Isla's Caterpillar

It is Eric Carle week in our house. Today we are focusing on The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider! This morning we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and made a hand print caterpillar.

Today's Food Art: Snack - Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chickpeas (and lots of other goodies)

This treat is so yum! It's got a lot of ingredients, but they are all fairly common. Again, easy to make and full of nutrients!

Isla ”helped” me make these for Emilee and Ella's visit this weekend. We are so excited to go to the pumpkin patch, decorate for fall and carve our pumpkins!

Today's Food Art: Breakfast - French Toast with Pumpkin

A simple and delicious meal... It only takes a few ingredients!

4 eggs
2 tablespoons banana, pineapple, sweet potato, carrot, butternut squash, or pumpkin puree
1/4 tsp cinnamon
4 slices of bread
Nonstick cooking spray
2 tsp margarine spread
Pure maple syrup
Flaxseed meal (optional)

Mix first three ingredients. Dip bread in the mixture for about 30 seconds per slice. Heat skillet on medium high. Coat with cooking spray and add margarine when hot. Add bread and sprinkle with fox seed meal and cook til golden brown on both sides. Serve with syrup or powder sugar or fruit.

I skipped the margarine step and flax seed, today... But I know I will use out in the future.

Today's Food Art: Lunch - Homemade Chicken Nuggets

This chicken nugget meal was unbelievable! You have to get a bit messy, but man is it worth it! Super moist and full of flavor. I made some honey mustard to go with it.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, or beet puree
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used chicken tender strips), cut into small chunks
• 1/2 tsp salt
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flaxseed meal, parmesan, paprika, garlic and onion powder. Spread on paper or foil.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the veggie puree and egg with a fork and set the bowl next to the breadcrumbs.

3. Sprinkle the chicken with salt. Dip the chunks in the egg mixture and then toss in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.

4. Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over med high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Place the chicken nuggets in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until crisp and golden on one side, 3-4 min. Then turn and cook until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown and crisp all over, 4 - 5 min longer. Serve warm.

Curls and Bows

Today she sported her new outfit... Including her new bow from Sadie's Bowtique!

Today's Food Art: Breakfast - Spinach and Yellow Squash Egg Puffs

Here's what Isla, Sue and I had for breakfast this morning. I added the bacon and onions to the recipe.

Today's Food Art: Breakfast - Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

This is a super easy recipe. Delicious and healthy!

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats (or quick oats)
• Dried fruit and nuts (optional)
• Pure maple syrup, for serving (optional)

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and spice. Bring to a gentle boil and stir in the oatmeal. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the oatmeal is soft and creamy.

2. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls, sprinkle with dried fruit and nuts, and serve warm with maple syrup!

Serves 2-3 (Depending on appetites) :-)