Putting a new spin on classic children’s favorites is the perfect way to introduce kids to new foods and help them grow into more adventurous – and healthy – eaters. Encourage your kids to try more “mature” flavors like goat cheese, arugula, sage, and brussels sprouts with these delicious and easy Fall Recipes from our friends at Cooking Light. These dishes are sure to have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!

Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza

“This unique pizza combines the familiar sweetness of green apples with peppery arugula and tangy goat cheese to help kids discover and enjoy new flavor combinations. Pies can be made ahead and baked off when guests arrive, making this the perfect recipe for your holiday dinner party!”

Sautéed Carrots with Sage

“Sage takes kid-friendly carrots to a whole new level in this quick and tasty side dish.”

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

“Brussels sprouts may not have the best reputation among young eaters, but the smokey, salty bacon in this dish is sure to change your kids’ opinion of this incredibly healthy veggie.”

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

It’s almost Halloween, and pumpkins everywhere you look! Pumpkins aren’t just for jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pies – they are nutritious and delicious in a whole range of sweet and savory dishes. Our friends at Cooking Light have put together a list of their best pumpkin recipes that are sure to satisfy the whole family!

Fettuccine with Pumpkin Sauce

“Pair this seasonal dish with a quick fall salad: Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon honey in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 sliced apple, and 2 tablespoons pumpkinseeds; toss.”

White Bean and Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips

“This lightly sweet and smoky take on hummus is the perfect snack or a fitting starter for any autumn gathering.”

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

“We took the best part of the classic fall pie and stuck it in a glass for a perfectly-portioned treat. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped walnuts.”

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

Autumn in New York is one of our favorite times of the year. The leaves are changing colors, the school season is in full swing, and the holidays are right around the corner. Plus, fall is full of delicious flavors and tasty ingredients that fill the house with warming aromas and scents. This fall, cozy up to some of our favorite fall dishes from our friends at Cooking Light!

Spiced Pumpkin Biscuits

“These light, flavorful biscuits are the perfect complement to a fall meal, especially when paired with Orange Blossom Honey Butter. A light hand with the dough will help to ensure tender biscuits”

Roasted Root Vegetables with Sorghum and Cider

“Sorghum — also known as sorghum molasses — is the distinctive, syrupy by-product of sorghum grain. Look for it in specialty stores and gourmet grocers, or substitute molasses.”

Butternut Squash and Parmesan Bread Pudding

“A side of sautéed kale or mustard greens would provide a nice counterpoint to the sweet butternut squash in this savory vegetarian entrée.”

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.

As Halloween approaches and pumpkins are showing up on everyone’s door steps, what could be better than homemade Pumpkin Fritters?! This Pumpkin Fritters recipe by Cricket Azima and The Creative Kitchen is delicious, healthful, and versatile. The fritters can be served as a substitute for breakfast pancakes, as an after school snack, or for dessert with a dollop of whipped cream! With the nutritious benefits of pumpkin and the warming scent of cinnamon, we’re certain you’ll be coming back for more!

Pumpkin Fritters

While canned food is often shunned, canned pumpkin purée is one you don’t have to worry about! Canned pumpkin purée is packed with potassium (important for nerve and muscle health), iron (needed to carry oxygen in your blood), vitamin A (great for your eyes), and fiber (helps control blood sugar and keeps you fuller for longer). Plus, our recipe for Pumpkin Fritters has only 3 tablespoons of sugar, making it a healthful alternative to high sugar pumpkin products.

This traditional South African dish is simple and quick to make for or with your family! For more delicious recipes, including this recipe for Pumpkin Fritters, check out Cricket Azima’s kids’ cookbook, Everybody Eats Lunch! This interactive book is part cookbook and part toy, featuring lunchbox recipes from around the world, embodying The Creative Kitchen’s philosophy of teaching through food and cooking in an engaging way!

Ingredients

1 15-oz. can pumpkin purée

½ cup flour

1 egg, beaten

3 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

2 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

Yields 4 servings (16 fritters)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, flour, egg, 1 tbsp. of the sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Warm 1 tbsp. of the butter and 1 tbsp. of the oil in a large skillet (big enough to hold eight fritters) over medium heat.
3. Drop tablespoonfuls of fritter mixture into the hot pan and lightly flatten with a spatula. Cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side.
4. Repeat for the second batch.
5. Combine remaining sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle over hot fritters before serving.

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.