While Feb. 14 may long be thought of as a day to shower your loved ones with romantic gifts, it can also be a fun opportunity to come up with some crazy Valentine’s Day gift ideas! It’s getting close to the big day, so if you’re on the hunt for an outrageous gift that shows you really care, keep reading to see our roundup of out-of-this-world ideas.
––Karly Wood
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When it comes to food blogs, you’ve got your favorites bookmarked. But even though you love the pictures and down-to-earth-foodie vibe, there’s still something about the weight of a book in your hand. How about a bit of both? From gluten-free for busy families to new classics, there’s a whole crop of new cookbooks from online food folk. Scroll down to find one that fits your needs.
photo: woodleywonderworks via flickr
From shaking up your morning meals to new family favorites, these bloggers have taken pen to page and whipped up a few books worthy of your recipe rotation.
Skinnytaste Fast and Slow
Gina Homolka, author of Skinnytaste, knows that healthy food doesn’t always equal a quick meal, and her new cookbook is a way to get the two to meet in the middle. Whether you want to throw it in the slow cooker, or if you want something fresh in under 30 minutes, she’s got 140 recipes (60 slow cooker and 80 under 30) that range from breakfasts to soups, meat lovers, and even a Taco Tuesday section.
Available at amazon.com, $18.32.
Damn Delicious: 100 Super Easy Recipes
If you aren’t already one of Damn Delicious blogger Chungah Rhee’s devoted fans, then her first cookbook will convince you otherwise. Each one of her recipes are fantastic, healthy, and easy to make. If you need basic instruction and simple ingredients, this is the book for you. You’ll find some of Rhee’s best-bets (sheet-pan steak and veggies, strawberry and cream smoothie bowl) and a lot of new stuff. The photos are as lovely as they are on the blog, and Butters, her baby Corgi, is just as adorable.
Available at amazon.com, $15.73.
The I Heart Nap Time Cookbook
From popular craft blogger and food stylist Jamielynn of I Heart Nap Time comes a new book filled with kid-friendly fare that can be made during nap time (really!). Being a busy mom of three, Jaimelynn knows that time is all important, so each recipe comes with prep time, pictures, and tips for freezing extras (a total bonus for working parents). There’s a good mix of finger food and nibbly bites for the tot lot, plus more advanced flavor combos for your exploring eaters. Throw in a few crafts and you’ve got one fantastic cookbook.
Available at amazon.com, $17.91.
Rise and Shine: Better Breakfasts for Busy Mornings
The food writer, dietitian, and mother of three behind Mom’s Kitchen Handbook knows the challenges of bringing up kids in today’s fried food world. She also knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day: Her new cookbook is an answer to that age-old question, “How do I make a fast-but-healthy morning meal my kids will actually eat?” With 75 options that are entry-level easy and probably take as much time to prep as your pot of coffee takes to drip, your kids will be munching on freezer-friendly breakfast burritos, nutty banana bites, and savory overnight oats in no time.
Available at amazon.com, $15.20.
Sally’s Baking Addiction: Irresistible Cookies, Cupcakes, and Desserts for Your Sweet-Tooth Fix
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re going to want this collection of dessert recipes. From the wildly popular Sally’s Baking Addiction comes the latest, newly-expanded (eight new cookies!) baking book filled with Sally’s favorite cookies, cakes and pies. All we can say is, if even half of the amazing cookie recipes from the blog are included, we’ll be in a sugar-glaze of goodness from here until the next holiday season.
Available at amazon.com, $13.21.
photo: yoshiyashu nishikawa via flickr
These cookbooks deserve a place of honor on your shelf, nestled next to Joy of Cooking and Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Everyday Delicious: Super Tasty Breakfasts, Brunches, Mains, Desserts and Snacks
19-year-old food phenom Izzy Hossack has been wowing with her yummy recipes and gorgeous photos over at her top-rated food blog, Top with Cinnamon, since she was in her mid-teens. Now, her brand-new cookbook (to be released on February 7th, 2017) is being anxiously awaited by foodies the world over. The book is a collection of approachable home cooked meals with a modern, fresh twist, and includes recipes for almost every occasion. We’re betting any recipe in this cookbook will be a hit with all your foodies.
Available for pre-order at amazon.com, $29.99.
The Love & Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking
Whether you are looking to use up all those veggies from the Farmer’s Market or if you need a way to use up the random stuff in your last CSA box, the cookbook from For Love & Lemons fits the bill. Filled with gorgeous food photography, the collection of all-new recipes are organized by fruits and vegetables. This is a vegetarian cookbook, but we dare meat-lovers to not enjoy the fresh, innovative meal ideas that husband and wife team Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews whip up.
Available at amazon.com, $20.83.
Beyond the Plate: Top Food Blogs from Around the World
This book is really more a feast for the eyes, but there are plenty of recipes to try, too. There are over 30 top food bloggers included: The pages are filled with the stories behind their blogs, amazing pictures, and more. The book guides readers through global food trends, there’s a Q&A with the collaborators, and each food blogger provides two recipes (one fan favorite and one all-new!). Set to be released in April 2017, we think this cookbook might end up on your bedside table!
Available for pre-order at amazon.com, $29.95.
photo: Nestlé via flickr
If you’ve got dietary restrictions in your house, these cookbooks will help make mealtime easier for everyone.
Gluten-Free Small Bites: Sweet and Savory Hand-Held Treats for On-the-Go Lifestyles and Entertaining
The voice behind Gluten-Free on a Shoestring, Nicole Hunn, has been eating, well, gluten-free for almost a decade. Her new cookbook, Small Bites, has never-seen-before recipes for classic snacks and small bites—mozzarella sticks, shrimp potstickers, and much more—that are perfect for parties or busy families on the go. Since she’s been cooking GF for almost 10 years, Nicole has nearly perfected the art, and her recipes prove it.
Available at amazon.com, $13.68.
Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking: 101 Entirely Plant-Based, Mostly Gluten-Free, Easy and Delicious Recipes
It doesn’t matter if your crew isn’t all vegan, or if your family totally rocks the dairy-and meat-free route, this first cookbook from Minimalist Baker should be in your amazon cart. Filled with plant-based recipes that are simple in both ingredients—most have 10 or less—and prep, many of the options are also gluten free. You’ll find thai peanut burgers, double-chocolate waffles, sweet potato black bean dip, and more. All the recipes have a 30 minutes or less cooking time, there are vegan cooking tips sprinkled throughout the pages, and every recipe is accompanied by a color photo.
Available at amazon.com, $39.94.
Do you prefer your recipes online? Then check out our list of top food blogs for moms.
Does your favorite food blogger have a cookbook? Tell us about it in a Comment below!
—Gabby Cullen
On any given weekend, we need few excuses to visit the unique collection of restaurants, brew pubs and retail shops that line the sidewalks of N Mississippi Avenue. But on Saturday, July 11, this family-friendly neighborhood will play host to the Mississippi Street Fair, Portland’s largest street fair and one of the city’s most beloved annual community gatherings. Read on to find out why you have to go.
photo: Deanna N. via Yelp
Music and Activities
With tens of thousands of people expected to attend this year’s fair, organizers have lined up more than 40 bands to perform on six stages (keep track of the full schedule here). Families in particular should be sure to stop by Mississippi Pizza—not only for the tasty pies, but to catch a musical performance on its sponsored Kids Stage.
Children will find other fun activities among the 200 vendors expected at the fair, as the New Seasons Kids Zone will set up shop at N Mississippi Avenue & N Beech Street. And they’ll also be overjoyed to find a dunk tank at N Failing Street from 1-5:30 p.m.—providing both a cool antidote to the summer heat and a perfect way for kids to seek revenge on their unsuspecting parents.
Food and Drink
Because N Mississippi Avenue is home to so many restaurants, food carts and beer purveyors, it’s no surprise that these local favorites will play a starring role at the street fair. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the Grandfather’s Rib-Off Competition, which will be judged at 3 p.m., while kids will appreciate a stop at Ruby Jewel for one of their famous hand-crafted ice cream sandwiches, like their drool-worthy lemon cookie honey lavender ice cream concoction. Parents can keep an eye out for the beer and wine gardens. They’ll be open from noon-8:30 p.m.
photo: Hilary B. via Yelp
Getting There
To make the most of your family experience at the Mississippi Street Fair, keep a few things in mind. Street closures can make parking a bit difficult, so consider making the journey by bike, bus or MAX. For complete information on street closures, detours, public transportation and parking, click here.
Volunteer
The proceeds of the Mississippi Street Fair will benefit the Boise-Eliot School and Self Enhancement Inc., but that’s not the only way you can help the community. Interested in volunteering at the street fair? Find details here, and get a free t-shirt, snacks and a beer token for your efforts.
Mississippi Street Fair
Sat., July 11, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: Free
N Mississippi Ave. between N Fremont & N Skidmore
Online: mississippiave.com/streetfair
What’s your favorite neighborhood street fair? Let us know in the comments below!
— Maura O’Brien
A huge part of the reason you’re so excited to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? The excuse the holiday gives your family to check out some of Portland’s best Mexican cuisine. Whether you’ve got a hankering for crunchy tortilla chips, cheesy quesadillas or salty margaritas, head to one of the following eateries to get into the spirit of this festive cultural holiday.
Photo credit: Cheng-Tsung L. via Yelp
Nuestra Cocina
Got some adventurous little eaters in the family? At the perennial favorite Nuestra Cocina, the dining room will undoubtedly be humming—but it’s worth arriving early to enjoy the tender tacos de puerco and the flavorful sopes de chorizo. The cuisine is somehow refined and comforting at the same time, offering a little taste of Mexico for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. And the atmosphere is so friendly, casual, and lively that you needn’t ever feel self-conscious about bringing the whole family.
2135 SE Division St.
503-232-2135
Online: nuestracocina.com
¿Por Qué No?
Only in Portland would there be a restaurant creating authentic Mexican flavors with sustainable ingredients that support the local economy. That restaurant is ¿Por Qué No?, where the staff is always warm and welcoming, the food is fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere is eclectic and engaging. Adults will love the gut-busting Bryan’s Bowl; the daily happy hour discounts on chips, tacos, and drinks (3-6 p.m.); and the margaritas made with a rotating selection of agua fresca. The niños, meanwhile, can choose from their very own simplified menu of tacos, quesadillas, and rice and bean bowls. And even if there’s a line out the door—as there often is—know that it moves quickly and that there is always a place to sit.
3524 N Mississippi Ave.
503-467-4149
4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
503-954-3138
Online: porquenotacos.com
Photo credit: Yelp
Stella Taco
Stella Taco is a delightfully bright and airy space, and one of the newest additions to the Alberta Arts District. The breakfast tacos—whether you opt for the shredded brisket, the house-made chorizo, or the vegetarian—are the name of the game here and (good news!) they’re served every day until 3 p.m. Other reasons to love Stella? It offers an affordable kids’ menu of quesadillas, rice and bean bowls, and both crunchy and soft tacos; a dining room stocked with crayons and drawing paper; and daily happy hour discounts on tacos, margaritas, and draft beer (3-6 p.m.).
2940 NE Alberta St.
971-407-3705
Online: stellatacopdx.com
Photo credit: Torta-landia Facebook page
Torta-landia
What would Cinco de Mayo be without a margarita (or two)? At Torta-landia, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a casual, child-friendly neighborhood restaurant (think picnic tables and an open garage door)—but one with an extensive selection of parent-friendly drinks. The guacamole and the griddled burritos are not to be missed, while the Mexican tortas are made with a wonderfully Portland twist—freshly-baked bread from the Pearl Bakery.
4144 SE 60th Ave.
503-445-9966
Online: tortalandia.com
Si Señor Mexican Restaurant
Where better to bring the entire family than a family-owned restaurant serving family recipes that date back to 1923? At Si Señor Mexican Restaurant, you’ll find an incredibly varied menu, where kids and parents can enjoy everything from fajitas to enchiladas to a wide variety of mix-and-match combination platters. But the food is only part of the attraction at Si Señor, where the friendly service, ample seating, generous happy hours, and live mariachi performances make for a worry-free and festive outing (call for the most up-to-date music schedule).
625 NW Saltzman Rd.
503-672-9124
8220 SW Hall Blvd.
Beaverton
503-350-1425
Online: mysisenor.com
Photo credit: Joshua C. via Yelp
Verde Cocina
Trying to get your family to eat a little healthier? Grab a table at Verde Cocina, where every dish features fresh vegetables from local farms near Portland. On the Paleo diet? Not a problem. Vegetarian or vegan? Plenty of options. Gluten-free? Try the entire menu. You and your family will not only enjoy a delicious dinner—the kids will be entranced as they watch the chefs make fresh corn tortillas right before their eyes.
524 NW 14th Ave.
503-894-9321
6446 SW Capitol Hwy.
Hillsdale
503-384-2327
5515 SW Canyon Ct.
Sylvan Highlands
503-297-5568
Online: verdecocinamarket.com
Amelia’s Rustic Mexican Restaurant
Is there any better way to keep the kids’ attention while you wait for dinner than warm, homemade tortillas and fire-roasted salsa? At Amelia’s Rustic Mexican Restaurant, those complimentary snacks are only the beginning. The tacos de pescado are some of the best you’ll find north of Baja California; the tamales are tender and flavorful; and the many varieties of mole are rich and complex. Best of all? The daily lunch and dinner specials make these authentic Mexican dishes quite easy on the wallet.
105 NE 4th Ave.
Hillsboro
503-615-0191
2130 NE Griffin Oaks St.
Hillsboro
503-615-2897
Online: ameliasmexicanfood.com
So what’s your plan for Cinco De Mayo? Let us know in the comments below!
— Maura O’Brien
Whether you like doughy or chewy, with lox or a strawberry schmear, Portland has a bagel for every parent AND their miniature foodies. We have the tastes of New York, Montreal, and our own hometown flavor all right here. Grab a cup of coffee or your morning smoothie and check out these mouth-watering bites.
photo: Kenny & Zuke’s
Kenny & Zuke’s
Our first stop simply has to be Portland’s favorite Jewish delicatessen, conveniently located downtown and always bustling with locals and tourists alike. Pastrami lovers go there for the high-quality meats and the families with littles love that they have a kids’ menu, nearly 15 different types of root beer, and the informal, noisy atmosphere that any family with a crew in tow can appreciate. Don’t leave without a house-made pickle for everyone in the fam!
1038 SW Stark St.
503-222-3354
Online: kennyandzukes.com
photo: Tastebud Bagels Facebook Page
Tastebud Bagels
Wood-fired pizza and Montreal-style bagels (also wood-fired!) are the specialties of this local operation that started on a farm and currently makes its home at farmers’ markets and local events as an ultimate crowd-pleaser. Their Montreal-style bagels, which are smaller, denser and chewier than you might be used to, come in the predictable plain, sesame seed, and poppy seed flavors, but they also offer leek bagels! Try their arugula, bacon, and jam bagel sandwich for the perfect combination of salty and sweet. For a perfect weekend morning, grab your tot a bagel to chew on while you wander the farmer’s market together! They also have a store opening in Multnomah Village in April.
Hillsdale Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)
Portland Farmer’s Market (Sundays)
503-234-0330
Online: tastebudfarm.com
photo: Bowery Bagels by Paty E. via Yelp
Bowery Bagels
If your taste buds need the authentic New York-style boiled bagels, you won’t get closer in Portland than Bowery Bagels, named after the subway stop that this owner passed through every day while living in New York. They proudly serve their vegan and Kosher bagels with Oregon’s Shepard’s Grain flour, and the meat lovers can choose from their house-made meats or choose a John Fremont from the menu: this sausage, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich is their most popular menu item. Parents like their welcoming atmosphere since they’re set up to serve tiny diners and their selection of schmears is crowd-pleasing among the little ones.
310 NW Broadway
503-227-6674
Online: bowerybagels.com
photo: Blackheart Bagels
Blackheart Bagels
If you’re looking for a great, hardworking local businesswoman to support, look no further than Bethany Venooker. This New York transplant bakes every bagel herself, 7 days a week! Her bagels consist of just five hearty ingredients: Shepherd’s Grain flour, water, yeast, salt, and malt. All seeds and other flavors that are added are locally-sourced and it’s all vegan. Families can pick up her bagels at a number of retail locations as well as some of our favorite coffee shops around town. Check out the website to find them closest to you and make it tomorrow’s plan for the family breakfast.
Sold at various locations
607-351-2653
Online: blackheartbagels.com
photo: Sunrise Bagels by Zeela D. via Yelp
Sunrise Bagels
Looking for your bagel fix on the west side? Did the little ones wake you up at the crack of dawn… and it’s Saturday? You’re not alone. Come join the other parents and tots at Sunrise, where it’s hopping by 7:00am and the coffee is hot. The kids will have their pick of plenty of tasty bagel flavors, while you can treat yourself to cream cheese and lox or, perhaps, the very popular breakfast sandwich (Canadian Eggel, anyone?). The benefits are three-fold: fast and friendly service, affordable to feed the whole family, and just plain tasty. And hey, no need to pick up your coffee on the way… they have a full espresso menu. See you there this weekend!
10902 SW Barnes Rd.
503-626-2783
Online: sunrisebagels.com
Where does your family get your bagel fix? Let us know in the comments below!
– Marianne Walters
We’re firm believers in the importance of a hearty breakfast. After all, how else will our little rascals stay fueled on all their daily adventures? For those mornings when plain old cereal won’t cut it, you need this super delicious and filling Chiles Rellenos Breakfast Strata. Karen of Kitchen Treaty says this strata is great for holiday mornings since it can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. That way while you’re busy trying to squeeze in some last minute prep work, you don’t have to worry about whipping up something for your guests to eat. Even better? Karen has options for a meat-lovers version and a half-and-half for whatever your little eaters prefer.
Ingredients
2 5-ounce cans whole green chilies (mild)
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 c shredded monterey jack cheese
6 eggs
2 c whole milk
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (plus a little more for sprinkling on top)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
Method
1. In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar and monterey jack cheese. Set aside.
2. In another medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Lay the chilies on a cutting board and cut them in half.
4. Grease an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
5. Lay half the chilies flat in the bottom of the baking dish (about 6 chili halves). Lay four slices of bread over the chiles. Pour half the egg mixture over the top of the bread and chilies. Top with half the cheese. Repeat layers: chilies, bread, eggs, and cheese. Sprinkle evenly with a few quick dashes of smoked paprika.
6. Uncover and bake at 325 degrees for 40 – 50 minutes, until the strata is puffy, golden, and no longer jiggles in the middle.
For a chorizo-packed version, check out the recipe here.
recipe and photo courtesy of Karen at Kitchen Treaty
Combining a vegetarian diet with that of a carnivorous eater, Karen of Kitchen Treaty seeks to bridge the gap between two discerning palates and create delicious home cooked meals that satisfy everyone in her family. Her dishes are often prepared as “one dish two ways.” With a catalog of recipes that run the gamut from full-on veggie to nothing-but-meat, Karen chronicles her adventures in the kitchen on her food blog, Kitchen Treaty.
