Having an air fryer was a big deal a few years ago, but you may find yourself fresh out of ideas for whipping up dinner that everyone hasn’t eaten 100 times by now. There are only so many times you can “fry” up zucchini sticks, after all. That’s where your favorite neighborhood market steps in to save the day. From Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the air fryer to Trader Joe’s mac and cheese bites, there are tons of quick ways to put a new twist on your favorite frozen foods when you have an air fryer to work with. Get ready to get inspired with these Trader Joe’s air fryer foods just in time for Super Bowl Sunday (or any night you need a quick dinner solution!).
Trader Joe’s Appetizers for the Air Fryer
Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas
Sure, you can pop these in a conventional oven, or you can toss them in the air fryer for an extra crispy take on Tikka Samosas.
Southwest Style Chicken Quesadilla
Nab yourself some guac and cook these babies up in the air fryer for a quick lunch the whole family will love.
Herbaceous Cheesy Bites
We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness and heat up well in the air fryer.
Ratatouille Bites
These veggie-forward bites are lovely crisped up in your air fryer and then dunked in some tzatziki sauce. Trust us. The kids won't even catch on that they're packed with veggies.
Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas
Bake these up in your air fryer and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party.
Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries
You know that ketchup sprinkles everyone is raving about? Shake some on these fries after they've had some time in the air fryer to crisp up. No dipping sauce needed.
Coconut Shrimp
These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping. They get extra crispy in the air fryer which we love.
Fried Olive Bites
Not a fan of olives? You will be after air frying these olive bites that are packed with cheese. Yum and yum.
Colorful Carrot Coins
Have a sweet craving but looking to go more healthy? These colorful carrots are a quick air fryer option and a great way to test out all those dips that TJs is known for.
Herbs de Provence Potato Wedges
If you haven't tried these savory bites, definitely add them to your rotation when you cook up a steak on the grill. The air fryer does wonders for its crispy outside and soft inside.
Mini Beef Tacos
Keep these mini favorites (and their twin sister the chicken version) on hand for when the kid hangry hits. They cook up in a flash via the air fryer and you'll have happy kids in no time.
Tempura Shrimp
You can never go wrong with extra crispy tempura and these shrimp will come out finger lickin' good.
Mac & Cheese Bites
If you haven't tried Trader Joe's mac and cheese bites in the air fryer, you don't know what you're missing.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Avoid the nastiness that is a soggy spring roll when you pop these babies in the air fryer. Sweet ginger sauce is its BFF.
Scallion Pancakes
Brighten up the flavor in a big way by tossing Trader Joe's scallion pancakes in the air fryer for crispy perfection. They go great with the mandarin orange chicken or really are pretty much the best at any time.
Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these appetizers pair well with almost any dip and are great for the air fryer.
Crispy Vegetable Pouches
These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option with excellent results in the air fryer.
Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Entrees & Sides
Trader Joe's Salmon
Trader Joe's
Salmon is pretty much our favorite in the air fryer. Top it with your favorite teriyaki or barbecue sauce and dinner will be on the table in minutes.
Trader Joe's Hashbrowns
Trader Joe's
Be warned, these are addictive! And it's super easy to cook them up in the air fryer whenever the cravings hit. Top with a fried egg for an easy breakfast.
Impossible Chicken Nuggets
It's darn near impossible to not love these after they've taken a trip in the air fryer.
You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up in the air fryer, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan.
Cauliflower Pancakes
Sneak in that cauliflower with no problemo by serving these air fried.
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken
This dish has long been a fan-fave product, but air frying it? It's next-level delish.
Skip the marinating and chopping with these quick options from Trader Joe’s
When it comes to getting dinner on the table, a stir fry always means a quick and healthy meal. Not only does it use a combination of both fresh and frozen ingredients, but it’s fully customizable which is great news for picky eaters! That’s where Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredients come in! From ready-cut veggies and savory sauces to pre-seasoned meats, these ingredients should be on your grocer list the next time you make a Trader Joe’s run.
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles with Soy & Sesame Sauce
Tired of serving rice with your stir fry? Try these fun noodles, instead! This four-pack of Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles comes with sauce and takes just four minutes to cook. Cook alongside your wok, then toss with your finished stir fry for a fun new take on the dish.
Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak
Trader Joe’s
Skip the hours of marinating when you grab this tasty Sesame Teriyaki Skirt Steak in the refrigerated section. It pairs well with almost any veggie and rice, and is the perfect thickness for slicing and dicing.
General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
Is it even stir fry without a stir fry sauce? Grab a jar or two the next time you’re at TJ’s of this savory, sweet, and spicy sauce made with chili pepper and garlic. Dinner has never been so easy!
Asian Style Vegetables with Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
We love a good veggie chopping sesh as much as anyone, but this bag of Asian style vegetable that comes with sauce just makes sense. It comes with carrots, green beans, broccoli and fun baby corn that will hopefully entice your picky eater to give it a try. The best part is, this frozen food pairs with any meat or can be eaten on it’s own atop a bed of rice or noodles.
When it comes to Trade Joe’s stir fry ingredients, this meatless main is a must. Even though it’s not meat, the plant-based protein is still made with traditional marinade consisting of soy sauce, garlic, green onions and sugar, for an authentic texture and taste.
Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage
Trader Joe’s
This Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredient couldn’t be easier: you can make on the stove top OR the microwave! The heat and then ready-to-eat side is made with a vegan stir fry sauce that really packs a savory punch and pairs well with almost any meat or fish main and rice.
Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Time is on your side when you pull out a bag of Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice! It’s simply a matter of cooking this delicious array of rice, shrimp, Thai red chili, corn, baby corn and green peas in a single pan then serving. No other ingredients necessary!
Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Trader Joe’s
We love a fun twist on traditional stir fry, so why not toss some wontons in the mix? These chicken cilantro mini wontons are already fully cooked so it’s just a matter of heating, then tossing with rice and some veggies.
Trader Joe’s White Miso Paste is the ingredient you didn’t know your stir fry was missing! This versatile product can be used as a marinade prior to cooking or as a drizzle to top off your dinner with a savory, umami flavor.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Trader Joe’s
While potstickers are normally a fun finger food, they also make a delightful stir fry main ingredient. The next time you’re at TJ’s, grab a jar of the Gyoza Dipping Sauce and Stir-Fry Frozen Vegetables. Pour the potstickers and veggies into a large skillet (add salt and pepper, if desired) and cook until warmed through. Pour in one cup of the dipping sauce, warm through, and enjoy a veggie-packed dinner!
Vegetable Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is another great one pan option for throwing together a stir fry. Prepare as is for a meat-free dinner, or toss in fun ingredients like a fried egg, green onions or shrimp.
Ready Veggies
Trader Joe’s
Can you curate your own mix of veggies for a stir fry? Of course. Can you also pick up a bag of Trader Joe’s Ready Veggies that make your life even easier? YES. This blend of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, kale, carrots, and snow peas is the ideal stir fry mix and is already chopped and ready to toss in your wok.
Trader Joe’s BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Trader Joe’s
If you like a simple and straightforward stir fry, you can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s BBQ chicken Teriyaki. The pre-marinated BBQ chicken comes with an authentic teriyaki sauce that will make you feel like you ordered from a restaurant. The bag heats up quickly and is easily served along a side of steamed veggies. Dinner is served!
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
Trader Joe’s
If it has “stir fry” in the name, you know it’s going to be a great start to whipping up dinner. Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower blend comes with green peas, red peppers, grilled corn, spring onions, tamari, all covered in ginger and sesame oil. It’s light, which makes it both a great option to pair with a meat main or to have all on its own.
Convenient, easy and comforting, casseroles are an easy dinner option minus the hours spent at the stovetop. Best of all, it’s easy to conceal garden-fresh veggies in a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. We’ve gathered the best casserole recipes that are light and easy to whip up, even on the hottest summer days. See them all below.
If your backyard garden is bursting with zucchini, this is the casserole for you! “This Beefy Zucchini Casserole has made an appearance on the summer dinner menu for over 30 years in my family," says Mary Ann, the resident cook, writer and photographer behind the blog The Beach House Kitchen. “All you’ll need is some ground beef, yellow onion, garlic, zucchini, shredded Colby Jack cheese and one can of cream of mushroom soup, and in less than an hour dinner is on the table.” Get the recipe here.
What kid (or adult!) doesn’t love the tangy flavor of Cool Ranch seasoning? Entice your family to the dinner table with a potato-based casserole loaded with ranch seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles. Great for outdoor summer dinners! Get the recipe here.
“This initially unassuming quinoa bake is consummately delicious comfort food,” said Sarah, the writer/cook/photo-taker behind A Love Letter to Food. “With stretchy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes bursting with flavor, and strips of basil, it’s pretty much all the things you love about a Margherita pizza in creamy casserole form.” Get the recipe here.
Pastitsio is Greek comfort food at its finest. This lightened-up recipe for the flavor-packed baked pasta can even be prepared the night before—just cover tightly and refrigerate and bake the next day when you’re ready for dinner. Get the recipe here.
No-boil lasagna noodles make this casserole come together with hardly any cleanup efforts. Though this recipe is vegetarian, you can always replace the eggplant with Italian sausage. Get everything you need to make this casserole by clicking here.
Gather tomatoes from your garden and bake them up into a delicious and healthy casserole. “A handful of panko bread crumbs added to the parmesan cheese topping would be an excellent addition,” recommends Sharon Rigsby of Grits and Pinecones. Get the recipe by clicking here.
This classic corn casserole is the perfect addition to your summer table, either as a main or a side. Top with finely chopped herbs from the garden. Get the recipe here.
A creamy, decadent sauce made with four kinds of cheese and tender chunks of lobster are baked together into this indulgent casserole for every season. “Investing in fresh meat that comes from your local fish market will make for the best result possible,” recommends Jocelyn Delk Adams, the tastemaker behind the foodie blog Grandbaby Cakes. Find out all the ingredients you'll need to make this dish by clicking here.
Transform this classic casserole into a healthy dinner dish the whole family with love by following the recipe for this creamy, completely delicious version—it’s vegan and gluten-free, too! Even better if you can use the fresh green beans from your garden! Get the recipe here.
Just six ingredients fall together in these enchiladas, which are baked for just 25 minutes. Serve with a side of homemade guacamole and chips (plus margaritas for moms and dads!) for a summer dinner to remember. This recipe calls for Loma Linda Taco Filling, but you can use any faux meat you like, seasoned with a dash of chili powder, cumin and paprika. Get the recipe here.
The flavors of the islands meld in this easy weeknight casserole that uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry: pineapple, chicken, sliced almonds, water chestnuts, green onions and rice cooked in coconut milk.
This healthy casserole works for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. “Call it a salmon casserole recipe or a gluten-free crustless quiche,” said dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Amy Gorin. “Whatever its name, it’s guaranteed to be one of the most delicious egg recipes you’ll ever eat. Get the recipe here.
When you embrace the rainbow, you embrace healthy recipes and a healthy diet. Eating colorfully means yummy foods filled with flavor in all tastes and textures—bursting with vitamins, minerals, fiber and of course, color! From the main meal to sweet desserts, these kid-friendly healthy recipes will have you cooking up goodies that are just as much fun to look at they are to eat.
If you haven't spotted this unmistakable photo around Pinterest yet, it's time to try out The Indigo Kitchen's sushi recipe. Using natural savory dyes like spirulina and purple cabbage, this is a 100% plant-based sushi roll that's perfect for convincing your picky eaters that sushi is both fun to make and eat.
For a no-bake dessert that takes only 30 minutes to make, these rainbow rice krispie treats are a must. Colorful and delicious, what’s not to love? We know our little monkeys feel the same way, and this recipe from The Gracious Wife is sure to stir up some excitement. Experiment with natural sweet dyes, like carrot juice, beet juice and blackberry juice for added nutrition!
This deliciously simple recipe from The View from Great Island is almost too easy to pass up. Add in extra zucchini and eggplant to customize your rainbow and let the kids help with the prep work! Ready to grill in no time, these kabobs are the perfect pop of color for your summer cookout.
We could eat five of these spring rolls plain... they're that good! This bright recipe from Oh, The Things We'll Make is a perfect one to try with your dexterous ones, as the sticky rice wrapper is a great new food texture. Big on seafood this summer? Steam and halve a few shrimp for a bit of pink in your rainbow.
We would never leave you without a refreshing glass of bubbly if we can help it, so check out this easy mix by Julie's Eats & Treats. Layer your fruits and pour your cocktail right over it all—let it soak for an hour to get that true sangria blend. Making a batch for the kiddie tea party? Try a mix of white grape or apple juice and ginger ale instead.
Rainbow Smoothie
iStock
Sip a rainbow of veggies blended into a colorful smoothie. Kids won't even realize that it's packed with vitamins!
Bake up a rainbow of healthy veggies with this easy recipe. Encourage your kids to pick out their own veggies and arrange them into a rainbow or other colorful design.
Tasting the rainbow (without all the added sugar) is made easy with this recipe from Family Food on the Table. Turn breakfast into a talent show by serving it DIY-style, and see what your mini artists can do!
Bake up this perfectly portable cake for your next celebration. Kids will love filling up Mason jars with rainbow layers and can easily stir up this simple recipe with a little help from Mom or Dad.
Try this combination of sweet, salty and a dash of spicy for your next family dinner. With zoodles (that's spiralized zucchini to you) for your kids to slurp up, we guarantee this will be a delicious hit. Stir in shrimp or chicken, or find the vegetarian recipe over at Get Inspired Everyday.
As if we could forget a fresh summer dip like this one from Gimme Some Oven. Even though blogger Ali Ebright has walked us through dozens of different salsa ideas, we would be remiss if her vibrant mix did not make an appearance with the rest of the rainbow. Hearty, healthy and absolutely tasty, we hope your kids enjoy a chip-full this summer.
We recently jumped on the cauliflower bandwagon, which we love for its alphabet of vitamins and versatility. If your family hasn't tried a cauliflower crust pizza, this cheerful recipe from Gimme Delicious is sure to win them over—or trick them over. Tiny tots aren't corn and tomato fans? Try a Hawaiian theme with pineapple and diced ham!
We can never resist a good kale smoothie when the sun is out and the humidity settles into our hair. We especially love this smoothie bowl (kale optional) from Breanna Spain because our wee ones get to build it however they want. Set out a few bowls of diced fruits, and watch them dig in!
Mealtime with toddlers can sometimes feel like a game of chess, especially when vegetables are on the table. At times you may find yourself dodging carrots catapulted by knights, while other times an all-out stalemate leaves both players exhausted and unsure of the next move. And while walking away from the game might seem like the easiest way out, we assure you there are plenty of creative ways to feed your toddler greens that don’t involve a complicated strategy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers should be consuming 3-5 servings of vegetables per day (roughly ¼ cup portions). But since the growth-rate slows and a need for independence starts around age 1, the AAP suggests approaching mealtime with flexibility and variety to give your child choices while they learn about different foods and avoid putting pressure on your child that could result in a negative relationship with food.
While flexibility is key, there are a few basic rules that parents should aim to enforce and model.
Stay Seated During Meals
When it comes to young children, safety during mealtime is imperative to prevent choking hazards, so the staying seated during meals rule should be followed whenever possible. It’s also a great way to help children focus on their meal, learn table manners and participate in quality family time.
Adhere to a Regular Meal and Snack Routine
Children thrive on routines that give them a sense of security while helping them learn what is expected from them each day. So just like a bedtime routine helps a child understand when it’s time to wind down for the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, meal and snack routines establish healthy eating habits that help children recognize hunger cues and the nutritional needs of their bodies.
photo: iStock
Eat from All Food Groups
Meals should be balanced and offer foods from all five food groups. And more importantly, toddlers should be encouraged to eat from all food groups at every meal. It might seem like you’re being flexible to let your child skip an entire food group at a meal, and sure, that may be okay here and there, but too often may risk your child not getting enough of an important set of nutrients.
Even equipped with these rules, it can be tough to put them into play when your child is refusing to eat their greens.
Having recently parented two toddlers, I know first-hand how confusing and frustrating the ups and downs of their dietary preferences can be. Some days toddlers may devour an entire head of broccoli, while on others, they look at it with total disgust. That leaves parents with two choices: Fight against it or join the game and get creative—and perhaps a little sneaky, too. I chose the latter and am sharing a few tried and tested recipes to help you incorporate greens into your toddler’s diet.
These Fruit and Veggie Bug Snacks may not be hiding the veggies from your toddler, but your toddler will have a hard time resisting veggies that look this cute, especially when they get to help prepare them.
When you’re in a rush, getting as many food groups as possible into one bite can be a lifesaver, so it doesn’t get much easier than these Mini Broccoli Cheddar Bites that your toddler will love.
Sorry, potatoes don’t count as a “green,” but cauliflower most definitely does, and switching out the spuds in these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese will trick any toddler into eating cruciferous veggies.
We don’t know one toddler who would turn down a popsicle, so feel good about offering these bright Fruit and Veggie Popsicles to your little one this summer
Kids will love dipping these familiar-shaped Carrot and Zucchini Fries into a side of ranch or hummus.
Pasta is almost always a hit with toddlers, so the next time you’re serving up spaghetti and meatballs, top it with this delicious Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce (use this sauce for pizza, too!).
I hope that these tips and recipes will get you on your way to successful eating habits with your toddler!
Greek food is one of the most family-friendly cuisines from around the globe. Often light but filling, traditional recipes for Greek food involve flaky dough, meat and lots of citrusy lemon. If you’ve been trying to find new ways to mix up dinner, keep reading for simple kid-friendly Greek food recipes everyone will enjoy.
Before you can go any further, you have to have a good Greek Tzatziki recipe in your repertoire! This easy recipe from Jo Cooks involves everything you need to get that bright, refreshing flavor, and pairs with everything from pita to gyros.
Make that quick switch away from french fries with this zesty recipe from Super Golden Bakes. Greek lemon potatoes are light and crispy, made in a casserole dish on the stove and will quickly become a kid-friendly side.
You can skip the lettuce when preparing a traditional Greek salad. Instead, authentic versions load up on fresh, large cut veggies, kalamata olives, a huge chunk of feta and olive oil. We love the easy version over at Gimme Some Oven that's so simple, the kids can help out, too.
Lamb is a main feature in Greek cooking and these meatballs make the introduction to your kids a breeze. Kay Nutrition whips up her version with red onion and lots of other household spices, then serves with a refreshing side of tzatziki.
Skip the frozen spanakopita and make your own! This veggie-stuffed appetizer dish is actually not that difficult to make. With this recipe from Feel Good Foodie, you'll be whipping up this flaky, spinach-y snack in no time.
Move over french fries, Greek Potato Balls have arrived. This recipe from My Greek Dish turns potatoes, cheese and herbs into fluffy fried balls that you won't be able to stop eating.
A great way to hide those veggies, Greek Baked Orzo packs in the goodness easily. Pinch of Yum's recipe includes tasty food like kale, tomatoes, orzo and of course, feta cheese!
Greek chicken souvlaki can easily become a dinner staple. The kebab-style meal uses ingredients like lemon, yogurt and olive oil to marinate the chicken, then grill to get that perfectly-charred flavor. Check out Rasa Malaysia's recipe for a simple start to souvlaki.
Greek zucchini fritters are so good, you'll want to pass up American fried zucchini forever. Fried into either balls or a latke shape, Gitanjali Roche's recipe incorporates zucchini, feta and other fresh herbs that make this dish irresistible.
Greece's most popular pie is the Tiropita, or feta cheese pie. It's similar to spanakopita, but without the spinach. To get started on this flaky dish, check out Olive Tomato's recipe that will have you rolling out phyllo stat.
No Greek meal is complete without a slice of baklava. And while the layered dessert may seem difficult, it actually requires just a few ingredients and a little patience. Kids will love the sweet flavor and counting all those layers. Check out Spatula Desserts to see how easy it is!
Gardening became a hit hobby during last year’s pandemic and the momentum has carried forward into 2021. But did you know that only half of home gardeners use all the food that they grow, according to a new survey from Bonnie Plants? The Grow More. Feed More. initiative is aiming to change that and tackle food insecurity in the process.
Bonnie Plants has partnered withAmpleHarvest.org, a non-profit that connects gardeners with food pantries based on their zip code. Together, they hope to encourage home gardeners to donate their surplus and help feed neighbors in need. Bonnie Plants will also donate 5 percent of their online sales through July to AmpleHarvest.org and committed $200,000 to help fight hunger.
“Many people don’t realize that you can donate the extra food from your garden directly to local food pantries,” said Mike Sutterer, Bonnie Plants President and CEO. “Most gardeners end up with extra zucchini, cucumber, tomatoes that they don’t know what to do with, and if all of these gardeners donated just a bag or two of vegetables, we could make a significant impact on food insecurity nationwide.”
Your plants are probably still in the seedling phase, but you can plan ahead for your donation once harvest approaches. Visit the AmpleHarvest website to find a food pantry in your area and get started. It’s an easy way for green thumbs to give back!
––Sarah Shebek
Video courtesy of Bonnie Plants/Feature photo: Filip Urban via Unsplash
Feeding toddlers is not for the faint of heart. As parents, most of us have experienced the anxiety and frustration that often comes at meal time. Whether it’s a busy schedule or a toddler who refuses to eat, meals can be downright stressful. Yet, at the same time, we feel pressure to provide our kids with the important nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This means a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods.
The biggest struggle often comes with two v-words: vegetables and variety. In fact, eight out of ten toddlers don’t eat enough vegetables. And the vegetables our toddlers eat typically lack variety. How many of us regularly throw a few raw baby carrots on our child’s plate because we know they’ll be eaten? In our busy world, it’s easy to fall into a feeding rut.
So, how do we support variety and vegetable consumption during the important toddler years? The key is having a few different tricks up our sleeves because toddlers are notorious for changing preferences overnight. One day they love broccoli, the next day they hate it. Here are some tried-and-true techniques designed to make veggie variety simple and give parents some peace of mind during those challenging phases.
Make Old Favorites in New Ways
One great way to increase the variety of vegetables in your family’s diet is by introducing favorite veggies in new ways. For example, if your child loves mashed potatoes, give mashed squash a try. If that goes well, try squash ravioli and then finally, roasted squash. Similarly, when introducing new vegetables, prepare them in a variety of textures—for example, roasted broccoli, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli & cheese scrambled eggs. This introduces the flavors in several ways and gives children a chance to develop their palettes and acceptance of the new taste.
Make Veggies Easy
Vegetables can be a logistical challenge at times—they’re perishable and require washing, chopping, and cooking. Make them a little easier by finding some shortcuts that work for your family. For example, wash and chop some vegetables on Sunday to keep on-hand for snacks throughout the week. Keep frozen vegetables in your freezer for quick use. Identify some healthy, veggie-rich short-cuts for busy nights. One great example is Little Dish. These fresh, all-natural, refrigerated heat-and-serve toddler meals offer a full serving of veggies in each bowl. Little Dish is now available locally through Fresh Direct.
When All Else Fails, Hide Those Veggies
During those difficult times when your child is downright refusing new foods or eating only a few different foods—don’t stress! This is a phase and will pass. That said, sneaking in extra veggies during times like this will often give mom and dad some peace of mind. Some of my family’s favorite ideas include:
Adding canned pureed pumpkin to our favorite chicken noodle soup recipe. It blends right in and adds a great kick of nutrients and fiber.
Finely dice mushrooms and add them to chili or tacos. Their savory “umami” flavor is often completely masked by the spices.
Add shredded zucchini into your meatloaf or meatball recipes! This trick also keeps the meat tender and moist because zucchini has a high water content.
Finally, remember it takes time for children to learn to love new foods. Just keep offering them and eventually, they’ll likely stop playing with their veggies and start eating them!
A research neuroscientist and expert in nutrition, diet and addiction. Dr. Avena is an Asst. Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC. She is the author of several books, including Why Diets Fail, What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, and What to Feed Your Baby & Toddler.
If there’s someone out there who doesn’t like a good stir-fry, we haven’t met them. With countless combos like chicken stir-fry, beef and broccoli, stir-fried rice and more, there are enough recipes out there for everyone’s taste. We picked our favorite recipes that use all sorts of ingredients, from chicken to shrimp. The best part? Most of these take 30 minutes or less. We even found a few stir-fry sauces that are easy to whip up. Scroll down to see them all.
Pad Thai is a popular noodle stir-fry that you can make with chicken or shrimp and uses rice noodles. The cilantro gives it a fresh taste and the sweet sauce is easy on little palates. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
Veggie Stir-Fry with Egg
Anna Doogan
A quick and healthy stir-fry that includes scrambled eggs, we love this easy veggie dinner. Get the recipe here.
Vegetarian-friendly stir-fried rice? Yes, please! With ingredients like bok choy, broccoli and zucchini, you can adjust the recipe according to your family’s taste. Get the recipe here.
Cashew chicken is a popular combo, and this stir-fry version from Boulder Locavore is so easy and so good, you might not ever order takeout again! Get the recipe here.
You can use udon noodles for this yummy stir-fry we spotted over at The View from Great Island! With just beef, broccoli and water chestnuts (plus the sauce), not only is a picky-eater pleasure, but it’s ready in 30 minutes or less! Get the recipe here.
Our mouths are watering when it comes to this sweet chili shrimp stir fry. And, with only four ingredients, the hardest part will be prepping your veggies. See the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron here.
From teriyaki sauce to a peanut sauce and even a red Thai curry that’s not too spicy, we’ve also rounded up our favorite stir-fry sauces that you can use on just about any combination of ingredients. See them below.
No yeast? No problem! We’ve hunted up all the best bread recipes with no yeast required, and it’s a baking jackpot. From popover recipes and the best banana bread recipe ever to pizza dough with no yeast, here’s how to fulfill your bread cravings—no rising time needed.
Need a pizza fix ASAP? Go for this instant pizza dough from Inside the Rustic Kitchen! It skips the rising time of your standard homemade pizza dough and can be whipped up in just about five minutes. Get the kids to help, and you'll be all set! Snag the recipe here.
Color us impressed by this uber-creative idea from A Taste of Madness. Not only is it a bread recipe with no yeast, but it also gets a sneaky dose of flavor from salsa! Pair it with your fave soup or chili for a big dose of comfort food. Get the recipe here.
Trust us, the whole fam will go bananas for this easy banana bread. Your little chefs can mix it up themselves—and even throw in some chocolate chips for an extra treat. Click here for the recipe.
Want to make your whole house smell like a bakery? Turn to these cinnamon rolls from The View From Great Island. It's a no-knead and no-rise recipe, so these rolls are ready to eat in under an hour. Don't forget the icing! Get the recipe here.
Ready for some fun flatbread? The kiddos will love using this chapati (courtesy of Kitchen Sanctuary) to mop up soup, curries and stew. It only calls for a little bit of kneading and just five ingredients! Find the recipe here.
Psst! You can sneak extra veggies into your fam's diet with this recipe from Mireille Schwartz. Plus, your little sous chefs can get in on the action by grating the zucchini and mixing up the batter! Get the recipe here.
There's no need (and no knead) to wait for St. Patrick's Day to enjoy this Irish Soda Bread from Dinner at the Zoo. It's perfect for raisin bread lovers and a great option when you can't decide between sweet and savory. Score the recipe here.
Ready for a batch of biscuits that's no-frills, flaky and fluffy? Trust us, it's way easier to make than to say. This dreamy recipe from Well Plated is delish as-is, but you can also add extras like cheese and herbs. Get the recipe here.
When you're feeling fancy, try perfecting these popovers from Boulder Locavore. They've got fresh flavor and are easily customizable if you have different herbs on hand. Pop over here for the recipe.
Look, whether or not autumn is in the air, sometimes you just need a pumpkin bread fix. This recipe is chock-full of comforting spices and leaves you with a moist and fluffy loaf. Make your own with this recipe.
Forget your standard batter pancakes—these are actually a type of savory flatbread made from dough. They're super popular in China and Taiwan and a tasty way to bring something new to your dinner table. Get the recipe from Rasa Malaysia.