Color Garden Patriotic Pattern Parfaits

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups vanilla yogurt, divided 
• 1 tsp Red Color Garden Food Color
• 1 tsp Blue Color Garden Food Color
• 6 Graham crackers, crushed or 1 cup granola 
• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced 
• 2 cups raspberries
• 2 cups blueberries

Directions

1. In three separate bowls, divide yogurt. Add Red Color Garden Food Color into one bowl and stir until combined.  Add Blue Color Garden Food Color into second bowl and stir until combined.  Leave third bowl without color. 
2. In clear cup, add 1/3 cup red yogurt. Top with 1/3 cup strawberries, then 1/3 of 1 crushed graham cracker. Add 1/3 cup uncolored white yogurt, followed by 1/3 cup raspberries, followed by 1/3 crushed graham cracker, followed by 1/3 cup blue yogurt, followed by 1/3 cup blueberries, followed by 1/3 crushed graham cracker. 
3. In 5 additional clear cups, repeat step 5 to create 6 parfaits.

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.

Le Gruyere AOP Potato Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 24 ounces red baby potatoes, boiled and quartered 
• 5 hardboiled eggs, peeled and diced 
• 6 ounces Le Gruyere AOP, diced into 1/2 inch dice
• 4 slices deli ham (approximately 3-4 ounces) diced 
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives 
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream 
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add potatoes, eggs, Gruyere AOP, ham, chives, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Gently stir to combine.
2. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. 
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to 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.

Product Round-Up

Is anyone else as ready for warmer weather as we are? We love everything that comes with the summer season, especially yummy frozen treats! Today we’re bringing you a list of some of our favorite ice creams, popsicles, and other frozen snacks, along with some recipes that you and your little chefs can make at home! This list is definitely not just for kids – these sweet treats will satisfy anyone’s craving for something frozen and sweet on a hot day!

Ice Cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Here’s some of our favorite brands.

1. Tea-rrific Chamomile Ice Cream: Is your family adventurous when it comes to trying new foods and flavors? Check out this brand that makes tea-flavored ice cream! Their premium ice cream is made with fresh hormone-free cream, cage-free eggs, and organic cane sugar.
2. Jeni’s Ice Cream: Their wide variety of fun, yummy flavors is just half of why we love Jeni’s! They don’t use any artificial ingredients, flavorings, or dyes.
3. NadaMoo Ice Cream: Whether you’re on a dairy-free diet or just enjoy the taste, NadaMoo is the choice for you! Their creamy, coconut milk ice cream is organic, sustainable, and DELISH!

Popsicles

There’s nothing like a cold popsicle on a hot day. Check out the list below for some of our favorites!

1. Chloe’s popsicles: These fruit pops are made with just three ingredients! Yep, that’s right, THREE! And they come in a bunch of different, yummy flavors, so everyone in the family can find a favorite!
2. GoodPop popsicles: Another brand that uses real, organic, and whole ingredients to bring you a frozen treat that won’t have you raising an eyebrow at the ingredient list. They’ve got a bunch of fun flavors as well, some dairy-based, and others that aren’t!
3. DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies: These organic freezer pops will make you forget all about those other sugary frozen popsicles with hidden artificial ingredients.
4. So Delicious Coconut Milk Organic Fudge Bars: Got chocolate on your mind? This one’s for you! The rich flavor and hint of creamy coconut will get your taste buds jumping for joy!
5. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars: Their delicious creamy texture and taste will have you thinking this is ice cream you’re eating! Well, it’s not – it’s Greek yogurt! They’re got 5 grams of protein and made without any artificial sweeteners.

Other Frozen Treats

Here are some other frozen treats that we just had to include!

1. Pitaya Plus Frozen Dragon Fruit Cubes: Looking for some variety for your family’s smoothies? We love dragon fruit for this reason! PLUS, it’s rich in magnesium and antioxidants, high in fiber, and a good source of iron.
2. Chobani Champions (they’ve since been re-branded to Chobani Gimmies!): These fun yogurt tubes are perfect for little chefs’ hands! They’re chock-full of protein, Vitamin D, and calcium, and the ingredient list is short – which we love! And lastly, they’re great when frozen in the freezer overnight – it’s like a frozen ice cream tube!

Recipes

Looking for some new pasta recipes to add some variety to your family’s meals? These are some of our favorites!

1. Chef Cricket’s recipe for Coco-Mango Frozen Ice Pops will have you and your family thinking you’re on a tropical vacation! There’s only FOUR ingredients, and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to make this treat that’s perfect for summer.
2. Check out this blog post with a bunch of yummy popsicle recipes you can easily make at home with your kids. They only require a couple ingredients!
3. Cooking Light also has some easy popsicle recipes with some interesting flavors! Even one for mom and dad with champagne!

Ice Cream-Related Tips & Tricks

Click below for suggestions on our favorite ice cream scoop, fun ice cream-inspired baking kits, and tips for throwing your own ice cream social!

1. Midnight Scoop: Say hello to effortless ice cream scooping! Unlike other ice cream scoops, the Midnight Scoop has a curved handle, which is where all the magic happens. This allows you to keep your wrist straight and avoid straining it while trying to dig into your favorite flavor!
2. Handstand Kitchen Ice Cream Parlor Baking Collection: Take a look at Handstand Kitchen’s fun ice cream-shaped cookie cutters and molds!
3. Throw the Perfect Ice Cream Social: Check out this blog post for Chef Cricket’s tips to make your next ice cream party one for the books!

Do you have any favorite ice cream or popsicle brands, or any yummy recipes that you love? Let us know over on Instagram!

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.

Is anyone else looking forward to warmer weather like we are? Get into the summer spirit with a refreshing, frozen treat from DeeBee’s Organics: Strawberry SuperFruit Freezies! These organic freezer pops will make you forget all about those other sugary frozen popsicles with hidden artificial ingredients. They’re low in sugar and are made without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. DeeBee’s Organics uses organic fruit juices to make SuperFruit Freezies, and did we mention they’re also shelf stable? Keep some in your pantry to leave some space in your freezer, and freeze them as needed. Each bag comes with three yummy flavors your whole family is sure to love…but strawberry is our favorite!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This dessert is like a lollipop mixed with ice cream!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

My family definitely loves their share of sugary treats. I try to limit it as much as I can, but it can be hard when my kids constantly ask for the same sugar-filled snacks. I love DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies because they’re low in sugar compared to other frozen popsicles, and they’re made from entirely organic ingredients! My kids love the taste and they each have their favorite flavor. I like that I can keep some on the shelf and freeze them as needed. Overall, a great snack for our family that even I love too!

Flavorful Features:

Each bag of DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies comes with three flavors:

• Strawberry
• Grape
• Tropical

The Icing on the Cake:

Organic, non-GMO ingredients; low in sugar; shelf stable – what more could you ask for? DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies are an all-around great choice to replace artificial popsicles and other frozen treats filled with refined sugar.

Time to Eat?!

Freezies are perfect for when your kids ask for a sugary dessert; satisfy their cravings but without any artificial ingredients!

Mix it Up!

Try mixing Freezies with yogurt in your blender for a fruity treat with a creamy twist!

www.deebeesorganics.com

www.facebook.com/DeeBeesOrganics

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.

Now that we’re in the full swing of summertime, we are stocking up on materials to make s’mores, a classic summer favorite! And now, with the help of Dandies Marshmallows, your kids can enjoy a better-for-you treat that still tastes like a classic, fluffy marshmallow. Not only are these marshmallows made with natural ingredients, but they’re free of high fructose corn syrup and gelatin, making them a delicious, vegan option for everyone. By choosing to use Dandies in your summer s’mores and other favorite recipes, you’re choosing a product that you can feel good about feeding to your kids!

The Creative Kitchen is happy to have Dandies as a sponsor for our Whole Foods Market Summer Cooking Camps! Come try Dandies Marshmallows for yourself at next week’s classes! Learn more at www.thecreativekitchen.com/calendar.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

These marshmallows are fun to squish and eat!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Dandies really makes the perfect marshmallow for my kids because I like giving them all-natural foods with more health-conscious ingredients. My kids can still have fun and enjoy s’mores, and I can rest assured they are still eating in a wholesome fashion!

Flavorful Features:

Dandies Marshmallows come delicious flavors such as Vanilla, Mini Vanilla, Pumpkin, and Peppermint.

The Icing on the Cake:

Dandies Marshmallows are made with all-natural ingredients. They are free of gelatin (which makes them 100% vegan), the most common allergens (peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, wheat, fish, shellfish, and corn), gluten, and corn syrup! Dandies are also made in a vegan facility.

Time to Eat?!

These marshmallows are great as a little sweet treat whenever the kid’s sweet tooths are acting up! One or two is just enough!

Mix it Up!

For more ways to eat Dandies marshmallows, visit the Dandies website and click on their recipes page. Check out their recipe for Deluxe S’more Crispy Treats – a yummy summer treat to make with the kids!

www.dandiesmarshmallows.com

https://www.facebook.com/MyDandies?fref=ts

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 get your kid’s attention fast? Tell them they’re eating dragon…dragon FRUIT, that is! The Creative Kitchen loves using frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs from Pitaya Plus to add some colorful nutrients and delectable flavor into our smoothies! Did you know that dragon fruit is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, high in fiber, and a good source of iron? With Pitaya Plus, you’re guaranteed just one ingredient: 100% pure dragon fruit! Pitaya Plus is committed to using renewable energy in production, and every pack sold helps promote sustainable organic farming, create jobs in poverty-stricken areas and produce the healthiest dragon fruit possible with minimal processing.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

This makes my smoothie pink!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Smoothies are a quick and easy way for me to get my kids important nutrients that are sometimes missed by other meals. I love the convenience of using Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs! I most often use them to make smoothies for the kids’ breakfasts, or as an after-school snack that keeps them full until dinner. Using natural, organic fruit is important to me, and Pitaya Plus gives me just that!

Flavorful Features:

Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit is sweet and tastes like an earthy watermelon, with a kiwi-like consistency. It is conveniently frozen in cubes and smoothie packs.

The Icing on the Cake:

Pitaya Plus frozen dragon fruit cubes and smoothie packs are made with 100% fruit (no added sugar!) and are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO verified, and USDA certified organic.

Time to Eat?!

Whip up a dragon fruit smoothie with Pitaya Plus to get energized before a workout, or let the kids cool down after school with a cold, sweet treat. Great for breakfast, snacks, and dessert!

Good to Go?

Smoothies are a great breakfast or snack to take with you on the go when you’re short on time during busy weekday mornings!

Mix it Up!

Instead of a smoothie, try freezing your favorite smoothie recipe in popsicle molds! Or just blend a Pitaya Plus smoothie pack and freeze in popsicle molds for a delicious dragon fruit treat!

https://www.pitayaplus.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pitayaplus/

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.

Summer is quickly approaching, and with it comes the onset of backyard barbecue season! Sharing delicious meals with friends and family on warm summer nights, what more do you need? Our friends at Cooking Light have put together Kicky Black Bean Burgers that make a fantastic vegetarian meal, and can be easily customized to please dozens of different palates. Instead of using Pepper Jack, why not use provolone or mozzarella and top the patties with basil leaves instead of lettuce? Or, take the Mexican theme further with sliced ripe avocado and a dash of hot sauce.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Place beans in a large bowl; mash with a fork. Place 1 toasted bun, torn, in a food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form. Stir breadcrumbs, cumin, and next 5 ingredients (through egg white) into beans.

2. Divide and shape bean mixture into 4 (1-inch-thick) patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add patties to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned.

3. Divide cheese evenly among patties; cook 1 minute or until cheese melts. Top bottom halves of remaining 4 buns evenly with patties, pico de gallo, lettuce, and top halves of buns.

Tips & Trick:

• If you don’t have a food processor, you can sub about 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs for the torn bun.
• Kids can help mix the ingredients and form the patties!

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.

Customize a colorful summer staple that will cool off the whole family! This fresh and fruity lemonade allows you to make a drink that is 100 percent to your liking. Your lemonade doesn’t have to be syrupy (i.e. loaded with sugar) in order to impart a delicious taste — by adding berries, ginger, and mint, this cooling recipe offers a ton of flavor, as well as nutrients. Using a light hand with a natural sweetener, such as agave or honey, and this drink is a guilt-free, delightful way to hydrate. Keep a pitcher in the fridge so that each family member can help him- or herself to an ice-cold glass when thirst comes calling.

Family-Friendly Flavor

• For the kids, cut the lemonade with water to taste.
• Replace the blueberries and strawberries with other favorite summer fruits, such as mangoes, peaches, blackberries, and raspberries.
• For a sparkling lemonade, use seltzer instead of water.
• Of course, this recipe can also pack an adult-themed punch if you choose to add vodka, rum, tequila, or champagne (perfect for summer parties)!

Ingredients:

½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
5 large sliced strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
1 tbsp. fine chopped ginger
1 tbsp. fine chopped mint
1 cup 100% lemon juice, not from concentrate
1 cup water, or to taste
3 tbsp. agave, honey, or packed brown sugar, or to taste

Yields 4 servings

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped mint, ginger, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and lemon juice.

2. With a whisk or a potato masher, gently mash the fruit with the lemon juice until the liquid becomes a nice pink color.

3. Add the water and the sweetener, and stir to combine.

4. Adjust the water or the sweetener to taste, if desired.

5. Add ice and serve!

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.

Summer is the time for barbecues, picnics, and delicious, simple recipes filled with fresh seasonal produce. Whether you’re packing a picnic for the beach or just grilling by the pool, our friends at Cooking Light have the perfect recipes for all your summertime fun!

Penne with Herbs, Tomatoes, and Peas

Make the most of the summer’s freshest herbs and cherry tomatoes with this delicious vegetarian pasta dish! It can be served hot or cold, so it’s great to pack for a picnic.

Click here for the recipe!

Grilled Pizza with Prosciutto, Arugula, and Lemon

Pizza takes on a whole new flavor profile when charred on the grill. Topped with a light, summery salad and yummy prosciutto, this pizza makes for a great lunch or light dinner. Don’t have time to make your own pizza dough? Use store bought dough and start at step 3!

Click here for the recipe!

Pulled Chicken Sandwich

Pulled pork sandwiches are a summer staple, but who has the time to slow-smoke meats at home? Plus, pulled pork is usually loaded with calories, salt, and saturated fat. This pulled chicken sandwich is light and super simple to make, but doesn’t skimp on the bold barbecue flavor. Altogether, this recipe takes 40 minutes and contains 325 calories per serving – making it the perfect dish to serve at your next barbecue!

Click here for the recipe!

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.

Long summer days are drawing to a close, and school is just around the corner again. So, before life gets crazy with school and after school sports and activities  galore spend some quality time together around the dinner table. These recipes from our friends at Cooking Light are sure to be a hit with the whole family and are simple enough that even the kids can assist with the cooking!

Mini Turkey Meatballs with Wagon Wheel Pasta

Put a twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs with this to-die-for dish. Turkey meatballs and fun wagon wheel pasta sprinkled with fresh Parmesan cheese is the perfect combination for any pasta lover. Click here for the recipe!

Veggie Tostadas with Black Beans and Easy Guacamole

Easy to make, easy to love. Here’s another recipe that everyone in the family can customize to their own tastes. Click here for the recipe!

Twisted Fish

Cooking in parchment paper leaves you with food that is flavorful and tender. All you have to do is fill the pouch with your favorite fish−halibut, salmon, cod, or snapper−seasonal veggies, and seasonings, and twist the ends of the parchment. Presto! Dinner is served. Click here for the recipe!

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.