Mom Central Food

Valentine's Day Rice Krispie Treats

I thought I would get all fancy and make some fancy-schmancy Valentine's Day treats and then I got smart and giddy and instead settled on an old favorite of our entire family: Rice Krispies Treats - Valentine's Day style. Our family scarfs down Rice Krispies treats in no time flat and this was no exception. I purposely made them at night, after the kids were in bed so I wouldn't have to fend them off in the kitchen. Of course, I still had to fend off the husband!

Valentine's Day Rice Krispie Treats 

(This is the standard recipe from the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal box, plus my additions for dipping them in chocolate.)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons margarine or butter (I used 4 for extra buttery yumminess.)
• 1 package (10 oz) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows 
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate morsels 
• Sprinkles, candies, peanut butter etc (optional for decorating purposes)  

Directions

1. Melt margarine or butter in large saucepan over low heat.  add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. (I did this entire step in the microwave.)
2. Mix in Rice Krispies cereal.  Stir until well coated. 
3. Spread the mixture using a buttered spatula or waxed paper evenly into a 13x9x2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. (I have found that spraying with hands with cooking spray and then pressing the mixture into the pan also works well.) 
4. Chill in the fridge for 25-30 minutes (any longer and the treats will be too hard to cut into hearts). Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (the metal ones that are soft on side and sharp on the other work best), cut out 10-11 heart shapes, or however many you can squeeze out of the pan.   
5. Microwave chocolate chips in small bowl until melted.  Make sure whatever you melt the chocolate in is completely dry. Also make sure NOT to over melt the chocolate.  There is a very fine balance between the two. Dip each heart shape treat into the chocolate- either the entire thing, just the top, or one side. Decorate with additional toppings if you so desire- candies, sprinkles, nuts, or warmed peanut butter. 
6. Place decorated treats on parchment paper-line cookie sheet and place in the fridge for further cooling/setting.  

When Lisa isn't busy caring for her three young children, she can be found at her personal blog Growing Up Mo' or journaling about her weight loss journey at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

Buttercream Frosting

The next big holiday is quickly approaching (that would be Valentine's Day for those of you paying attention although, I guess for some, it is not a holiday!) I don't know about you but I think Valentine's Day just begs for sweet goodies that are covered in frosting, frosting, and more frosting.

This is one of my favorite recipes for frosting- it is simple and delightfully delicious and did I mention how awesome it is?  I LOVE THIS FROSTING.

So whip up your favorite cake, cupcakes, cookies and then frost it with this buttercream frosting.  You won't be sorry- PROMISE!

Buttercream Frosting
(From The Cake Mix Doctor)

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) real butter, at room temperature
• 3 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted 
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk 
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 

Directions:

1. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.  Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until fluffy, 30 seconds.  Stop the machine and add the confectioner's sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla.  Blend with the mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, 1 minute.  In crease the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffly, 1 minute more.  Blend in up to 1 tablespoon milk of the frosting seems too stiff. 
2. Use to frost the top and sides of the cake of your choice. 

Makes 3 1/2 cups, enough to frost a 2- or 3- layer cake.

When Lisa isn't busy caring for her three young children, she can be found at her personal blog Growing Up Mo' or journaling about her weight loss journey at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

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Disclosure: All links to Amazon.com are affiliate links. A commission may be earned from a referred sale to their website.

Tips for healthy Super Bowl snacking and a weight wise chili recipe

If you’re an armchair quarterback, “sitting around drinking brews and sodas and chowing down on fatty wings, chips and dips won’t help you make the cut,” says dietitian Susan Burke March, author of Making Weight Control Second Nature: Living Thin Naturally.

Here are a few of her quick tips for healthy football-friendly fare including a healthy chili recipe that’s a sure winner:

1. Always choose baked chips instead of fried. But remember fat-free or reduced fat does not mean calorie free. Watch your portion size.
2. Serve bean dip instead of regular sour cream dip. Only 46 calories per three tablespoons compared to more than double for full-fat sour cream.
3. Nuts are nutritious, but they add up quickly. Serve a giant bowl of air-popped popcorn sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray and sprinkled with dehydrated butter granules instead. (Susan likes Butter Buds or Molly McButter.)
4. Replace fried mozzarella sticks with chicken skewers. You can buy them already already prepared (check your fave warehouse store) and they’ll save you 188 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 546 milligrams of sodium over the same sized portion of fried cheese.
5. Serve a healthy submarine sandwich. Whole-wheat hero rolls give you that extra added fiber and nutrition (not to mention taste!) compared to white bread. Layer on turkey breast, lean roast beef or lean ham, shredded lettuce and tomato slices; slice into 2 inch portions and serve with sliced onions and pickles.
6. Keep the calories low by using low fat mayonnaise, and naturally low-calorie ketchup and mustard. Fat-free dressings should be offered…the new varieties are so good, you won’t miss the fat.
7. Imbibe with caution, because those brews add up! One regular beer ranges between 150-200 calories; instead serve light beer…only about 100 calories per bottle. A 5-ounce glass of wine has about 100 calories, as does one ounce of alcoholic spirits such as vodka, gin or scotch. Serve a variety of diet sodas, flavored club sodas and keep a big cooler with individual bottles of spring water.
8. Don’t forget, substituting juice for regular soda is like substituting regular sour cream for mayonnaise – you’re not going to save calories. An 8-ounce glass of juice, unsweetened, has about 120 calories. Offer club soda with a splash of 100% juice and a piece of fresh lemon or lime for a lower calorie refreshing beverage.
9. Crudités: everyone like crunchy veggies, especially with a tasty dip. Buy pre-washed and cut-up veggies and you’re ready to go - zero prep time.
10. At half time, get up and do 100 jumping jacks!

Weight Watchers Corn, Red Pepper, and Zucchini Soup

Cooler weather begs for warm soups for dinner and who doesn't love a good,warm soup on a cold winter's evening? 

This recipe is filled with good for you veggies and it tastes fresh and it is good for you- it doesn't get much better than that. I made this for lunch one day and I'm not sure who gobbled it down quicker- me or my 16-month-old toddler.

It is low in points for those of you following the Weight Watchers program.

Corn, Red Pepper, and Zucchini Soup
(From Weight Watchers 20 Minute Recipes)

Points Value: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups pre-chopped onion (I used fresh) 
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1 small) 
• 3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (I used a bag of frozen mixed veggies) 
• 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced 
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (don’t drain the juice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (I used dried basil) 
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 6 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese 

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. 
2. Add broth and next 3 ingredients.  Cover and bring to a boil; cook 9 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in basil and black pepper,  Ladle soup into bowls, and top evenly with cheese. 

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup soup and 1 tablespoon cheese)

Per serving:  Cal 109; fat 3.9 g (sat 1.1 g), pro 6.2 g, carb 14.9 g, fiber 2.9 g

When Lisa isn't busy caring for her three young children, she can be found at her personal blog Growing Up Mo' or journaling about her weight loss journey at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

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Disclosure: All links to Amazon.com are affiliate links. A commission may be earned from a referred sale to their website.

Restaurants now catering to younger foodies

Last Saturday, my daughter Emilee had the opportunity to participate in a cooking class just for kids at Henrietta’s Table in The Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA. I was very much in favor of this lesson due to the fact that I am expecting and at seven months along, I need someone else to start picking up the dinner slack!

Though a little on the older side at 12, she relished in the fact she was tall enough to see over every other child’s head. This particular class was packed, with 18 little sous chefs crowded around, fingers in dough.  The goal was to teach children six and up how to make chicken stock, homemade noodles and add the right amount of vegetables to include in, you guessed it, good old-fashioned chicken soup.

Set in a bright, sunny windowed room, Chef Peter Davis, delighted children in this familiar dish. Each child donned their very own apron and jumped into the fray for an appropriate cold-weather activity. 

Since this was a group effort (and we sometimes know how kids hands find themselves in the most unsanitary of places) the finished product was whisked away at the end and a fresh batch brought out for all participants to enjoy family-style. 

At a reasonable $20 per child, the remaining classes are worth checking out.

• 2/6/10 - Tasting and cooking with American cheeses 
• 2/13/10 - Vegetables with dips and dressings
• 2/20/10 - Chocolate chip cookies and build-your-own ice cream sandwiches 
• 2/27/10 – Pizza
• 3/6/10 - Strawberry Shortcake

While parents are welcome to watch their budding Emerils, my husband and I opted to enjoy a satisfying adult lunch for two (with a 10% discount) while waiting.

All classes take place 12:30- 2pm on Saturday. Please call  (617) 661-5005 for more information. Henrietta’s Table, The Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

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Disclosure: Mom Central staffer, Erica Gatlin, received one complimentary cooking class to facilitate this review.

Healthy Super Bowl snacks your family will love

Do you ever feel that the eating holidays go from Halloween to the Super Bowl? I do – and so does my bathroom scale. So, this year for the Super Bowl, I plan to prepare healthy snacks for not only myself, but my whole family.

Luckily for us, the culinary staff at Wellspring Camps created the following recipes for delicious and healthy snacks that the family can enjoy while watching the big game together. These are also perfect for afterschool treats or as kid party food.

Pita Pocket Pizza
Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 6 pita pockets
• 12 ounces pizza or spaghetti sauce
• 6 ounces fat free Jack cheese, shredded
• 6 ounces fat free cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Place pita pocket on a clean surface
2. Spread two ounces of pizza sauce on each pocket
3. Top with one ounce of FF Jack Cheese and FF Cheddar Cheese
4. Sprinkle Cheese with water
5. Place in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes

Nutritional information:

• 250 calories
• 25 grams protein
• 0 grams Fat
• 40 grams carbs

Tips:

• If you’re more of a pizza purist, use low fat shredded Mozzarella instead.
• Use whole wheat pita pockets if they’re available at your grocery store.
• If you don’t make your own sauce, read labels for hidden sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). I like Ragu Light’s heart healthy sauces.

Weight Watchers Southwestern Corn Salad

My kids had a few days off for winter break so I loaded them up in the car and went to visit my best friend - she lives in the beautiful hill country of Texas. We always have so much fun visiting her- my three kids play with her two kids most wonderfully, we stay late chatting after the kids are in bed, and most importantly, we make sure to “knock the meals out of the park.” She has come to appreciate my love for cooking and lets me direct her meal-wise as far as menu planning goes.

This time though, SHE shared a recipe with me- we both own the cookbook/magazine that this recipe comes from, but I hadn't made this recipe and she had.....and she wouldn't quit raving about how awesome it was.

Of course, I said that we HAD TO MAKE IT while I was there. We did. And now I understand why she wouldn't stop talking about it. It is downright awesome, easy, healthy, and a Weight Watchers recipe to boot.

I absolutely loved this dish and practically inhaled the entire thing myself.  I can't wait to make it again!

Southwestern Corn Salad
(From Weight Watchers 20 Minute Recipes)

Points Value:  2

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1 (8 ounce) container pre-chopped red, yellow, and green bell pepper mix (about 1 1/2 cups) 
• 1 1/4 cups frozen baby gold and white corn, rinsed and drained 
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions 
• 1 diced peeled avocado 
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 

Directions":

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.  Add black beans and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine.  Serve immediately.  Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup) 

Per Serving: Cal 133; Fat 7.6g (sat 1g); Pro 3.5g; Carb 14.7g; Fib 4.9g 

When Lisa isn't busy caring for her three young children, she can be found at her personal blog Growing Up Mo' or journaling about her weight loss journey at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

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Disclosure: All links to Amazon.com are affiliate links. A commission may be earned from a referred sale to their website.

Mini Pizza Cups

I whipped up these Pizza Cups and my kids inhaled them in no time flat. The entire pan of these bad boys were gobbled up before the pan even cooled off. My poor husband didn't get any - he just got to see the picture I took! I have already promised the kids I would make them again tomorrow for after school snack. 

These would be AWESOME at a Super Bowl party.  Your guests will thank you!

Mini Pizza Cups

From the Taste of Home website

Ingredients:

• 1 tube (11.3 oz) refrigerated dinner rolls
• 1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 
• 1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper 
• 2 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni, chopped 
• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese  

Directions:

1. Separate dough into eight rolls; cut each into quarters.  Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of miniature muffin cups coated with cooking spray.  
2. Spoon pizza sauce into each cup.  Sprinkle with onion, green pepper, pepperoni, and cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crusts are browned and cheese is melted.  Yield: 32 appetizers. 

Nutrition Facts: 1 pizza cup equals 44 calories, 1 g fat, 4mg cholesterol, 134 mg sodium, 6g carbohydrates, trace fiber, 3g protein. 

When Lisa isn't busy caring for her three young children, she can be found at her personal blog Growing Up Mo' or journaling about her weight loss journey at The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

Win a set of McCormick's Spices for Health!

If you have been visiting Mom Central Food for any amount of time, then you know I like to keep my meals as healthy as possible. That’s why I’m interested to find out that McCormick's - you know, the spice folks – have come out with Seven Spices for Health: Cinnamon, Ginger, Oregano, Red Pepper, Rosemary, Thyme, and Yellow Curry.

Spices and herbs are a quick way to power up your plate in place of sodium, sugar, and fats, helping you save calories as well as boosting antioxidants. Applying the “super swap” approach can not only improve your diet, but it’s also a cost-effective way to boost nutrition.

Want to do a 30 Day Challenge on your own? Print out McCormick’s easy to follow Super Swaps 30 Day Calendar (PDF) to inspire you to boost antioxidants in every meal. The calendar offers different recipes (y’all know that I triple heart recipes!) and simple tips on how to incorporate the seven super spices into your day.

To help you get started on your 30 Day Challenge, Mom Central and McCormick's are giving away FIVE SETS of the Seven Spices for Health. Yes, five lucky winners will receive a gift pack that includes ALL seven super spices. How cool is that?!

Here's how to win a McCormick's Spices for Health Gift Pack:

• Just share with us what is your favorite spice to use in the kitchen!
• Contest ends Thursday, February 4 at 11:59pm EST. 
• Five winners will be chosen at random.  

Contest is now closed. The lucky winners are:

• Christy
• Susan
• Sheila
• Janet F.
• Crystal


Winners, make sure to check your email for further details.  Thanks!

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Disclosure:  McCormick's supplied the five gift packs for Mom Central to give away.

Win a free pizza from Pizza Hut for your Super Bowl Party!

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, you may be looking at inexpensive ways to feed your party guests. Pizza Hut is currently offering a limited-time deal of Any Pizza for $10 - any size, any crust and any toppings for just $10! (Their Stuffed Crust is $1 more.)

• Large Thin ‘N Crispy Veggie Lovers pizza for $10? You bet!
• Large Hand Tossed Style Supreme pizza for $10? Of course!
• Large Pan Meat Lover pizza for $10? No problem!

The possibilities are endless!

To help you prepare for the big game, we’re giving away SIX $10 Pizza Hut gift cards to use at your Super Bowl party. You can also use them any day of the week when you’re looking for a great deal: Tuesdays at Pizza Hut, the Tuscani Pastas are just $10, and every Wednesday, WingStreet wings are just 50 cents each!

Here’s how to win a $10 Pizza Hut gift card:

• Just share with us who you’re rooting for in the Super Bowl – the New Orleans Saints or the Indianapolis Colts – in the comments below? (Feel free to put “neither” or “What’s a Super Bowl?” You don’t have to be a football fan to win!)
• Contest ends Tuesday, February 2, at 11:59 p.m. EST. SIX winners will be chosen at random.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congrats to our winners:

• Karen D.
• Brenda G.
• Melissa H.
• Heather M.
• Heather P.
• Jennifer C. of Frugal Back Porch

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Disclosure: Pizza Hut supplied the six gift cards for Mom Central to give away. This giveaway is NOT endorsed by the NFL, the New Orleans Saints or the Indianapolis Colts.