The well-known and trusted all-natural brand, Emmi, recently brought another delicious cheese to share with us in the U.S.: Kaltbach le Cremeux! Now families here in the States can also enjoy this semi-firm cow’s milk cheese. Its unique and almost sweet flavor will be adored by the young and old! Eaten alone or cooked into classic recipes, this cheese imparts a delicate and unique flavor that is truly versatile and a sure fire hit for the family fridge.

From the Eyes of a Kid:

“Mmmm! This is the yummiest mac and cheese I’ve ever had! Mom, can I have some more please!?” 

From the Eyes of a Parent:

“I’ve always been a fan of Emmi’s other cheeses, so I was excited to see the Kaltbach le Cremeux at my grocer! My kids and I loved it from the first nibble! It adds so much flavor and texture to my pasta dishes. And, it’s the perfect addition to a cheese plate, too!”

Flavorful Features:

Other Emmi cheeses include:

Le Gruyère

Appenzeller

Raclette

Fondü

Switzerland Swiss

and more!

Mix It Up!:

Melt small pieces of the Kaltbach le Cremeux cheese on top of leftover pasta to make a delicious and quick mac and cheese that your kids and yourself will enjoy!

http://www.emmiusa.com/cheese/kaltbach/

https://www.facebook.com/EmmiUSA/

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.

Everything is better with butter! Especially with Organic Valley’s Cultured Unsalted Butter and its extra rich and creamy homemade-like taste! We love this butter because its organic and has no antibiotics, GMO, or toxic pesticides. It is packed with flavor that comes from the sweet cream its churned with, making it taste extra creamy. Whether enjoying on a piece of toast, melting into pasta, or including it in your family’s favorite cookie recipe, Organic Valley’s Cultured Unsalted Butter will add delicious decadence to the taste!

From the Eyes of a Kid: 

“Mmm! Mom, these Snickerdoodle cookies are so buttery! Can you make more, please?”

From the Eyes of a Parent”:

“For busy mornings, I put this butter on toast and sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top. I use this butter when I bake and cook. It really adds a wonderful flavor to my recipes.”

Mix It Up!:

Try Organic Valley’s European Style Cultured Butter. European butter is churned longer than other butters, so it’s the best butter for baking. From croissants to popovers see a flakey difference in your treats!

The Icing On The Cake:

Organic Valley is not like other big brands, they know their farmers and know exactly where their products are coming from.

https://www.organicvalley.coop/products/butter/cultured-butter/cultured-unsalted-butter-1-lb-4-quarters/

https://www.facebook.com/OrganicValley/

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.

Looking for a simple yet special breakfast that will please every member of the family, both big and small? Look no further than this recipe for Shirred Eggs with Marinara and Feta from our friends at Cooking Light. Simply crack an egg in a ramekin or mini cocotte, add the other ingredients, and wait for it to bake.  With bold flavors and healthful ingredients, this is a breakfast (or dinner!) you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place bread cubes on a sheet pan; bake at 375°F for 13 minutes or until browned and crisp.

3. Rub 1/2 teaspoon oil into each of 4 (8-ounce) mini cocottes or ramekins to coat inside. Divide bread cubes among cocottes. Crack one egg into each cocotte. Season each egg with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a dash of pepper. Spoon 1 tablespoon marinara into each. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon feta. Place cocottes in oven; bake at 375°F for 12 minutes or until whites are set. Sprinkle with oregano. Drizzle with additional oil, if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

Have your little chef help with cracking eggs and placing other ingredients in the cocottes/ramekins!

Opt for a different kind of cheese if feta isn’t your thing, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

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.

Get cheesy with Emmi Cheese! Emmi Cheese is steeped in tradition and craftsmanship and it shows in all of their high-quality cheese products. The Creative Kitchen loves their passionate support of farmers, cheesemakers as well as sustainable agriculture to create a product that is second to none like their non-GMO Le Gruyère AOP. Emmi Traditions Le Gruyère AOP is made using locally farmed cow’s milk that is perfect in a gooey grilled cheese sandwich little ones can enjoy or as a topping on a cheesy French onion soup.

The Creative Kitchen is happy to include Emmi USA as a Supporting Sponsor in our Whole Foods Holiday Kids Cooking Series, where kids make Tortellini Totem Poles and Breakfast Frittata Cakes!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I ate so much cheese, mom said I’m part mouse!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Emmi’s Le Gruyère AOP is a delicious cheese. I love being able to use it for all sorts of recipes. I love adding it to eggs for breakfast or as an addition to a cheese plate when I’m entertaining guests! Emmi’s website has a great list of recipes and pairings for their cheeses so I always have new ways to use their cheese. There are only three ingredients in Emmi’s Le Gruyère AOP so I don’t have to worry about any added artificial flavors or colors. Plus, it’s a mild cheese so even my little picky eaters like it.

Flavorful Features:

Emmi Traditions comes in an assortment of varieties:

– Le Gruyère® AOP
– Le Gruyère® AOP Réserve
– Emmentaler® AOP
– Appenzeller®
– Tête de Moine AOP

The Icing On the Cake:

Emmi adheres to strict Swiss cheese production guidelines, quality controls and environmental directives. The official quality mark AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protegée) is reserved for traditional products with long-standing regional origins. Once the Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture registers a protected designation, Emmi and other cheesemakers only use it for products that meet all requirements regarding quality, origin and production.

Time to Eat?!

Enjoy Le Gruyère AOP anytime of day. It’s perfect as a cheesy addition to fritattas like we incorporated in our Holiday Kids Cooking Classes, as a fun pairing with roasted sweet potatoes and fig jam for a take on a grilled cheese with sweet potato, or even on top of a caramelized pears and cranberry compote.

Mix it Up!

Melt Emmi Traditions Le Gruyère AOP in a frittata mixed with fresh vegetables , on top of an open-faced egg sandwich or melt them on top of broccoli or asparagus.

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.

Go Veggie’s Vegan Classic Plain Cream Cheese is the most award-winning dairy-free spread around. The Creative Kitchen loves that this cream cheese is made with healthy coconut oil and soy protein both of which provide fiber which may lower the risk of heart disease, support a healthy immune system.  It contains 25% less saturated fat than regular cream cheese, is non-GMO verified, and contains no cholesterol, lactose or gluten.  Even family members that can’t tolerate dairy or choose to be vegan can enjoy this spread.

The Creative Kitchen is happy to include Go Veggie as a Goody Bag Sponsor for our Whole Foods Holiday Kids Cooking Series

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I love this yummy spread on my bagels!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

My family is vegan and we are constantly on the lookout for products that are tasty and healthy. We find that in Go Veggie products! It has less calories and saturated fat than regular cream cheese and four times the calcium of other vegan cream cheeses, so I know my family is being supplied with the nutrients their bodies need.

Flavorful Features:

Go Veggie Vegan Cream Cheese comes in a variety of flavors:
– Chive and Garlic
– Strawberry
– Classic Plain

The Icing On the Cake:

Go Veggie’s Vegan Classic Plain Cream Cheese is Non-GMO verified, Kosher, contains 25% less saturated fat thank regular cream cheese, and contains no cholesterol, lactose, or gluten

Time to Eat?!

Go Veggie’s Vegan Classic Plain Cream Cheese is a great addition to any meal, any time of day. Add it between French toast for a creamy breakfast treat, schmear it on your little one’s sandwich with some golden raisins, and mix it into your Mac and Cheese for a rich addition to your dinner.

Mix it Up!

Go Veggie’s Vegan Classic Plain Cream Cheese is a versatile cream cheese alternative. Use it as a replacement in any cream cheese dish like cheesecake, spinach dip and cream cheese frosting!

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.

The Creative Kitchen loves the diverse ways families can enjoy incorporating Freekeh, the healthful ancient grain, into their meals. Freekehlicious is a company known for producing the ancient grain in the highest of standards. Freekehlicious’ Cracked Freekeh is similar in texture to bulgar wheat. Families can take comfort because it’s high in calcium for bone health and rich in prebiotic properties which are important for the growth of healthy bacteria, which promotes a healthy gut. Plus, Freekehlicious’ Cracked Freekeh is vegan, kosher, and non-GMO! Use Cracked Freekah to a nutty crunchy texture that’s excellent in burgers, stuffing, soups, making parfaits layering cooked Freekeh, yogurt, pears, apples, cranberries, cinnamon and pumpkin seeds for a seasonal dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack!

The Creative Kitchen is proud to have Freekehlicious as a Supporting Sponsor for our Whole Foods Holiday Kids Cooking Series.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This tastes like rice!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Freekehlicious’ Cracked Freekeh is a healthy grain alternative for my family. I love it because it’s so versatile and easy to cook. I can use it anytime of day. Its perfect as a replacemetnt for oatmeal in the morning, or as an alternative to rice in a quick wrap for lunch for my family. The best part is, once it’s cooked, it stays good in the fridge for 8 days! Cracked Freekeh is also high in protein and knowing I can use an ingredient that will provide my family with the energy they need to get them through the day is a relief.

Flavorful Features:

Freekehlicious comes in two varieties
-Whole Freekeh

-Cracked Freekeh

The Icing On the Cake:

In addition to having four times more fiber than brown rice, Cracked Freekeh is vegan certified, kosher, and non-GMO!

Time to Eat?!

Enjoy Cracked Freekeh any time of day. This ancient grain is so versatile you can have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even as a filling snack mixed with cauliflower and pesto.

Good to Go?

Once made, this grain lasts for 8 days and can be stored in your fridge until needed.

Mix it Up!

Use cooked Cracked Freekeh as a base for veggie burgers, mix it with pesto for a fun take on pesto salad or combine it with your favorite fruits, yogurt and honey as a replacement for your morning oatmeal or granola.

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.

Thanksgiving is approaching. It’s the time of year when we gather with family and friends, sharing and creating traditions. Thanksgiving is also a time to eat and enjoy a most delicious meal. Our friends at Cooking Light have put a delicious spin on the classic holiday side, stuffing, with this Apple, Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing. Your little chef can help by cutting up the fruit, vegetables and tearing up the bread.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Arrange bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes. Place bread in a large bowl.

3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion, celery, and carrot to pan; sauté 6 minutes. Add apple; cook 4 minutes. Stir in pecans, cranberries, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add apple mixture to bread; toss.

5. Combine stock, butter, and eggs in a bowl. Drizzle over bread mixture; toss. Let stand 15 minutes. Spoon into a 13- x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Tips & Trick:

• For the vegetarians at your table, you can substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.
• Raisins and walnuts can work in place of the cranberries and pecans

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.

Mac and Cheese is a dish that kids and grownups love. This take on the classic mac and cheese from our friends at Cooking Light adds ground beef and fire roasted tomatoes to the mix for a heartier take on this comforting dish. What’s even better is you can grate or finely dice some vegetables into the mac and cheese for picky eaters!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add beef, onion, Worcestershire, and mustard; cook, stirring often, until meat is done, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; stir in tomatoes.

3. Whisk together milk and flour. Pour mixture into skillet; bring to a boil over high. Add cheeses; stir until cheeses melt. Remove from heat. Stir in pasta and meat mixture. Top with parsley, salt, and pepper.

Tips & Trick:

• Make sure to drain the tomatoes so the sauce doesn’t get too thin.
• If you don’t have dry mustard (used here for added depth), stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
• Serve with a side of green beans or broccoli tossed with browned butter, or with a salad the family enjoys (a crunchy romaine Caesar salad would be great).

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.

If you like crunchy snacks as much as we do, then you’re going to love these Kale Poppers! Cal-Snax is a brand with a philosophy we believe in. All of their products have three simple principles: they must taste great, they have to be convenient, and they must be better for you. Cal-Snax prides themselves on producing innovative vegetable-based snacks that are never fried and always delicious! Their Kale Poppers are full of flavor and have a fun leaf shape. Plus, each bag of Kale Poppers provides you with 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. With Cal-Snax’s Kale Poppers moms can feel confident that their children are snacking well!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I love their fun shape and how crunchy they are!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Sometimes I find it challenging to get my kids to eat enough of their greens, so it’s great that my kids can get the nutrients of kale in a crunchy and convenient snack. With Kale Poppers, now at least I know they are getting good nutrients like fiber, iron, and vitamin K. And I love that these are made with ingredients I recognize, real kale, lentils and rice, so I know this product is a great wholesome snack for my kids (and me!) that I can trust!

Flavorful Features:

Kale Poppers come in three delicious flavors:
– Sea Salt
– Creamy Ranch
– Tangy Smokey Barbecue

The Icing on the Cake:

Kale Poppers are gluten free and non-GMO verified. They also have no cholesterol or trans-fat and contain no soy, MSG, nuts, or dairy.

Time to Eat?!

Kale Poppers are perfect to include in your child’s lunch box!

Good to Go?

Yes! A bag of Kale Poppers is the perfect size for convenient on-the-go snacking.

Mix it Up!

Dip Kale Poppers in hummus or another bean spread for added protein and tastiness!

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.

Googly eyes on fruits and vegetables? Yes, please! Say bye bye to greasy puffed snacks and hello to Erdbar Googly Fruit Crunchy Puffs. These better-for-you puffs were created by ordinary, busy parents, Natacha and Alex, who wanted an easy way to increase kids’ fruit and vegetable intake. They solved their dilemma by making fruits and vegetables fun with googly eyed characters on their packaging! These air-puffed Corn and Carrot Crunchy Puffs will blow you away as they are simply made with 5 ingredients that are 85% vegetables with no added sugar, are 100% organic, and have high amounts of vitamin B1!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I love how crunchy they are!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Unlike other corn puffs, Crunchy Puffs are made with vegetables, so I can feel good about giving these to my kids. I love Erdbar Googly Fruit products as they have no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavorings or colorants, and they’re always 100 percent organic! Plus, my kids love seeing the googly eyes on their fruit and vegetable characters on the packaging.

Flavorful Features:

Erdbar Googly Fruit makes other kid-friendly fruit and vegetable products, including:
– Squeezy Pouches
– Fruit and Veg Crisps
– Googly Fruit in Water
– Crunchy Snacks
– Mini Snack Box

The Icing on the Cake:

All of Erdbar Googly Fruit products are made with organic fruits and vegetables and contain no artificial additives!

Time to Eat?!

Snack time is the perfect time for these puffs.

Mix it Up!

Play with textures and toss Crunchy Puffs with some dried fruit to make a snack mix.

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.