Orzo with zucchini

Great recipe from the Rachel Ray Vegetarian Cookbook. SO EASY and YUMMY!

1/2 lb of orzo
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup chopped parsley
3 tblsp olive oil
1 large zucchini
4 cloves garlic

Dice zucchini and add olive oil with minced garlic to saute pan - soften zucchini over heat about 6 mins Cook orzo Add chopped herbs, cooked zucchini, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste to serving bowl. Great over a green salad or alone cold the next day!

Mommy Trick of the Day!

Today I got my toddler to eat a healthy muffin I had baked with shredded zucchini and pureed butternut squash by "frosting" it with chocolate pudding. She thought it was a cupcake and was none the wiser! Mommy and baby were both satisfied by a little trick!

Stephanie Nielson

I was touched by a woman, a mom Stephanie who appeared on Oprah today. I would like to be her friend. Her story is one that will stay with me in my daily life. Here is a link to her blog:

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Stephanie, you are a courageous, lovely woman and I truly admire you.

Day 4 Successful Smoothie!!

I can't believe it - my picky toddler is eating smoothies every morning loaded with fruits and veggies. I am so proud! This morning's version included:

Butternut squash puree
Zucchini
Frozen blueberries
Banana
Applesauce
Ground flaxseed
Canned peaches
Orange juice

Ordinarily NONE of these healthy foods would go near my feisty little one's mouth. I feel like I've already packed her belly with nutrients and it isn't even 9:00 AM!

Day 3 Successful Smoothie!

My toddler is super picky so I'm always happy when she eats what I prepare! We made a successful smoothie again this morning:

Frozen blueberries, and strawberries
Vanilla yogurt
Frozen spinach
Sweet potato puree
1/2 Banana
Pomegranate limeade juice
1 canned peach

Yum!

Sweet potato puree

Three quick uses for sweet potato puree:

1. Add to pancake batter
2. Add to smoothie!
3. Add to muffin mix

These options have been toddler approved!

Smoothie of the Day is the Dana Smoothie

This smoothie won the seal of approval from my 16 month old!

Fresh or canned peach
Vanilla yogurt
Frozen berries like cherries, blueberries, raspberries
1/2 banana
Pomegranate Limeade juice from Trader Joe's
1/2 avocado