So, the game day party was a hit. The decorations were on point, you cheered your heart out, kids played, your team won (we hope), and now you’re left with the biggest party favor of all…leftovers!
What some see as a mountain of mess, we see as an opportunity to minimize food waste and stretch the dollars you’ve already spent on quality food.
Plus, with some-pre planning and encouraged creativity, you can share take-away boxes with your guests so everyone can enjoy your Smithfield game day recipes all week long, in all new ways.
Here are 5 ways to transform your Game Day leftovers.
1. Say Yes to Quesadillas
We love how quick and easy quesadillas are, whether it’s a savory snack for a house full of kids or part of a family dinner, they’re customizable and easy to share.
Two game day recipes we’re eyeing that are sure to provide supreme ingredients for quesadilla leftovers are the bacon and cheese dip and Italian sausage nachos. Set aside some of your delicious cheesy dip for the base, and top with any remaining Italian sausage from your nachos.
2. Breakfast, Anyone?
A hearty breakfast is the perfect pick-me-up after a long night of celebrating with the family. Use any leftover meats to create a bacon & cheese omelet, eggs’ benedict or savory breakfast casserole.
3. Don’t Forget About the Pasta-bilities
No matter the spread from your party, you can soak up the flavors from your deliciously seasoned dishes like leftover Italian sausage sliders or the cowboy chili hot dog fixings to create a brand new pasta dish for dinner the following night. Some ideas for “next-night” pasta transformations include baked ziti with smoked sausage, a chili pasta bake, or even a creamy spinach and sausage pasta. Bon appetit!
4. Your Freezer is Your Friend
This is a mantra to remember. Fruit salads and crudite platters are often present at game day events and one of the easiest areas to repurpose into leftover use. To start, turn fruit salad leftovers into individually packaged, pre-proportioned smoothie packs. Keep these easily accessible in your freezer and ready to toss into your blender. Next, compile remaining veggies from your crudite plates, charcuterie boards or dip platters into a freezer-safe container to be used in soups and sautees.
Freezer Tip: If you’re a fan of acidity and brine-y flavors, skip the freezer and try quick pickling leftover veggies. Carrots, cauliflower, peppers, and snap peas are all perfectly “pickle-able”. Simply submerge your vegetables of choice into an existing empty pickle jar full of the leftover brine, or make your own brine with vinegar (distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar), water, and salt. Let this mix marinate for up to 48 hours, then enjoy as a delicious side or addition to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more.
5. Bun(s) in the Oven
Maybe your Game Day included the ultimate DIY hot dog bar and you’ve got buns to spare, we got you. Whether it’s hot dog or burger buns there are many ways to repurpose these breads into homemade croutons, breadcrumbs, casseroles, or even bread pudding.
Storage tip: wrap your leftover buns tightly in plastic and keep them at room temperature for up to one week. You’re looking for them to get just a little dry and crunchy to become the perfect temperament for their second use in any form mentioned above. Of course, you never know if any will make it to the one-week mark uneaten!
In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a night where someone else does the cooking and cleaning? But most families aren’t made of money, and eating out isn’t cheap. However, with some clever planning, you can save quite a bit. From dependable national diners to local jazzier joints where parents can happily grab a much-needed cocktail, we’ve compiled a list of over 45 restaurants where kids eat free. As a bonus, we’ve added a selection of restaurants that offer something special for birthdays too!
Note: All of the offers below were available at the time of publication but could change at any time, so be sure to check before you go.
iStock
National Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Bennigans
This Irish-themed eatery features a mix of American favorites and Irish classics.
Black Bear Diner While not as grand as a free meal, Black Bear Diner is offering free treats for “cubs” who order a cubs’ meal after 11 a.m. Choices include a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of sliced strawberries topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
Kids 10 and under eat free any time and any day of the week. They’ll select from a kids’ menu featuring chicken fingers, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs and a kids burger.
Lucca Restaurant
Kids can go for the tried and true pizza, chicken fingers with fries or spaghetti and meatballs; or they can branch out with options like chicken parmigiana or Milanese.
Arirang Hibachi
Kids 10 and under eat a hearty (free) meal featuring soup or salad, white rice, hibachi shrimp, chicken, steak or chicken fingers plus ice cream for dessert.
Rockin Baja Lobster While you have the lobster, kids ages ten and under can chow down a burger or mac ‘n’ cheese with orange wedges (or fries) for free!
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
Big Fish Grill
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée from the regular menu. Psst! The seared wild salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and veggies is popular with petite diners.
Hermann’s Diner
Located next to the main entrance at the Washington State Fairgrounds and Expo Center, this awesome restaurant offers free kids’ meals two days a week!
When: Mon. & Tue.
Phone: 253.848.3494
Wedgewood Alehouse & Cafe
One kid eats free with the purchase of an adult or kid’s entrée at the regular price.
Spring Kitchen Restaurant
Two kids ages 10 and under eat free with a paying adult at this family-friendly restaurant serving fresh Vietnamese and Asian foods.
Zippy’s Giant Burgers
Kids get a free Zippy the Yum Yum Burger Boy’s Wacky Meal during Wed. Happy Hour from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. One per purchase of a regular burger, side and drink. (It’s also available for $6.25 any time of the week).
Click HERE to discover more Seattle area restaurants where kids eat free.
In the Los Angeles Area
Rush Street
Dad will love catching the Dodgers on the widescreen TVs, mom will dig the fab wine selection, and everyone will like the fact that kids 12 and under eat free on Sun. evenings.
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner, and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
The Kebab Shop
Veggie skewers, a lamb doner, and saffron rice will get eaten up at this local hot spot. Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree and drink.
Click HERE to discover more Bay area restaurants where kids eat free.
Restaurants in the D.C. Metro Area Where Kids Eat Free
Silver Diner
Kids’ Club members (for kids 12 and under) receive a point for each $4.99 purchase. Five points earn a free entree. Other perks include birthday awards, monthly offers and chances to earn a t-shirt.
Firehouse Subs
The dalmatian at Firehouse Subs is giving away free Kids’ Combos or Medium Subs (with a purchase of an additional medium or large sub, chips and drink) within six days following their birthday.
Benihana
No one impresses more than Benihana. Sign up for the Kabuki Kids program and your kid can snag a souvenir mug during their birthday month. (Adults can sign up for the Chef’s Table and receive a $30 gift certificate during your birthday month!)
Once the temperature heats up, our Crock Pot tends to be a little neglected—after all, no one wants heavy soups and stews when it’s 90 degrees outside! But it’s time to dust off the slow cooker and whip up a light, summery meal that won’t leave you stranded at the stove for hours. Still not convinced? Scroll through the slideshow below to discover 23 no-fuss slow cooker chicken recipes perfect for summer.
With only six ingredients, this honey lime chicken is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads and more! Get the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
The Flavours of Kitchen
The key to this succulent chicken is in the orange sauce, enhanced with brown sugar, soy sauce and fresh ginger. It’s easy to remix this recipe too—you can substitute chicken breast or different veggies if that’s what your crew prefers. Grab the recipe here.
This slow cooker recipe from The Seasoned Mom is sure to find a place in your meal rotation. There are lots of ways to remix it—serve it with pasta or rice, or make it into a cheesy sandwich. Plus, if you’re an Instant Pot fan, it can be put to use with this recipe.
Chicken salad in the slow cooker? This recipe from The Dinner Mom is so genius we wish we’d thought of it ourselves. It’ll be delicious when freshly made, and works well as a packed lunch, too.
Chowder isn’t just for winter, and this version from A Zesty Bite is sure to become a summer staple. If you’ve got fresh corn on hand, this is the perfect dish to use it in (and if not, frozen works great too!). Click here to get the whole recipe.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Your Crock Pot doesn’t have to gather dust in the summertime, thanks to this fantastic recipe from The Nerdy Chef. It’s full of veggies and spices and packs a big punch of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can put everything in the pot at once instead of searing the chicken first.
This Hawaiian chicken recipe screams summer. Kids will love the blend of sweet, tangy and savory flavors, and parents will love that it's easy to cook up! Head over to Averie Cooks for the recipe.
For an easy dinner, nothing beats relying on your Crock Pot. This Crock Pot dinner recipe—from Phyllis Good’s new book, Stock the Crock—is truly a slice of heaven. Convenient, delicious and adaptable to Paleo diets, we’re betting this recipe will soon become a part of your nightly rotation. Grab the recipe by clicking here.
We love this lightened-up version of classic buffalo wings from Domestic Superhero. Shredded chicken is bathed in a mouthwatering sauce, then wrapped in butter lettuce. Click here to get the recipe.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Food Fanatic offers this take on Mexican food that couldn’t be easier. Just pop chicken and taco seasoning in the Crock Pot in the morning, then pile on toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce for a complete meal.
Mango Chicken Stuffed Peppers
This tasty recipe from Worth Cooking makes use of your Crock Pot to cook a combo of chicken, mango, and spices. Then, after the chicken’s done, just pop the mixture in some red bell peppers and bake for a few minutes.
Skip the takeout the next time you’re craving Chinese food—this crispy chicken recipe from Crockpot Gourmet is much healthier, and it’s sure to be a hit with even picky kiddos.
Put a twist on your usual quesadilla recipe with kid-favorite ingredients like barbecue sauce, pineapple, and (of course) lots of gooey cheese. Get the recipe over at Prevention RD.
Summer Chicken Chili
Who said chili was just for wintertime? Check out this summery take on the dish from Back to Her Roots.
Barbecue Chicken Coleslaw
Combine two well-loved barbecue foods into one awesome dish. This recipe from A Sunshiny Day is a surefire hit for your next summer party.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
For a fancy hors-d'oeuvre or a fun weeknight meal, whip up these buffalo meatballs from Damn Delicious.
Honey Mustard Drumsticks
Think of this recipe from Kitchen Trial & Error as a classed-up version of chicken nuggets with a honey mustard sauce. Pair the drumsticks with an apple slaw for a tangy and savory combo.
Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Whip up these delish (and super simple!) barbecue chicken sandwiches from Fearless Homemaker. Kiddos will love the chicken on sandwiches, mixed into mac and cheese, or stuffed in enchiladas—the sky’s the limit!
Butter Chicken
Try out Brittany’s Pantry’s lightened up version of butter chicken, an awesome way to treat your fam to Indian food without packing on the calories.
Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Throw these no-fuss sandwiches together in no time thanks to Apple of My Eye’s simple recipe.
Shredded Chicken Barbecue Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes take on a whole new meaning in this recipe from A Sunshiny Day. Pile ‘em high with barbecue chicken, shredded cheese, and green onions for a super satisfying meal.
Chicken and Artichoke Pasta
Pasta-loving kiddos will go crazy for My Cup is Full’s creamy chicken and artichoke pasta.
As a busy parent, you’re always on the prowl for easy dinner ideas that come together in a flash. As it turns out, a magic trick awaits and you probably already have it in your pantry––a jar of pasta sauce! From innovative noodles to soup, casseroles and more, we’ve rounded up a collection of unique recipes for pasta sauce that use this go-to staple in crazy-creative ways.
Everything is made with one pot and we don't have to precook the noodles? Sign us up! This tasty Lasagna Soup from The Blond Cook makes weeknight dinners a cinch. Pair this savory soup with a salad and crusty bread and enjoy a super easy meal.
This easier than easy recipe uses quick ingredients and results in a flavorful dish that your kiddos will love. Simple jarred sauce and a rotisserie chicken form the basis of this meal that can be paired with a salad and rice. Get the recipe from Poet in the Pantry.
An easy way to get your kiddos to stock up on the healthy properties of this superfood, Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms use giant portobellos, lots of cheese and delicious sauce that will have you swapping them out for noodles every time. Get the recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod.
Great for tailgating, parties, appetizers or plain ole dinner, these Chicken Parmesan Sliders are tasty and perfectly paired with salad or veggies. Grab this easy recipe at Home.Made.Interest.
Comfort food to the rescue! Kick up your go-to pot roast with this Italian version that uses jarred sauce and can be served atop a creamy serving of polenta. Get the recipe at Olivia's Cuisine.
Restaurant-style hoagies are ready to hit the dinner tab stat with this easy recipe. Bonus points? It uses a jar of chunky marinara to get the job done. Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron.
Whipping up a batch of soup doesn't always mean slaving over the stove for hours. Healthy veggies and that handy jar of pasta sauce all come together in one pot and cook for 15-20 minutes in this simple minestrone soup recipe. Get the recipe from Plating Pixels.
Psst! This easy dinner is done in 30 minutes or less, courtesy of your beloved Instant Pot. The ingredients are simple (think: marinara sauce, jasmine rice, brats and fresh veggies) and it's super flavorful too! Get the recipe from This Worthey Life.
Think outside the pizza box! This delish dish combines the flavor of freshly baked pizza with a hearty chicken dinner. It's easy to make, and you can use your family's favorite pizza toppings as flavor inspiration! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
Breakfast for dinner or best-ever brunch! This cheesy baked eggs dish can be made in just 15 minutes, and it's super easy to customize with whatever cheese you have on hand. Plus, the kiddos will love dunking bread in their eggs. Get the recipe from Damn Delicious.
If you love creamy, comforting soup, you'll love this. One of the star ingredients is handy-dandy jarred Alfredo sauce, and you can always throw in extra veggies or noodles to suit your fam's tastes. Get the recipe from Little Spice Jar.
If using a jar of marinara for spaghetti seems ho-hum, you need to check out this genius recipe. It turns traditional spaghetti and meatballs into an amazing baked cheesy casserole. Trust us, this ain't your average spaghetti. Learn more at Damn Delicious.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a kid who doesn’t like pizza and grilled cheese, which is why we think this hybrid is as genius as it is delicious. It’s got the flavors of your fave pie—complete with marinara sauce—but the outer-beauty of a fab grilled cheese sandwich. Get the recipe from Mom to Mom Nutrition.
Did you know that a jar of marinara sauce can turn into a comforting bowl of vegetarian soup in about 20 minutes? It’s better than any magic trick and the best way to turn a chilly weeknight into a warm and toasty good time. Even better: You probably have all the ingredients right now. Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
Take note, casserole fans! This cheesy chicken parmesan is the perfect weeknight meal and can feed a whole crowd of hungry folks. It’s also a snap to make—and it all starts with your favorite pasta sauce. Get the recipe from The Weary Chef.
What do you get when two kid food faves join forces? Spaghetti and hot dogs, of course! Just think of this one-pot meal as a neat upgrade for that box of noodles in your pantry. Don’t forget to add some veggies for an extra healthy kick! Get the recipe from Kitchen Simmer.
Is it pizza? Is it pasta? It’s both—and totally delicious. The secret to this innovative pasta is the flavors of your favorite pizza (Think customizable ingredients, sneaky veggies, and pepperoni!). And it’s ready in the amount of time it takes your noodles to cook! Get the recipe from Mom to Mom Nutrition.
Looking for hearty comfort food that the whole fam will love? Meatloaf to the rescue! This recipe gets points for using herbs and spices you probably already have in your pantry. Grab a jar of marinara, and you’re good to go! Get the recipe from Saporito Kitchen.
These stuffed shells are a baked masterpiece if we do say so ourselves. They’re a cinch to make and super cheesy, too. Plus, they reheat like a dream, so you’ll have a good weeknight meal whenever you want! Get the recipe from Taste of Home.
Give these rolls a whirl and thrill your family with their new favorite meal! This idea has the yumminess of stuffed zucchini, minus the hassle. It’s veggie-filled, cheesy, and your little chefs can even get involved. For the recipe, roll on over to Apron Strings.
Psst! This recipe is delicious, creamy, and vegan! What’s the secret? Cashews! It’s the perfect go-to meal when you’re craving a healthier version of your favorite comfort food. Try it for yourself, and go nuts for this quick-but-tasty meal. Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
What do we love most about this pasta dish? It could be the healthy veggies, bold flavors, or sweet Italian sausage. It could be that you can customize the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes. Then again, it could be the fact that it's an easy upgrade for that jar of marinara in your cupboard. Get the recipe from Boulder Locavore.
Three cheers for chili! This recipe has a smart shortcut: pasta sauce! Combine it with ground beef, adjust the spiciness to suit your family, let it cook in your slow cooker, and voila! You’ve got a hearty meal that will amp up any dinnertime. Get the recipe from A Taste of Madness.
Is there anything better than a one-pot meal that’s truly yummy? That’s the beauty behind this 5-ingredient pasta which spotlights chicken sausage, veggies, and cheese. The pasta will even absorb the flavor from your favorite sauce—score! Get the recipe from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog.
If make-ahead meals make your heart go pitter-patter, you’re in luck. These kid-sized English muffin pizzas are the definition of convenience—sub in pasta sauce instead of pizza sauce, and you'll have a lunchbox hit or easy dinner! Get the recipe from Simple as That.
Ready for the best sloppy joes shortcut ever? Leftover spaghetti and meat sauce makes the perfect base for this classic sandwich. It's never been easier to make a quick and delicious meal (And what kid doesn’t love a dish with the word “sloppy” right in the title?). Get the recipe from Tip Garden.
File this under “Beloved Crock Pot Recipes,” STAT! There are only three ingredients in this chicken parm recipe, but the payoff is off the charts. The cleanup is easy, and you’ll love the set-it-and-forget-it part of the process! Get the recipe here.
Taking the family out for a meal on the town doesn’t have to break the bank. We’re gathered up dozens of spots that offer free kids meals from burgers to bibimbop. Scan through this massive list to pick your next family-friendly dinner spot with bonus savings!
photo: iStock
San Francisco
Squat & Gobble
Three locations in San Francisco: West Portal, Market/Castro and Marina.
Online: squatandgobble.com Tuesdays child’s entree free with purchase of an adult meal.
Celia’s by the Beach
4019 Judah St.
San Francisco, CA
415-759-8741
Online: Celiasbythebeach.com 2 Kids eat free per paying adult on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. ’till closing.
Amici’s
Locations: San Francisco, Danville, Dublin, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Redwood Shores, San Mateo, San Rafael, Vacaville
Online: amicis.com Tuesdays, one child entree free per purchase of adult meal.
Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack 3230 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA
415-206-2086
Online: emmysspaghettishack.com Mondays and Tuesdays between 5-7 p.m., kids eat free. One child’s pasta dish per adult entree.
photo: iStock
East Bay
High Tech Burrito
1815 Ygnacio Valley Rd # B,
Walnut Creek, CA
925-938-3888
Online: hightechburrito.com Sundays, free children’s meal per adult meal purchase
Casa Orozco 7995 Amador Valley Blvd.
Dublin, CA
925-828-5464
325 South L St.
Livermore, CA
925-449-3045
Online: casaorozco.com Mondays, one free children’s meal with each $11.99+ adult lunch entree or $14.99+ adult dinner entree.
Chevy’s
Locations: Richmond, Emeryville and Union City
Online: chevys.com Wednesdays, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of one adult entree. Plus, kids can practice their tortilla-making skills with their own tortilla dough ball and take home a pit to grow their own avocado tree.
El Torito 5 Monarch Bay Dr.
San Leandro, CA
510-351-8825
Online: eltorito.com Wednesdays, kids under 12 eat for $1 with the purchase of any regular priced adult entree.
Fillipo’s 5400 College Ave.
Oakland, CA
510-601-8646
Online: filipposrestaurant.com Tuesdays, kids eat free with adult meal purchase. The free meal includes a drink and ice cream sundae.
photo: iStock
Knudsen’s Ice Creamery
3323 Castro Valley Blvd.
Castro Valley, CA
510-582-2775
Online: icecreamery.net Mondays, buy one adult sundae get one kids’ sundae free. Wednesdays, buy one adult entree and get one kids’ meal free. Dine in only.
Simple Fondue
2300 First St. Suite 110
Livermore, CA
925-443-6638
Online: simplyfonduelivermore.com Sundays, kids 12 and under eat free with each adult Fondue Brunch or Fondue Feast purchased.
Tomatina
Locations in Alameda, Union City, Walnut Creek, Santa Rosa, San Mateo, San Jose, and Santa Clara
Online: tomatina.com Thursdays, free child’s entree per paid adult entree.
photo: iStock
Peninsula
Maverick Jacks
1190 California Dr.
Burlingame, CA
650-347-3061
Oonline:maverickjacks.com/specialevents Mondays, 1 kids meal free with purchase of 1 adult entree. 5–9 p.m.
El Torito
388 Vintage Park Dr
Foster City, CA
650-574-6844
Online: eltorito.com Wednesdays, kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of any adult entree.
Jack’s Prime
3723 South El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA
Online: jacksprime.com Mondays, One free kid’s meal with every adult meal purchased. 5–9 p.m.
Nachoria
226 Lorton Ave.
Burlingame, CA
650-581-1321
Online: nachoria.com Mondays are Family Nights– 1/2 off kids meal with purchase of adult meal. 4-6 p.m.
Pizza My Heart
Locations: Burlingame, San Mateo, San Jose and Emeryville
Online: pizzamyheart.com Tuesdays, kids make your own pizza $5-$6, depending on location, 4-8 p.m.
Sweet Tomatoes 1040 Grant Road, Suite#350
Mountain View, CA
650-961-2500
Online: sweettomatoes.com Tuesdays are Family Nights—kids eat free with meal with purchase of adult meal.
Chevy’s
141 Hickey Blvd.
South San Francisco, CA
650-755-1617
online: chevys.com Wednesdays, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of one adult entree. Plus, kids can practice their tortilla making skills with their own tortilla dough ball and take home a pit to grow their own avocado tree.
photo: iStock
South Bay
Mendocino Farms
Multiple locations
3090 Olsen Dr., Suite 150
San Jose, CA One free kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased on Tuesdays.
1875 S Bascom Ave Suite 440
Campbell, CA
Online: mendocinofarms.com One free kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased on Thursdays.
Chevy’s
5305 Almaden Expresway
San Jose, CA
408-266-1815
8440 Murray Ave.
Gilroy, CA
408-847-2726
Online: chevys.com Wednesdays, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of one adult entree. Plus, kids can practice their tortilla making skills with their own tortilla dough ball and take home a pit to grow their own avocado tree.
The Blue Door Restaurant
1502 Saratoga Ave.
San Jose, CA
Online: thebluedoorrestaurant.com Every Tuesday kids 12 and under can choose any meal item from the Kids Corner for FREE!
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Locations: Livermore, Fremont, San Bruno, Castro Valley, Concord, Brentwood, Fairfield and Vacaville.
Online: dickeys.com Sundays, kids 12 and under eat free with $10 minimum adult purchase. Dine in only.
Hobee’s
4224 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA
650-856-6124
800 W. Ahwanee Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
408-524-3580
Online: hobees.com Wednesdays, kids 10 and under receive one free entree per paying adult, after 5 p.m.
Marie Callender’s
751 East El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA
408-245-3710
620 Blossom Hill Rd.
San Jose, CA
408-578-0643
Online: mariecallenders.com/specials Tuesdays and Saturdays, kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of an adult meal.
Willow Street Pizza 1072 Willow St.
San Jose, CA
408-971-7080
20 South Santa Cruz Ave. #218
Los Gatos, CA
408-354-5566
Online: willowstreet.com Tuesdays, kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.
Asian Box
1875 Bascom Ave.
Campbell, CA
Online: asianbox.com Wednesdays after 5 p.m. and all day Sunday kids eat free with any box purchase.
El Torito
477 East Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas, CA
408-946-8012
Online: eltorito.com Wednesdays, kids under 12 eat for $1 with the purchase of any regular priced adult entree.
photo: iStock
North Bay
Black Bear Diner
490 Las Gallinas Ave.
San Rafael, CA
415-295-7897
Online: blackbeardiner.com/sanrafael Tuesdays, kids bring in their teddy bears for Teddy Bear Tuesdays and eat free.
Crepevine
1133 4th St.
San Rafael, CA
415-257-8822
Online: crepevine.com/sanrafael Mondays, kids eat free with purchase of adult meal. 4 p.m.–close.
740 Farmers Lane
Santa Rosa, CA
707-577-8822
Online: crepevine.com/santarosa Tuesdays, kids eat free with purchase of adult meal. 4 p.m.–close.
High Tech Burrito
800 Redwood Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA
415-388-7001
914-A Sir Francis Drake
San Anselmo, CA
415-455-9176
online: hightechburrito.com Sundays, one kids meal free per every adult meal purchase.
Chevy’s Locations in Novato, Santa Rosa and Vallejo
Online: chevys.com Wednesdays, kids eat for $1 with the purchase of one adult entree. Plus, kids can practice their tortilla making skills with their own tortilla dough ball and take home a pit to grow their own avocado tree.
Finnegan’s Marin 877 Grant Ave.
Novato, CA
415-899-1516
Online: finnegansmarin.com Sundays, kids eat free all day, one kids meal per adult entree.
Sonoma Taco Shop
210 Northgate One
San Rafael, CA
415-479-9066
Online: sonomatacoshop.com Every day, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Dine in only.
Heads up: These deals could change at any time, confirm them with the restaurant before heading over.
—Shruti Priya Bapna, Nella DuBon-Koch, Melissa Bouse and Kate Loweth
Meat sauce, basil marinara and pesto. There’s only so many ways to dress up (or down) your kids’ favorite pasta dish. Introduce them to what will inevitably become their new favorite addition: baked turkey meatballs. They’ll love the taste (you will too), and you’ll love that the dish is baked and not fried and created in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, finely diced
1/4 cup shallot or onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Cover with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together thoroughly with your hands. Roll into about 20 meatballs and place on pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes or until cooked through and not pink in the middle.
Not all witches are wicked: some are sweet, others make a mean pasta dish and most of them magically save the day. Read up on 13 of our favorites storybook sorceresses.
It seems like come the fall and winter months, the produce aisles are chock full of everything root vegetable, pumpkins, and of course, squash. Take advantage of this seasonal treat to make a cheesy winter squash pasta that your kids will love. The parmesan cheese and grated fontina adds a bit of cheesy goodness to this pasta dish that will surely be gobbled up at the dinner table.
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
1 medium winter squash of virtually any variety
1 lb. pasta of your choice, as long as it’s a fairly sturdy shape
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (packed) grated fontina
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary (you could also use sage or thyme, if you prefer)
salt and pepper
Method:
1. Heat your oven to 425F. Stick the squash in a baking pan (you can even use the same casserole that you’re going to bake the pasta in) and roast it in the oven until it is very tender and easily pierced by a fork – generally an hour or so. Remove from the oven and allow to cool until you can just handle it, then cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, then scoop the flesh of the squash out. Measure out 3 cups into a large mixing bowl, reserving the rest for another use.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for two minutes less than the instructions call for. Reserve a cup and a half of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Mash the squash in the bowl with the sour cream and enough of the pasta water to reach a creamy sauce consistency. If you want a very smooth sauce, puree the squash using a handheld (or regular) blender, otherwise just mash it with a potato masher. Fold in the Parmesan, 1/4 cup of the Fontina, and the rosemary. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the cooked pasta.
4. Transfer the pasta to a casserole or baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the Fontina cheese on top. Bake the pasta in the oven (still at 425F) until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling, 20-25 minutes. Top with a bit more freshly ground black pepper, and serve.
What’s your family’s favorite squash dish? Share with us below!
