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.

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.

As parents, you’re constantly trying to make sure your kids are getting the right nutrients to stay strong and healthy. An important part of that is making sure they eat their vegetables which can sometimes be difficult. This French Bread with Cauliflower Cheese Sauce from our friends at Cooking Light is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your little one’s diet. Use this mixture for your next grilled cheese sandwich and pair alongside fresh tomato soup for a family-friendly dinner. The sauce is versatile and can even be mixed into pasta for a healthier version of mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat broiler to high.

2. Place bread, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Broil 1 1/2 minutes or until bread is lightly toasted.

3. Place cauliflower in a steamer basket over simmering water; cover and steam 8 minutes or until very tender. Place stock in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until warm. Place cauliflower and stock in a food processor; process until smooth. Add cheese; process until combined.

4. Spread cauliflower mixture over bread halves; broil 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Cut into 4 pieces; sprinkle with pepper.

Tips & Trick:

• The cheesy-veggie sauce is a great way to sneak in vegetables so try tossing it with fresh pasta for a healthier mac and cheese that doesn’t skimp on the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• If you love to dip garlic bread into broth-based soups or hearty stews, try adding finely minced garlic to the food processor to add an extra kick before spreading the sauce on the bread.

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.

Summertime is a great time for fresh produce like tomatoes. Before they aren’t at their peak ripeness, enjoy these 11 Delicious Ways You Can Caprese featuring alternatives to the basic Italian tomato, basil and mozzarella dish from our friends at Cooking Light. 

California Caprese Bowl

“This is a riff on the Korean rice dish bibimbap, in which various toppings are arranged over a bed of rice. Here, California Caprese bowl must-haves such as thinly chopped peeled avocado, tomato wedges, and fresh mozzarella cheese top brown rice.”

Caprese Pizza

“The classic combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and thinly sliced basil never disappoints. Try it on our caprese pizza, for a bright combo of two Italian favorites, ready in just 45 minutes. An ending drizzle of balsamic vinegar brings out wonderful flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.”

Caprese Mac and Cheese

“The classic Italian salad gets a kick of creamy comfort in this deliciously light hybrid recipe. Fast and full of summery goodness, Caprese Mac and Cheese can be a main dish for vegetarians. You can use any short pasta you have on hand for this dish, such as large elbows or rotini, instead of the penne pasta.”

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.

Cedar’s Snack Pack Original Hommus with Hommus Chips are a convenient, on-the-go snack that your whole family will love. Cedar’s has been producing hummus for over 30 years. They pride themselves on making Mediterranean foods of only the highest quality with simple, fresh, and whole ingredients. High in fiber with 7 grams of protein – to help build strong muscles – these Original Hommus with Hommus Chips Snack Packs contain both the chips and dip for easy snacking that will certainly satisfy your stomach.

Join us at The Creative Kitchen Kids Cooking Camps this summer at Whole Foods Markets in Manhattan and snack on these Cedar’s Original Hommus with Hommus Chips with us! Register here!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This hummus is the best! I love when mom packs it as my snack for camp.

From the Eyes of a Parent:

It’s great that these Snack Packs contain both the hummus and the chips, so I can just toss it in my kids’ lunch boxes for a quick and easy snack at camp. I feel confident giving my kids Cedar’s hummus and chips as a midday snack knowing that it is packed with protein and fiber that will keep them full until they get home for dinner.

Flavorful Features:

Cedar’s Hommus with Hommus Chips Snack Packs come in a variety of flavors:
• Classic Original Hommus
• Roasted Red Pepper Hommus
• Garlic Lovers Hommus

The Icing on the Cake:

These hummus packs are all natural and gluten free certified.

Time to Eat?!

Perfectly portioned for snack time.

Good to Go?

Yes! Cedar’s Snack Packs are individually packaged and perfect for on-the-go snacking!

Mix it Up!

Use Cedar’s hummus in a sandwich instead of mayonnaise or mustard for a flavorful twist and added protein and enjoy the chips on the side!

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.

Haven’t heard of Hemp Hearts? They’re a super seed with a slight nutty taste and more protein and omega fats than both chia and flax seeds! Now in a bite-sized crunchy snack, Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Heart Bites makes it easy for you and your family to eat this super seed wherever you are. With 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omega 3s and 6s in about 8 Hemp Heart Bites, this snack is great to fuel your family’s active lifestyle. Plus, the touch of sweet and salty along with the crunch will have your family coming back for more.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

These are so crunchy and good. Gimme more!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

This snack kills two birds with one stone – it always satisfies my kids’ sweet tooth and their growling stomachs. It has the perfect combination of nutritional goodness from the hemp seeds and satisfying sweetness from the cacao nibs. I can’t believe how much protein is packed into these small bites!

Flavorful Features:

Manitoba Harvest has other great hemp products, including:
– Hemp Hearts
– Hemp Heart Bar
– Hemp Protein Smoothie
– Hemp Protein Powder
– Hemp Oil

The Icing on the Cake:

Hemp Heart Bites prove that big things come in small packages. Just one cube is fused with high nutritional value. Each serving of Hemp Heart Bites contains 10g of easy to digest plant-based protein and 10g of Omega 3 and 6. All of Manitoba Harvest’s products are Non-GMO Project Verified, B Corp, Vegan, and Paleo.

Time to Eat?!

Perfect pre-playdate (or pre-workout) snack or great addition to lunch.

Mix it Up!

Make a Hemp Heart Bite parfait! Layer the bites with your favorite yogurt and fruits for a filling breakfast or dessert.

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.

Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood Snack Bars are a super way to give you and your family that extra boost of energy to get you through those constantly on-the-go days. In 5 delicious and creative flavors, this snack bar has organic superfoods chia and hemp that are packed with omega-3 fats and protein to fuel your busy lifestyle. Better yet, each bar contains 4-6 grams of protein and 4-6 grams of fiber!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

The chocolate ones taste like a candy bar! They’re my favorite.
 

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I love that these have both chia and hemp seeds in them to pack a real nutritional punch. My kids love that they taste great, and I love that they’re great for my family. And they’re the perfect size to throw in my purse or kids’ back packs for our busy, on-the-go lifestyle.

Flavorful Features:

Qi’a Superfood Snack Bars come in:
– Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond
– Roasted Peanut Dark Chocolate
– Mocha Cocoa Hazelnut
– Blueberry Cashew Pumpkin Seed
– Nuts & Seeds & Sea Salt

The Icing on the Cake:

The different varieties of these bars are made with superfood ingredients including chia, hemp, cocoa nibs, nuts and seeds to pack in plant-based protein, fiber, and ALA omega-3 fats. Plus, they’re vegan, certified gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO project verified!

Time to Eat?!

These Superfood Snack Bars are great for snack time, anytime and anywhere!
 

Mix it Up!

Smear some nut or seed butter or yogurt on top for added protein, flavor, and fun!

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.

Zemas Madhouse Foods creator and mom of five, Jill Motew, knows how your home can feel like a “madhouse” when trying to feed your family healthful, tasty, and convenient foods. That’s why she created her line of allergy-friendly, gluten-free, ancient grain based products that will fuel your active family. From packing in additional fiber and protein to feeding the brain, the ancient grains in Zemas Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – millet, teff, quinoa, and sorghum, plus hemp, chia, and flax seeds – make these cookies a better-for-you and certainly irresistible choice!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I love making these cookies with mommy! She even says they’re good for me.
 

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Whether baking for my family or sending to my kids’ school, I feel better sharing Zemas cookies with the kids in my life, since they’re made from whole grains. Plus, they’re easy to make and everybody loves them – big kids and small!

Flavorful Features:

Zemas Madhouse Foods has five other delicious baking mixes:
– Sweet Potato Pancake Mix
– Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffin Mix
– Cocoa Teff Pancake & Waffle Mix
– Multigrain Pancake & Waffle Mix

They also make premade mini cookies and muffins.
 

The Icing on the Cake:

Zemas Madhouse Foods are certified kosher and vegan, non-GMO verified, and manufactured in a gluten-free facility free of the top 8 allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish & shellfish).
 

Time to Eat?!

Anytime your sweet tooth calls.
 

Mix it Up!

Toss in some dried fruit of choice for additional sweetness, texture, and flavor.

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.