Feel good about summer snacking with these two creamy dips from our friends at ArchetypeMe and Cricket Azima, that contain tons of fresh flavors as well as protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients! Each dip can be made in a matter of minutes, with little to no prep prior to pulverizing! Simply throw all of the ingredients into a food processor and you’re good to go. Both dips have a subtle sweetness, imparted by butternut squash and applesauce respectively, so even the pickiest family members will enjoy dunking vegetables. For an extra-healthy twist, skip the chips and serve dips with sliced apples, carrots, and yellow bell peppers.

White Bean Dip

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

1 can cannelloni beans, rinsed

1 can butternut squash puree

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor combine beans, squash, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until thoroughly combined.

2. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Chill and serve with vegetables, crackers, and other dipping favorites.

Sweet Pea Mint Dip

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

4 cups frozen peas, defrosted

2 cups plain yogurt (use Greek yogurt for a thicker, more protein-rich dip)

1 cup applesauce

16 mint leaves

Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor combine peas, yogurt, applesauce, and mint leaves. Pulse until barely blended (consistency should still be relatively chunky).

2. Add salt, to taste. Chill and serve with vegetables, crackers, and other dipping favorites.

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.

Little bodies need lots of nutrients to grow big and strong! A great way to pack lots of nutrients into one meal is by eating a well-rounded meal. Our friends at Cooking Light have partnered with USDA’s MyPlate to create several tasty  recipes, that are nutritious quick AND easy! Sure to be a hit with the family these recipes include a variety of grains, vegetables, and protein!

Recipes

Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

A three-minute dip into a pungent cilantro-lime marinade is all that’s needed to deliver big flavor to chicken breasts. Serve with saffron rice. Click here for the recipe.

Tofu with Red Curry Paste, Peas, and Yellow Tomatoes

The red curry paste in this ethnic dish is a blend of clarified butter, curry powder, vinegar, and other seasonings. Use either Indian or Asian curry paste; it comes in mild and hot versions and can be modified to suit your preference. Click here for the recipe.

Mango Shrimp Kebabs

These fresh-flavored mango shrimp skewers are ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes and are a great option for entertaining when the weather is warm. Click here for the recipe.