Enjoy a birthday snack all year round with Birthday Cake Grahamz from Zee Zees. This sweet treat is not only perfect for snack time, but it can be eaten at breakfast or lunch when paired with the right items. The whole grain crunchy crisps are sure to make everyone feel as if today is their birthday!

by Cricket Azima, 2023

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Zee Zees are my favorite! They make me feel like I’m at a birthday party.

From the Eyes of a Parent:

The Birthday Cake Grahamz are a lifesaver! The kids love dipping them, and we love serving them. Filled with whole grains and with 2g of protein, this snack is a fan favorite in my house.

Flavorful Features:

Zee Zees Grahamz come in these other fun flavors:

• Original
• French Toast
• Strawberry

The Icing on the Cake:

Worried about allergens? The Birthday Cake Grahamz are made in a nut-free facility, so they are perfectly safe for those with a nut allergy. A great worry-free snack.

Mix it Up!

Transform your Birthday Cake Grahamz into a yummy yogurt parfait. Layer the grahamz with your favorite yogurt and top it off with delicious fruit.

www.zeezees.com

www.facebook.com/zeezeesfoods

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.

Finding a snack that’s equally yummy and healthful can be hard, but Nature Valley makes it easy for parents everywhere with their granola bites! Their Almond Butter Chocolate Granola Bites are a perfect bite-sized combo of creamy almond butter on the inside and a chewy bite of whole grain oats on the outside, with a touch of sweetness from the chocolate. They may be tiny, but their taste sure is mighty! What’s even better is that Nature Valley believes in using real ingredients in all of their products, and no artificial colors or sweeteners.

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Wow! They’re so soft and chewy and chocolatey!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

I love Nature Valley’s new line of granola bites because they’re easy to take on the go, and they’re the perfect bite-sized snack for my kids! Not only are their Almond Butter Chocolate Granola Bites delicious, but they’re a better option to give my kids in the morning, for dessert, or as a snack at any time of the day – they’re so versatile! Ever since I first purchased them, they’ve been a go-to for after-school snacks, and my kids can’t get enough of them! I love the simple ingredients, and that there aren’t any artificial colors or sweeteners. The vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber are added bonuses!

Flavorful Features:

Nature Valley currently has two additional flavors of granola bites:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate

• Almond Butter Toasted Coconut Chocolate

The Icing on the Cake:

The main benefit to Nature Valley’s granola bites is that they’re made with whole grains, which are packed with nutrients such as protein, fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants! The minimal ingredient list is also a bonus!

Time to Eat?!

These Almond Butter Chocolate Granola Bites are great whenever you need a sweet treat but a boost of nutrition in addition! Try them as an after school snack or a healthful dessert!

Good to Go?

Nature Valley has made their packaging perfect for on the go snacking by using resealable bags!

Mix it Up!

Try chopping up some Nature Valley granola bites and stirring them into your favorite yogurt!

www.naturevalley.com

https://www.facebook.com/naturevalley

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 snack that’s great tasting and really packs a punch for its size? Look no further because MadeGood has just what you need! Their Strawberry Granola Minis look small, but they’re packed with antioxidants and gluten free oats, which lower bad cholesterol. They’re also slow to digest, which will keep your kids fuller for longer! They also contain one whole serving of vegetables! That’s right, vegetables! If your kids aren’t the biggest fans of vegetables, have no fear, because all they’ll notice is the sweet, juicy strawberry flavor! MadeGood only uses the highest quality ingredients, like whole grain oats and dried fruit. If you want to feed your kids a better snack, choose MadeGood Strawberry Granola Minis because they’re organic, vegan, gluten free, and so much more!

The Creative Kitchen is happy to have MadeGood as a sponsor for our Back to School Celebration at Lakeside at Prospect Park on August 18. Click here to learn more about the event. Join us and taste the deliciousness for yourself!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

These are sweet and chewy, I love them!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

There are so many companies out there making quick and portable snacks for kids that are extremely unhealthy. I’m a parent who’s always in a rush, so it can be hard to resist buying things like chips and cookies, because they’re something I can just easily throw into my kid’s lunchboxes. However, when my friends told me about MadeGood’s Strawberry Granola Minis, my mind was blown! There’s actually a snack out there that’s truly made from natural ingredients, is easy to carry on-the-go, and tastes really good! Not only that, but they’re nut free, organic, vegan, non-GMO, and they have one whole serving of vegetables! The individual packages make it incredibly easy to send my kids to school with a perfectly portioned, delicious snack (plus they’re safe to send to school because they’re free of the most common allergens!). I even keep one in my purse for an emergency snack on the go!

Flavorful Features:

MadeGood Granola Minis come in other delicious flavors:

• Apple Cinnamon Granola Minis
• Chocolate Banana Granola Minis
• Chocolate Chip Granola Minis
• Mixed Berry Granola Minis

The Icing on the Cake:

These granola clusters are full of so many nutritional benefits such as:

Time to Eat?!

Enjoy MadeGood Strawberry Granola Minis at any time of the day, especially when your kids need a little boost of energy! Serve them at breakfast, in lunchboxes as a sweet treat, as a yummy after school snack, or dessert after dinner.

Good to Go?

MadeGood Granola Minis come in individual, portable packets that are easy to take with you on the go! They’re the perfect size to add to a lunchbox or backpack.

Mix it Up!

Try flattening MadeGood Strawberry Granola Minis and sticking them in an oven for a toasted cookie! Or, if you want some added protein, dip some Granola Minis in your favorite nut (or seed) butter!

www.madegoodfoods.com

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.

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.

Inspired by the natural, nutrient-rich Mediterranean Diet, Mediterra serves up gourmet, convenient nutrition bursting with flavor. Their savory bar with Kale and Pumpkin Seeds provides whole grain-goodness and vegetables with a hint of sweetness that everyone in the family can enjoy on the go. An excellent source of fiber and vitamins instead of sugars and saturated fats, Mediterra nutrition bars will change your idea of the snack bar.

From the Mouth of a Kid:  

I like how crunchy they are and they taste so yummy. I love having these for a snack!

From the Eyes of a Parent:

These bars help me get my kids to eat more fiber and vitamins. The variety of flavors makes it easy to please all of my kids. It’s perfect to throw in their lunchboxes or to have as an afternoon snack. I love that these bars aren’t packed with sugar like many other snack bars are.

Flavorful Features:

Mediterra offers a variety of other flavors of their nutrition bars:

• Savory Bar with Bell Peppers & Green Olives
• Savory Bar with Sundried Tomato & Basil
• Savory Bar with Black Olives & Walnuts
• Sesame Energy Bar with Orange & Honey
• Sesame Energy Bar with Pistachio & Honey
• Yogurt and Oat Bar with Cherry & Pistachio
• Yogurt and Oat Bar with Apricot & Pistachio

The Icing on the Cake:

This bar boasts a gourmet blend of amaranth, pea crisps, rosemary, and a touch of olive oil.

Time to Eat?!

With 5g of fiber, 6g of protein, and only 1g of sugar, these bars make a perfect addition to lunch, and can double as an afternoon snack that provides a boost of energy.

Good to Go?

These bars are easy to throw into a lunchbox or purse for a nutritious on-the-go snack!

Mix it Up!

Try chopping these bars up and use them as an alternative to croutons. 

mediterranutrition.com

https://www.facebook.com/mediterranutrition

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 Pereg’s Natural Gourmet Food Couscous line for a quick and flavor-packed meal. Pereg is conscious of the special dietary needs that many families face and its flavorful products are made with all-natural, pure ingredients and spices with no additives or preservatives. Pereg strives to provide the best spices and grains the world has to offer. All of their couscous is whole grain and is OU and CRC Kosher approved.

From the Mouth of a Kid: 

This is my favorite to have for dinner! 

From the Eyes of a Parent: 

Great for kids of all ages to eat with its soft and chewable consistency. Its ingredients and spices are pure and all-natural, making mommies feel great about serving it to the family! Pereg’s products are also low in sodium, soy-free, low fat, cholesterol-free, tree nut free, vegan and kosher-friendly, making it suitable for many of those with dietary restrictions!

Flavorful Features:

A tasty blend of couscous, herbs, vegetables, nuts, and seeds come in:

• Traditional Couscous with Cranberry

• Traditional Couscous Tomato and Herbs

• Israeli Couscous with Mushroom

• Israeli Couscous with Pumpkin

• Israeli Couscous with Vegetables

The Icing on the Cake:

Pereg Natural Gourmet Couscous is made in the USA, certified Non-GMO, certified Kosher and vegan!

Time to Eat?!

Enjoy this couscous as vibrant salad for lunch or as a savory side for dinner.

Good to Go? 

Pereg’s containers are easy to store and cooks in less than 20 minutes!

Mix it Up! 

Add your own flair and use cheese, seeds, or fresh herbs to season the couscous to your liking!

https://www.pereg-gourmet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/peregnatural/

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.

When your child is in the mood for something crunchy, grab a rice cake! At The Creative Kitchen, Lundberg Organic Lightly Salted Brown Rice Cakes are a hit because they are 100% whole grain and gluten-free. Snack time is interactive with Lundberg Rice Cakes! Kids will have fun decorating (and eating!) these rice cakes with their favorite fruits and veggies. If you’re in the New York City Area, bring your family to the Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival Jets + Chefs: The Ultimate Tailgate and visit The Creative Kitchen’s hands-on kids cooking space, where your kids can decorate their own Lundberg rice cake with savory or sweet treats!

From the Mouth of a Kid:

Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana are so yummy!
 

From the Eyes of a Parent:

Lundberg Organic Lightly Salted Brown Rice Cakes are perfect at any time of day.  They’re healthy and convenient so I love giving them to my kids for a snack.  They have a blast decorating the rice cakes with fruits and veggies, and I feel at ease because they are eating a fun and nutritious snack!

Flavorful Features:

Lundberg features lots of great flavored rice cakes including:

• Salt-Free
• Buttery Caramel
• Honey Nut
• Apple Cinnamon
• Wild Rice
• Sweet Chili Rice
• Sesame Tamari
• Tamari with Seaweed
• Sweet Mochi
• Koku Seawood
• Kettle Corn
• Hemp-a-licious
• Flax with Tamari
• Cinnamon Toast
• Caramel Corn

The Icing on the Cake:

Lundberg Organic Lightly Salted Brown Rice Cakes are 100% whole grain, USDA Organic, Vegan, Kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free!

Time to Eat?!

Lundberg Organic Lightly Salted Brown Rice Cakes are great any time of day! 
 

Good to Go?

Yes, pack them in a Ziploc bag for on the go eating!
 

Mix it Up!

Here are some of our favorite rice cake combinations!

• Rice cake with peanut butter and sliced banana
• Rice cake with almond butter and strawberries
• Rice cake with peanut butter and jelly
• Rice cake pizza! Add some sauce, cheese, and fresh herbs and toss it in the oven for 3-5 minutes for a yummy snack
• Rice cake paired with salad or chopped fruit for a quick dinner for your child!

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.