I have a confession . . .

I have a confession. I don't really like munching on fresh fruit and vegetables as a snack or with a meal. What I mean is that those yummy, healthy items are not what I naturally think of when I am hungry. I want some chips or peanut butter or ice cream or cheese or more chips or cookies or well, you get the idea. I did not grow up with these healthy choices and therefore they are not the options that I readily go to in my mind when I need/want something to eat.

As a grown-up I have learned to eat yogurt, salad, bagels (by now you are probably wondering what I actually did eat as a child - I told you that I was picky!) and yes, I have learned to eat yummy things like celery, carrots, red peppers, sugar snap peas, but, and here's the kicker, I need some ranch dressing to truly enjoy these veggies. I know, I know then I am just adding lots of fat to something that is super healthy and good for me. Sooooo, I made my own ranch dip this weekend that was delicious and better (I am not going to say good) for me.

It's all about making better choices, right? So, if I can make a better dip and actually enjoy my veggies then that has got to be a good thing. Please let me know if you have any dips or suggestions for ways that you enjoy your veggies.

Gotta go cut up the veggies I just bought because if I don't have them cut and ready to eat they won't get eaten!

Happy dipping!

I did some investigating!

I did some investigating today while I was at Schnuck's (here in Evansville) about prices and locations of wheat germ. In an earlier post I showed you pictures to find wheat germ, well evidently there is another location in the store in the cereal isle near the oatmeal. The picture I showed is Bob's Red Mill which was 16 ounces for $2.99. In the cereal isle, you can find Kretzschmer's "toasted" wheat germ which was 12 ounces for $4.97. Also in the cereal isle, Hodgson Mill makes an untoasted wheat germ which was 12 ounces for $2.09.

What's the difference between toasted and untoasted wheat germ? Toasted wheat germ is just that and it has a nuttier, richer flavor than untoasted wheat germ.

So, shop wisely and informed!

More Favorite Recipes!

I talked with several friends this week and these recipes kept coming up as my favorites, so I figured that I would go ahead and post them.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe is so easy and fast! My husband was sick this week and I made this for him (OK, and me, too!) and I think it was instrumental in his road to recovery. There is nothing sneaky in this recipe as it is relatively healthy on its own (just don't pay attention to the yummy dumplings).

Turkey Burgers

I got this recipe from the Sneaky Chef cookbook, How to Cheat on Your Man in the Kitchen. It was a little bland so I added some spices to it. My husband loves these and that says a lot if you know my husband!

Meatloaf

Another Sneaky Chef recipe that requires no modification. It is delicious as is and another one that my husband loves! I usually quadruple the recipe when I make it and freeze several meatloaves for later use. To freeze, place the shaped meatloaf on a tray (cutting board, cookie sheet) lined with wax paper and freeze. Then wrap frozen meatloaf in plastic wrap and place in freezer bag. Then just cook as directed.

I hope you enjoy these recipes!

Where's the Wheat Germ?

Several of you have asked me where to find wheat germ, so I put my cell phone camera to work today while I was shopping. Here in Evansville you can find it at Schnuck's or one of the specific health food stores. They do not carry it at Buy Low or Wal-mart. In other parts of the country I know it can be purchased at Kroger and nicer grocery or health food stores.

Start in this isle:

Then look for this section. It is usually between muffin/cake mixes and cooking oils.

Here is the actual brand that I use!

Let the hunt begin!

UPDATE: Christine from my Mommy & Me class also told me that she has found wheat germ in the cereal isle by the cream of wheat and oatmeal. The brand is Kretzschmer and she thinks that it is probably cheaper than the Bob's Red Mill brand. I will have to check this out and let you know. Thanks Christine!!!!

New Blogs and Links

My husband is out of town. I am telling you this because that is the reason that I had so much time tonight to surf the web for other blogs and websites that deal with healthy, kid friendly and appealing food. It's both good and bad-lots of resources and recipes that I can't wait to try (and share with you), but overwhelming in deciding where and when to start.

I have added several of the blogs to the list of blogs that "I follow" on the left side-bar. You can also access them through the "Sneaky Mommy Links" button on the right side-bar. But, here they are as well: http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com/; http://www.ittybittybistro.com/; http://www.foodwithkidappeal.blogspot.com/; and www.superhealthykids.com.

So, I am off to do more web-surfing since I have the house, the couch, the computer and the TV all to myself tonight.

Purees . . .

Why use purees? *Sneak healthy ingredients into foods your kids and you will eat *Purees are more concentrated and nutrient dense *Can be made ahead to quickly sneak into food.

I have listed the puree recipes from the Sneaky Chef at the right of the blog. I will also place a list there for baby foods that can be used in place of purees.

I use the orange puree most often-it is especially easy to add to pre-made pasta sauce or chili. It is made with carrots and sweet potatoes. Simply boil until tender and then puree until smooth in food processor or blender with a little bit of water. I usually cook a large batch so that I have plenty of puree to freeze for later use. I store the purees in 1/4 cup portions in snack size storage bags. Some people freeze them in ice cube trays and then store in plastic freezer bags.

One of our favorite recipes is applesauce muffins. Seth eats these two at a time and asks for them for dinner. I think they are yummy, too! I usually make a double batch and freeze them. Then I am only 30 seconds in the microwave away from a delicious and healthy breakfast (or dinner).

SNEAKY CHEF on Today Show!

The Sneaky Chef, Missy Chase-Lapine, will be on the Today Show during the 9 0'clock hour. If you miss this you can view it on either website: www.thesneakychef.com or http://today.msnbc.msn.com . She is going to be making two new recipes from her new cookbook. I will be on the road travelling to Georgia today to see my best friend and her new baby, so I will have to catch it on the web. Have a great weekend!