Posts by Cheryl Tallman

Herbs play a big role in French cooking. They offer flavor and aroma to food that can help develop both senses of taste and smell for your kids. Choose fresh or dried herbs depending on what is available in your area. If you would like to try growing your own, herbs grow well in indoor containers or outdoor gardens. Commonly used herbs in French cooking include: Fennel - Fennel's refreshing licorice...
9/9/2012 7:02:18 PM
Here are some great meatless Mexican meals to try! Broccoli Enchiladas Ingredients: 3 cups of broccoli florets 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 1 egg 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp. each of salt, pepper and ground cumin 6 whole wheat tortillas 1 1/2 cups red chile enchilada sauce 1 cup vegetable stock Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Blanch broccoli florets...
8/5/2012 10:42:23 AM
Show your patriotic spirit this 4th of July and make healthy food choices with a variety of red, white and blue fruits and vegetables. There are many colorful and delicious foods that can dress up your picnic or BBQ menus. Red Foods: Red foods are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. Red foods also contain compounds called phytochemicals, which have been...
7/3/2012 8:32:11 PM
A bento is a divided box that originated in Japan. Bento boxes are made from a wide variety of materials, including lacquer, bamboo, plastic and stainless steel. A traditional bento meal includes carbohydrates (rice or noodles), protein (fish, chicken, meat, or tofu), vegetables and fruit. Foods are arranged in the box to display a colorful, healthy meal with a wonderful variety of flavors and tastes....
6/7/2012 9:06:25 AM
In Japan, the color red signifies energy and power and is often used as a color for heroic figures. This is a good description because when you include red fruits and vegetables in your child's meals, they will grow up strong like superheroes. Red foods are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Red foods also contain compounds called phytochemicals, which...
5/6/2012 12:31:20 PM
Edamame and shitake mushrooms are two very common Japanese cooking. Edamame (pronounced ed-ah-MAH-may) are little green gems - packed with protein and loads of nutrients. Including Shitake mushrooms in this puree is a great way to introduce your baby to the distinctive taste of umami. Shitake and Edamame Puree 4 oz. Shitake mushrooms, stems removed 1 Tbsp. olive oil 12 oz. (2 cups) shelled edamame...
4/17/2012 11:01:21 AM
The basic ingredients to keep on hand for preparing healthy Italian dishes are: Olive oil Olives and capers Whole Grains Tomatoes (fresh and canned) Garlic Parmesan cheese or other hard cheese Mozzarella cheese Common Herbs and Spices in Italian foods: In addition to fresh basil and Italian parsley (flat-leafed variety), oregano, thyme and marjoram are commonly used in Italian dishes. Lemons grow throughout...
3/5/2012 3:23:00 PM
The original name of Thailand was Sukhothai, which means "Dawn of Happiness." Without a doubt, sharing a Thai meal will bring this attitude of pleasure to your table. Preparing Thai food is quick and easy. Most recipes are cooked on a stovetop for a short period of time making Thai food ideal for weeknight dinners. Plus soups and curries can be made ahead of time, frozen and reheated for serving. Cooking...
1/16/2012 1:01:38 PM
Including a salad on your Holiday dinner menu offers guests a pleasant balance to some of the more traditionally heavy side dishes. Ensure your salad pairs nicely with the rest of the feast by including traditional holiday ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, apples, and beets. Salads and dressings can be made ahead and refrigerated until you are ready to serve. For maximum freshness, toss the dressing...
12/15/2011 9:35:48 AM
Fruits play a vital role in keeping the body healthy, as they are naturally low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol. They provide fiber, many vitamins and nutrients, and they help lower the risk of certain illnesses and diseases, including: -Stroke, heart disease and other heart-related illnesses -Type 2 diabetes -Certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colorectal cancer -Kidney stones -Bone...
8/4/2011 7:00:00 AM