Popsicles for breakfast?! Sign us up! Looking for some new recipes to help refresh mealtime at home? Or maybe you’d like to find some nutritious recipes that your kids will not only enjoy eating (a tricky business, we know), but will actually want to help make? One of our most tried and true beliefs when it comes to kids and food is that cooking is a multi-faceted learning opportunity. When children are involved in the cooking process, including the selection of ingredients, they’re more likely to try new, unfamiliar foods!

We love supporting programs and resources that reinforce this philosophy, and that’s why we’re thrilled to share an amazing cookbook with you: The Healthy Junior Chef Cookbook from Williams-Sonoma. Providing recipes that are simultaneously delicious and nutritious, this cookbook will inspire kids to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the entire cooking process! Remember those ‘breakfast popsicles’ we mentioned before? Yogurt Parfait Breakfast Pops are just one of the many fun and delicious dishes you’ll find in this book. The photography alone will have the whole family drooling, parents included (just look at that cover!). The easy to follow instructions, colorful illustrations, and expert cooking tips will keep both kids AND adults engaged in the kitchen and inspired to eat well – now who doesn’t want that?  

Grab a copy of The Healthy Junior Chef Cookbook here!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I like to cook with this cookbook! It’s fun and yummy! I like the pictures!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

What a fun and easy way to get your kids involved in the kitchen (and still make something even mom and dad will enjoy)! I try to do this on my own on a regular basis, but sometimes it’s nice to have some concrete help and advice. We love each recipe we’ve tried so far, and my kids love planning out our meals for each week and picking out the ingredients we need. The recipes are easy enough to follow so my younger kids can participate, but interesting enough that my older ones are still engaged! Everything in this book is kid-friendly, but so delicious that parents will enjoy them as well. I’d recommend this book to any aspiring young chef, or even families like ours that just wanted our kids to get a little more excited about cooking. So far, my favorite recipe is the Chicken and Pineapple Kebabs, they’re perfect for summer BBQ’s! My kids’ favorite is the Homemade Fruit Roll Ups; they have a great time making those, and they’re so yummy too!

Flavorful Features:

There’s more than 70 recipes for everything from breakfast and snacks to main courses and desserts, all kid-friendly with easy to follow instructions. There’s also fun serving ideas included to keep the creative juices flowing! Recipes include: Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey Bolognese, Spaghetti with Cauliflower Pesto, Homemade Fruit Roll Ups, Broccoli Apple Lunchbox Slaw, and so much more. 

The Icing on the Cake:

Our favorite part about this cookbook is how each recipe is focused on the nutrition it provides, without sacrificing the fun and delicious flavors that kids love!

Mix it Up!

Get an extremely early start on holiday shopping with this book, perfect for any little chef who wants some more practice in the kitchen (not to mention some yummy meals and snacks the whole family can eat!).

More info here!

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.

Boost your family’s brain power with this chia and blueberry-packed breakfast recipe! These pancakes serve up antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, and calcium to help fuel your family’s day. And take a peek into The Creative Kitchen Founder Cricket Azima’s kitchen below and follow along!

Brainy Breakfast Pancakes

1. Mix up a batch of your favorite pancake mix according to package directions*

2. Stir in two mashed, overripe bananas.

3. Add 1/2 cup chia seeds.

4. Add one pint of blueberries.

5. Cook according to package directions**

*Cricket likes to make a double batch and freeze half of the cooked pancakes to enjoy on mornings when she’s too tired or doesn’t have the time to cook.
**Cricket sometimes bakes the pancakes on sheet trays in effort to cook a large batch at once.

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.

Most kids love cheese, so whether you’re trying to cut down on dairy or have kids that are lactose intolerant, it’s hard to find a fix. Daiya‘s line of dairy-free cheeses is here to the rescue! Their new American Style Slices taste and melt like real cheese…and they’re free of the top eight allergens. They have the same ooey-gooey texture and creamy taste as dairy cheese! Even the most picky eaters will love whatever you put this “cheese” on!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Can I have TWO grilled cheeses for lunch? It’s so melty and gooey and yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Being lactose intolerant has always been really hard for my kids. They can’t have many of the snacks that other kids their age love, and they just miss the taste of cheese and other dairy products. Luckily, Daiya American Cheese slices have allowed me to give my kids traditional lunches, and let them feel like they’re eating the same things as their friends! These slices are low in calories and cholesterol free, so they’re also better for my kids than regular cheese slices. It’s a win-win!

Flavorful Features:

Daiya’s sliced cheese comes in other delicious flavors for all of your cheese wants and needs!

The Icing on the Cake:

You can do almost anything with these “cheese” slices! Try….

Time to Eat?!

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or whenever your kids want a cheesy treat, Daiya Sliced American Style Cheese is a great addition to many meals and snacks!

Mix it Up!

Try making little roll-ups with Daiya American Style Slices and sliced turkey, ham, or chicken! A delicious and filling snack!

https://daiyafoods.com/

https://www.facebook.com/daiyafoods/

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.

What’s chewy, chocolate-y, and has one full serving of vegetables? Never heard of such a thing? Well, we hadn’t either, until we discovered Chocolate Chip Granola Bars from 2018 Kids Food Festival Supporting Sponsor Made Good! We just love how they satisfy our sweet tooth, but leave us feeling guilt-free; with beneficial antioxidants and ethically-sourced ingredients it’s practically a perfect snack. Made Good products are dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan…AND they’re dedicated to creating high-quality food that’s good for people and the environment!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Mom says these are good for me – I think they taste like candy bars!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I just love finding new products that have nutritious ingredients but also satisfy my child’s sweet tooth! She has no idea there’s a full serving of vegetables in these Made Good Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! I feel good about serving these to my family because of the high-quality, allergen-free ingredients…I even throw some in my purse for emergency snacks at work!

Flavorful Features:

Made Good Granola Bars come in a variety of delectable flavors:

• Mixed Berry
• Chocolate Banana
• Apple Cinnamon

The Icing on the Cake:

Made Good Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are made with simple, organic ingredients that are free of the most common allergens!

Time to Eat?!

Short on time in the morning? Add a Made Good granola bar to your kids’ breakfasts. Kids asking for a sweet treat in their lunchbox? Add one of these bars to their lunchbox…they won’t be disappointed!

Good to Go?

Perfect for snacking on the go, these granola bars can be easily thrown into a purse, lunchbox, or sports bag for a nutritious snack any time you need it!

Mix it Up!

Take snacking to the next level by dipping a Made Good Chocolate Chip Granola Bar in your favorite nut butter or sunflower butter!

www.madegoodfoods.com/us

https://www.facebook.com/madegoodfoods/

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 delicious, healthful finishing touch to your morning bagel? Kite Hill is here to save the day with their all-natural cream cheese made from almond milk! It’s a great non-dairy alternative to regular cream cheese…and it can even be substituted for sour cream! Kite Hill cream cheese has a creamy, velvety texture with a hint of sweetness and subtle tangy flavor that will keep you coming back for more! Whether you’re dairy-free or just curious about a healthier lifestyle, you can feel good about eating Kite Hill products!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Mom says I can eat this cream cheese because it’s not made with milk – I’m allergic to milk! It tastes really yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

With one child dairy-free due to an allergy, I’m always looking for dairy-free alternatives that the whole family will enjoy! Kite Hill’s cream cheese can truly be used in place of cream cheese for anything from smearing it on a bagel to using in a recipe, such as cheesecake!  I use this cream cheese all the time! And, since it’s made with almonds, there’s the added benefit of a touch of protein.

Flavorful Features:

Other Kite Hill cream cheese flavors include:

• Chive Cream Cheese Style Spread
• Jalapeno Style Spread

The Icing on the Cake:

All Kite Hill products are made from all-natural, non-dairy ingredients using traditional cheese-making techniques…but with nut milk instead of milk from an animal!

Time to Eat?!

Kite Hill cream cheese is a perfect non-dairy alternative for regular cream cheese for your morning bagel, and it can be used as a sour cream substitute in any recipe!

Mix it Up!

Have the kids help make a Kite Hill cream cheese sandwich! Try a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich for a savory snack – or a cream cheese and jam sandwich for a sweet treat!  Use a cookie cutter to form the sandwich into a fun shape before eating!

www.kite-hill.com

https://www.facebook.com/kitehillfoods/

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.

Here at The Creative Kitchen, we strive to find healthful, nourishing products whose ingredients we can actually pronounce. Even better is when the ingredient list is short, comprising of only a few essential and nutritious components. One Degree Gluten-Free Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Flour checks off both of these: the only ingredient is brown rice! This richly nutritious flour is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and is grown without chemicals or animal-based fertilizers. Use it to make all kinds of meals and snacks for anytime of day, such as pancakes for breakfast, cookies for dessert, and everything in between! One Degree has a 100% traceability philosophy – you can track the ingredients of all of their products to see exactly what farm and region of the country (or world) they come from!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

These brownies are sooooooo good!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I have been a fan of One Degree for quite some time now, but just recently discovered this brown rice flour! It has become a staple in my pantry – my kids don’t even notice the difference between this and regular white flour, plus it’s so much more nutritious! I trust One Degree products because they are committed to to clean foods and sourcing ingredients from small, organic farms. There’s no artificial ANYTHING when it comes to One Degree products, and there’s minimal processing involved in everything they do.

Flavorful Features:

One Degree also makes these other nutritious and delicious flours:

• Sprouted Spelt Flour
• Sprouted Whole Wheat Flour
• Sprouted Corn Flour
• Sprouted Red Fife Flour
• Sprouted Khorasan Flour
• Sprouted Rye Flour
• Spelt Flour
• Whole Wheat Flour

The Icing on the Cake:

While many food companies artificially boost nutrition in their products, One Degree uses the natural process of sprouting to provide powerhouse nutrients!

Time to Eat?!

One Degree Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Flour can be used in almost all of your favorite recipes that call for flour! Next time you want to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, muffins, or a cake, give this flour a try – you won’t be disappointed!

www.onedegreeorganics.com

https://www.facebook.com/OneDegreeOrganics/

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.

Want to know where your food really comes from? The folks at One Degree Organic Foods give a whole new meaning to “farm-to-table” by showing you exactly where their products come from! Track their products by entering the batch code at the front of the package!

One Degree Organic Foods is focused on building a trust in good, clean foods and developing strong relationships with organic farmers who use exclusively plant-based farming methods. With recipes based on a family tradition of baking simple, wholesome treats and a dedication to using natural ingredients with minimal processing, One Degree organic flour may be the perfect addition to your family’s pantry.

Join us on Monday, December 18th, 2017 at our Whole Foods classes and taste for yourselves! Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com/calendar to view our class schedule!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

It was so fun baking with mom!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I love being able to put a name and face to the products I buy! I really feel like I know where my One Degree Organic Flour is coming from! Their better-for-you flours are a welcomed new inclusion in my family’s staple recipes. For example, when I use the Sprouted Whole Wheat Flour to make pancakes, I’m assured that there are nutritional benefits (and not just empty calories) to my family’s breakfast.

Flavorful Features:

• Sprouted Spelt Flour
• Sprouted Whole Wheat Flour
• Sprouted Corn Flour
• Sprouted Brown Rice Flour
• Sprouted Red Fife Flour
• Sprouted Khorasan Flour
• Sprouted Rye Flour
• Spelt Flour
• Whole Wheat Flour

The Icing on the Cake:

Check out One Degree Organic Foods’ outstanding selection of recipes on their website!

https://onedegreeorganics.com

https://www.facebook.com/OneDegreeOrganics/

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.

Sorghum is a healthful, hearty grain to add to your family’s pantry. Fuel your family’s bellies for hours- this gluten-free grain is an excellent source of a variety nutrients, with an extraordinary amount of dietary fiber, which is great for digestive systems! Whether cooking with the grain, flour, syrup, or otherwise, sorghum is a versatile Old World grain that shouldn’t be overlooked in today’s kitchen!

Join us at Whole Foods Upper West Side on December 18th, 2017 and Whole Foods Tribeca on December 20th, 2017 for the opportunity to get hands-on and learn about cooking with sorghum! Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com/calendar for our schedule.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

My favorite is the sorghum syrup! It’s so sweet!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I‘ve loved adding recipes that include sorghum into my family’s diet! I’ve stocked up on a few different sorghum products, especially using both the sorghum grain and syrup when I cook. It’s super kid-friendly, while also being nutritionally appealing to me and my husband!

Personally, I love adding it to my salads, as it keeps me fuller for longer!

The Icing on the Cake:

Sorghum can be used in a variety of recipes! Check out some delicious here: www.simplysorghum.com/recipes.

Time to Eat?!

Any time a whole grain is on the menu!

Mix it Up!

Try popping your whole grain sorghum like popcorn to snack on while watching a movie for an alternative that’s high in calcium and iron! Just be careful it doesn’t burn!

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 to eat food that nourishes our bodies and makes us feel good on the inside and outside! It’s Ozery Bakery‘s belief that great ingredients are the foundation of great flavor, which is why they spend so much time getting to know their suppliers, as well as taste-testing every single ingredient. Ozery Bakery has a variety of products including family favorites such as Cranberry Orange Morning Rounds, a twist on bread for breakfast, or sandwich buns that make lunchtime easy and delicious!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I like a cranberry bun for breakfast! Soooooo yummy!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

 The simple ingredients and dedication to making customer feel good is why I love Ozery Bakery products. We use their breads for breakfast and lunch; my kids really like that they don’t have any crusts! I love starting my morning with a Cranberry Orange Morning Round; it’s such a fresh, fun flavor!

Flavorful Features:

Bread is given a makeover with these tasty products:

• Cranberry Orange Morning Rounds
• Muesli Morning Rounds
• Apple Cinnamon Morning Rounds
• Cinnamon & Raisin Morning Rounds
• Date & Chia Morning Rounds
• Multi-grain Sandwich Bun
• Whole Wheat 11 Calorie Sandwich Bun
• Organic Wheat Sandwich Bun
• Organic Spelt Sandwich Bun
• Multi-grain slider
• Multi-seed Square Bun
• Ancient grains Square Bun
• Apple Cinnamon Snacking Round
• Cranberry Orange Snacking Round
• Muesli Snacking Round

The Icing on the Cake:

Ozery Bakery is dedicated to finding the highest quality ingredients for their products. Their attention to detail results in super delicious products, and their facility is BRC Certified, which is an globally recognized international food safety and quality standard.

Time to Eat?!

Start your day off with a Morning Round from Ozery Bakery, or make your favorite sandwich for midday meals with their sandwich buns! Their Snacking Rounds are perfectly portioned for a great afternoon snack!

Good to Go?

In a rush with no time to make breakfast? Make a quick nut butter sandwich with your favorite Ozery Bakery bread! No need to waste time cutting off crusts for your kids with Ozery Bakery…they come without crusts!

Mix it Up!

Add a hint of sweetness to your Thanksgiving stuffing by using Cranberry Orange Morning Rounds!

http://ozerybakery.com/us-en/

https://www.facebook.com/ozerybakery.pitabreak

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.

Baking your favorite treats just got easier! The Creative Kitchen loves using Scratch & Grain baking kits because of the convenience, variety of mixes, and natural ingredients. High quality ingredients that are perfectly measured out make it easy to create baked goods that taste homemade! These heavily-tested combinations are made will all-natural and organic ingredients; after all, better ingredients make better food, right? Scratch & Grain baking kits are family-friendly and made from scratch. You’ll only need a few common kitchen ingredients, and you’re on your way to delicious cookies, cupcakes, and more. You won’t even notice that the Chocolate Truffle Cookies are gluten-free!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

I help mommy make yummy chocolate cookies!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

When I don’t have the time to make cookies from scratch, these Scratch & Grain baking mixes are a lifesaver! They taste complete homemade, and I love the natural ingredients; they’re exactly the ingredients I would use. I was so glad to see so many gluten-free options; they really taste just like the versions with gluten! The gluten-free Chocolate Truffle Cookies are a favorite in our house!

Flavorful Features:

Scratch & Grain provides numerous baking kits:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Sugar Cookie
• Holiday Sugar Cookie
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Truffle Cookie
• Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookie
• Confetti Cupcake & Cake
• Coffee Cake & Muffin
• Organic Pumpkin Bar
• Gluten-Free Honey Cornbread
• Gluten-Free Cheesecake Brownie

The Icing on the Cake:

Every recipe has been heavily tested to provide you with a flawless combination of ingredients! Each ingredient is perfectly measured out and individually packaged, and each baking kit comes with easy-to-understand instructions. Every recipe uses gourmet ingredients, and only requires you to add a few common kitchen staples to complete the recipe! They’re also customizable to your own tastes; you can substitute your favorite nut for the recommended nut, or omit them completely if someone in the family doesn’t like nuts!

Time to Eat?!

With recipes for snacks, desserts, sides, and breakfast, Scratch & Grain has something for everyone every time of day! Have a Chocolate Truffle Cookie as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a Coffee Cake Muffin in the morning!

Good to Go?

Want to bring some muffins or cookies down to the beach house with you this summer? Bring a box (or two!) of your favorite Scratch & Grain baking kits for super convenient and easy baking!

Mix it Up!

Customize your favorite baking mix by adding chocolate or cinnamon chips, or another favorite ingredient!

https://www.scratchandgrain.com

https://www.facebook.com/ScratchAndGrain

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.