Baby Gourmet's blog

Whether you`re racing to soccer practice or getting ready for the school bus, these tasty muffins are the perfect on-the-go item for your family`s healthy breakfast or snack. The addition of Squoosh Orangobango ensures a moist muffin that you and the kids will love!

Ingredients

Muffins

2 cups spelt flour

½ cup oatmeal

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground ginger

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

½ tsp. salt

There is nothing like the joy of your baby reaching a new milestone. However, with all the information out there about what to expect, in addition to seeing other babies develop at different rates, it can be difficult for parents who may feel a desire to rush a milestone that they can actually control – like introducing food. But, it’s important to remember that the rate of growth and development is neither a competition nor a gauge of intelligence and that there are reasons why things progress the way they do.

 The holidays are here and it’s hard to keep your child eating healthy with so many savory snacks around.  From assorted candies to milk chocolate Santa’s, it’s rare to find healthy holiday treats that your children will love. 

I love the holidays. I love the music, the family get togethers, the decorations, and of course, the food. The holidays are one of those times where it can be hard not to indulge. You’ve got cookies, and chocolates, and mini appetizers that are just too cute not to eat. But although I don’t want to Scrooge up your holidays, while you’re enjoying your treats, so are your children and it can sometimes be hard to make sure there’s healthy food in mix as well.

Ah, it’s that time of year again. The holidays are a time for family, friends, celebrating and plenty of over-indulgences. It’s the time of year when sticking to your nutritious eating habits and reinforcing them for your family becomes frustrating and extremely hard. Family traditions are built in the kitchen around baking high fat, high sugar treats that may taste amazing but are certainly not figure friendly.

Tony the Tiger.  Leprechauns and rainbows.  Toucan Sam and the three little elves who Snap, Crackle and Pop.  These are just a few of the colourful images on display for parents and children as they walk down the cereal aisle.  Playful and bright scenery is depicted on cereal boxes intended for children, enchanting them to come inside and join the fun.  Parents, too, can be persuaded by this marketing hook, and indulge their kids in the fantasy of breakfast.

How parents can help:

I think it’s safe to say that no one wants a picky eater in their home, so why does it seem to be a frustration for many parents out there today?  With so many fast and convenient food options, it can be so easy to get stuck in a rut – for all of us, let alone our wee ones!  The exciting news is that there is a lot you can do as a parent to positively impact your child’s eating habits. 

Cornbread is the quintessential side for everything from burritos, salads and soups. The addition of whole corn kernels and creamy cheese makes this loaf burst with flavor. I like baking it the traditional way, in a cast iron skillet for extra crispiness and serve straight from the skillet for an authentic presentation.

Serves 8

Ingredients

- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal

- 1 ¼ cup unbleached all-purpose flour

- ½ teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 1 cup milk