Raising an Organic Child.

It's time to step away from your plain Jane tasteless chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and pizza dinners!

Children are mini adults... they truly are in every sense of the way. They love exploring, trying touching and most of all tasting! They are my # 1 food critiques ;). The love and excitement they have for new flavors is quit surprising at first. I enjoy exposing children to new flavors and spices, get them used to eating foods from around the world, and allow them to experience the benefits of whole rounded and fresh organic foods, spices, veggies and grains.

The key to having children who can appreciate the sweetness of a good old apple and get excited to try a new dish full wholesome ingredients is to make it FUN! Take your child to a farmers market...give them a little basket, share with them new flavors exciting colors and uplifting smells. Bring it all home and have a fun cookout.

As a preschool teacher (not yet a mommy but I feel like one at times;) ) I truly incorporate as much organic wholesome and clean ingredients into the little one's meals.

Here are a few recipes for good wholesome flavor full family dinner or left over lunch for your preschooler to take to school. :)

Sushi Salad!

This unique Sushi Salad is the perfect "I don't feel like cooking its Sundayyy night... " kind of recipe.
Its healthy, Yummy fun and easy...  kids LOVE it!
It has all the healthy ingredients of sushi minus the hassle and the expensive price tag.
...

Here we go mommies:

Prep time 15 minutes.
1cup of Sushi rice
1 package of chicken breast
3 small cucumbers
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
3 Sheets of seaweed
Soy Sauce
Boil the Sushi rice with two cups of water on low until fully cooked. Sautee chicken breast with some soy sauce. Chop all veggies.
In a large bowl place rice topped with the cooked chicken breast veggies and chopped seaweed. Mix add soy sauce and spicy mayo to your own taste.
For my vegetarian friends, the salad is delish even without the chicken.

Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad!

This salad is the best thing that happened in my little two-by-two kitchen. It seems to be loved by everyone (vegans and vegetarians too). It has simple ingredients that when combined together the flavors become heavenly.
...

Here we go!
1 cup quinoa
1 red onion finely diced
½ cup sultanas
½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
¼ cup dried blueberries
1 cup roasted peanuts (save ¼ cup for garnish) This is optional depending on allergies.
1 red capsicum finely diced
1 green capsicum finely diced
½ cup chopped parsley
½ cup chopped coriander
½ cup chopped celery
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen-thawed)
(For a big party multiply quantity by two)
Curried Balsamic Dressing
1 heaping teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 fresh red chili finely diced
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons good olive oil
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar if you want it sweeter (optional)
fresh coriander leaves and a few peanuts for garnish

This recipe is a perfect "cooking with your little one" kind of recipe.
Chop all ingredients in advance and have your little one taste each ingredient and share what kind of flavors he/she is tasting. Then have them help you pour it all into a bowl and mix it up!

 Have fun cooking healthy for your little one !!!

Feel free to share what are some challenges you might be having keeping it wholesome in the kitchen for your kids?

Is your child not cooperating with some healthy changes you are trying to make?

Yours Truly,

Sophie Le Petit Gan