Brussel Pops

I read somewhere that kids will typically try any food - if it's served on a stick.

Koala (age 3) loves fruits and vegetables, but is hesitant to try new ones. He had not tried brussel sprouts before - so I thought I better get creative. I had some lollipop (or cake pop) plastic sticks on hand. I served the brussel sprouts with a stick in the top.

He still seemed skeptical, but when we showed him it looked like a lollipop he was sold! He had 4 or 5 - he kept asking for more.

I just wanted to share this idea - it works for me!

For more tips, head over to We Are That Family.

Simple Green Beans

I mentioned earlier that I've recently discovered my broiler. My favorite broiled snack so far?

Green Beans.

I'm not normally a huge green bean fan, but that has now changed.

At our local grocery store, I can buy a pre-washed, ready to go bag of "haricot verts" and it will make several servings of this yummy snack.

Ingredients:
Beans
Olive Oil
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Any other spices you like!

Drizzle olive oil on the green beans, sprinkle on spices and coat thoroughly. Broil for 10-12 minutes depending on how crunchy you like these treats!

Simple Rice

Using simple, on hand ingredients you can make many variations of fried rice. My one year old loves rice, and would live by rice and noodles alone, if we let her. Today for lunch, I fried up rice using up leftovers.

Ingredients:
Leftover Steamed Rice
Handful of Cashews
Leftover Brussel Sprouts
Soy Sauce
Eggs
Olive Oil
Chinese 5 spice powder
Ground Ginger

Combine ingredients, until eggs are scrambled.

Simple Sandwich

I've recently discovered my broiler. In the last couple of months, I've broiled like I never broiled before, because (ahem) I never broiled before.

Simple Sandwich, Worth Repeating

2 slices sourdough bread
mayo
deli sliced ham (I prefer thin sliced)
provolone cheese
jam (optional)

Spread mayo on the sourdough bread. Layer ham and provolone cheese. Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until cheese starts to brown and bubble. If you like Monte-Cristoish sandwiches, serve with a side of jam.