfect! How to Make Your Own Piñata

by Gabby Cullen

You’ve got your taco bar all set up and the fiesta is imminent but there’s one key ingredient you still need to guarantee an awesome party: the piñata. Save a few pesos and follow the steps below to make your own with paper mache and a balloon. It’s almost as much fun making it as whacking it to pieces.


What You’ll Need

Balloon

Newspaper: cut in 1-2 inch wide x 6 inch long strips

No-Cook Paper Mache Paste: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ – 2 cups water, 1 TBSP salt (to prevent molding)

Non-toxic tempera paint

Tissue Paper: cut in 1 inch wide x 6 inch long fringe strips

Glue

Ribbon

Scissors

Hole Punch

Candy

A few piñata loving kiddos

Making the Piñata

Step 1
Blow up a balloon as big as you can manage; the round shape will serve are the base of your piñata, and the form will harden after applying the paper mache and newspaper strips.

Step 2
Mix up the paper mache (more water = thinner paste). Grab a handful of newspaper strips; start dipping and pasting over the balloon in a criss cross pattern. Heads up parents! Try not to let the kids get too dip-happy. This step takes time and it’s messy—you’ll need several layers, and you must let the piñata dry in between layers so make sure the littles go easy on the paste.

Psst! Be sure to leave the knot at the end of the balloon free and clear. When you are done decorating, this is where the candy will find it’s way into the piñata.

Decorating the Piñata

Step 3
Check to be sure your party piñata is totally dry: follow up with a few layers of paint. If your kiddos know the color they want to pick for decorating, think about using a matching color!

Step 4
After the paint dries, start gluing the tissue paper to the shape. Insider Tip: Cut thinner strips to glue on the top of the balloon. Let the kids get creative with strips of fringe, googly eyes,  jewels or whatever else they want to add to the mix.

Filling the Piñata

 

Step 5
Find the knot and snip it to open a hole into the piñata—be sure to pull out the rubber pieces of the balloon. If you need to make the hole bigger, use your scissors.

Step 6
Punch two tiny holes (or use scissors if you don’t have a hole punch handy) across the big hole, use ribbon to make a hanging hook. Insider Tip: Wait until your piñata is TOTALLY dry before punching holes. The ribbon will rip through if the form is soft or wet.

Step 7
Fill your piñata with candy, then create a tissue paper top for the hole and loop another ribbon through the first for easy hanging.

Grab sticks and get to whacking!

Will you make your own piñata for Cinco de Mayo? Let us know in the comments below!

—Copy and photos by Gabby Cullen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

by rtnatashaartavia

Whether your chicken is baked, pan fried or slow cooked, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to satisfy your picky eaters. In this recipe from Rachel Matthews of A Southern Fairy Tale the chicken tenders are baked with a crust of Corn Flakes and parmesan cheese, which adds a new element of texture and flavor to this kid-favorite classic.

Ingredients:
6 Tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Honey Mustard
1 lb, boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 1/2 C cornflakes, finely crushed
1/4 C grated Parmesan Cheese

Method:
1. Pre-heat Oven to 425°F

2. In a small bowl, combine low-fat mayonnaise and Honey Mustard – whisk and divide in half

3. Place one half of the Honey Mustard/Mayonnaise mixture in the fridge (covered, for dipping)

4. Crush the cornflakes (in a food processor, a plastic bag with a rolling pin, however you get them crushed/processed) and mix them with the Parmesan Cheese and place in a shallow dish.

5. Toss the chicken tenders in the Honey Mustard/Mayonnaise mixture to coat and then dip them in the cornflakes/parmesan mixture until fully coated.

6. Place on a wire rimmed/vented broiler tray over a baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10 minutes (or until chicken is fully cooked, do not overcook)

8. Serve with the other half of the sauce for dipping.

Rachel Matthews is a proud mother of two eight generation Texan children. She is the founder of Southern Fairytale which acts as a food blog and journal. For more information on Rachel and her blog, visit ASouthernFairytale.com

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Rosemary & Parmesan

by scott wardell

Healthy chicken tenders. Could it be possible? Laura of Fork Knife Swoon favors these crispy chicken bites because they have just as much of that satisfying crunch as their fried counterparts, but without all the extra grease and fat. With only about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

baked-chicken-tenders

Yields 2-4 servings.

Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders (purchased, or thinly cut from chicken breasts)
1 c all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, thoroughly whisked
1-1/2 c panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs), usually found in the Asian section of supermarkets
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper

Method
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fill one mixing bowl with the flour, another with the whisked eggs, and a third with the panko, Parmesan, rosemary, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir to evenly combine the panko mixture.

2. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, until evenly coated, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko mixture, pressing the panko gently against the chicken to thoroughly coat.

3. Place the chicken on an oven-safe rack on a sheet pan, and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Smaller tenders will cook more quickly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Will you make Laura’s healthy chicken tenders this week?

Bringing her California sensibilities to the deep South before settling in North Carolina, Laura of Fork Knife Swoon believes that entertaining at home should be stress-free and fun, and there is no better way to share memories with friends and family than over a delicious home cooked meal. Incorporating local, organic, and seasonal produce and ingredients, Laura creates simple and healthy dishes that often demand a second helping. Laura works with local ranchers and farmers to ensure the highest quality of ingredients in her recipes. Find her collection of recipes over at Fork Knife Swoon.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Sensational Snickerdoodles

by Erin Lem

Snickerdoodles are a holiday classic and it doesn’t get much easier than this recipe. There are three main reasons why we love this version: you don’t need a mixer, you don’t have to refrigerate the dough, and the end result is absolutely delicious with a chewy, soft inside. Red Tricycle’s Editorial Director can attest to the awesomeness of this cookie — her mom has been making these every December since she can remember.

Ingredients:
1 cup shortening (we use ½ cup of shortening and ½ cup of butter)
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

Method:
1. Heat oven to 400˚. Mix shortening/butter, sugar, and eggs thoroughly.

2. Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting. Blend flour, cream of tartar, soda, and salt; stir in. Shape dough in 1” balls.

3. Roll in mixture of 2 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

4. Place 2” apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 min. These cookies puff up at first, and then flatten out.

Makes 5 doz. cookies.

Do you have a favorite snickerdoodle recipe to share? Tell us in the Comments below. 

 photo in story courtesy of Erin Lem; featured photo courtesy of jimwinstead via flickr

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Birthday Party Food Ideas That Aren’t Pizza

by Samantha Lande

Kids are the biggest birthday party animals out there. And what do you get at birthday parties? Pizza, pizza … and more pizza. Nothing against ‘za (it’s so quick and easy!), but for a choice less ordinary, go with one of our picks. Flip through this album for six choices, from bao buns to mini meatloafs, that are a welcome change from cheese and tomato sauce.

Mini Meatloafs

We know meatloaf may not sound like your typical party food, but the Meatloaf Bakery takes this homestyle food and makes it fun and super kid friendly. Order mini meatloaf cupcakes (called "loafies") or get them on a stick, loafer pop style. Each mini meatloaf is “frosted” with potatoes and varieties range from turkey to burger to classic meatloaf. They can even make the loafies look like hot dogs (like in this picture!). All come with dipping sauces which are always a hit with the littles.

The Meatloaf Bakery, 2464 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park (773-698-6667 or online at themeatloafbakery.com)

What will you serve at your kid’s next birthday party? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Samantha Lande

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

5 Quick & Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids

by Katie Kavulla

How many days do you find yourself breezing through the morning and all of a sudden realize that it’s noon and the kids are ready for lunch? It happens to all of us! When lunchtime has snuck up on you and the kids won’t wait for you to make a gourmet meal (ha!!!), try some of these quick and easy lunch ideas that they’ll gobble up.

1. Sample Plates: So, maybe lunchtime snuck up on you today and you haven’t had a chance to hit the grocery store this week (again, it happens to all of us!). Sample plates are the perfect solution to both – grab some of those divided plates from the cupboard (or a muffin tin, if that’s what you have) and start digging through the fridge. Fill up each little compartment with something tasty – crackers, sliced up apples, mandarin oranges, string cheese cut up into pieces – whatever you have! They’ll love the little “samples” of foods and are sure to request this lunch again.

2. Dip it Up: What is it about kids and dipping? They just love it and tend to be more adventurous and eat more if they have something to dip their food in! Next time you shop, grab some things that are great for dipping – hummus, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, ranch dressing – and then give them some dipping foods! Try mini pitas, sliced veggies, whole-wheat toast sliced into triangles, fruit, pretzels – whatever they love! For kids on the older side, get more creative with smaller foods like blueberries, raisins and edamame that they can use a toothpick to spear and then dip!

3. Easy Peasy Pizzas: Pizza is always a kid favorite, but sometimes even having to wait 15-minutes for a full-sized pizza to cook in the oven is too long for hungry kids to wait. Instead, grab some English muffins or bagels, top with pizza sauce (or even leftover spaghetti sauce!), top with some quickly shredded cheese and pop it in the microwave or under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Feeling brave? Try sneaking some veggies in under that cheese!

4. D.I.Y. Rollups: For a quick and easy lunch that will also get them involved with the prep, try letting them make their own rollups. Lay out flour tortillas for everyone (warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds first to get them soft) then let them go to town with fillings. Turkey and cheese slices, olives, cream cheese, jelly, baby spinach, thinly sliced apples, cucumbers, and peanut butter, all make for excellent fillings. Let them pick what sounds best, layer it on and then roll it up to eat!

5. Cracker Stackers: Every time you go grocery shopping, the kids beg for those pre-packed lunches in the deli section, but we’ve all heard the reports about how un-healthy those tend to be. Make this quick, easy alternative yourself at home. Buy whole-grain crackers (ones they can eat in two-bites are perfect) and stack them up with fresh turkey or ham from your local deli and their favorite type of cheese. Top with another cracker and you’re set!

What is your quick and easy go-to lunch for your kids? Tell us in the comments section below!

Looking for more quick and easy meal ideas?

Five Easy Breakfasts

School Lunch Ideas Beyond the Boring Sandwich

More Great Lunch Ideas

Easy Noodle Wrap Lunch

– Katie Kavulla

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement