Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

Spotlight on Vegetable Side Dishes

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I hope you all enjoy these delicious, easy side dishes from my good friend Desi! 

Y’all– I LOVE to cook. But, it definitely hasn’t always been that way. I used to view cooking as a chore– one of those necessary evils that I had to do each day.

However, over the past few years, I have truly began to find joy in providing my family with a hot, home-cooked meal each night. There’s just something about seeing a my family truly enjoy food that I have prepared that is completely satisfying.

Finding joy in cooking has opened the door for me to try a lot of new recipes. Still, for a long time, I continued to struggle with side dishes. I felt like I was always making the same few dishes, or a slight variation of them. So, I made a point to try new sides, including new ingredients that weren’t in the “normal rotation” for my family.

Sure, we had a few duds. But, we also discovered some true gems that we now enjoy often.

15 side dishes to compliment any meal

These are 15 of my absolute favorite side dish recipes. Hopefully, you will discover some new ones that your family will enjoy as well.

1. Make Zucchini like in Japanese Restaurants from Wee Share

2. Crock Pot Baked Potatoes from Skip to My Lou

3. Oven-Roasted Vegetables from I Like Food and So Do You

4. BLT Deviled Eggs from Food Network

5. Cucumber Tomato Salad from KojoDesigns

6. Cheesy Rice with Broccoli from Macaroni and Cheesecake

7. Oven Fried Okra from Cookin’ Cowgirl

8. Whipped Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Cook & Craft Me Crazy

9. Spaghetti Squash with Butter and Garlic from SparkPeople

10. The Best Broccoli of Your Life from The Amateur Gourmet

11. Easy Parmesan Knots from Real Mom Kitchen

12. 7Up Biscuits from Plain Chicken

13. Guacamole from Nom Nom Paleo

14. Corn on the Cob: Four Ways from Baked by Rachel

15. Blasted Broccoli from Dana Treat

Let me know what you try! I’d love to hear what you think.

Do you have a favorite side dish recipe? I would love to hear about that as well. I am always looking for tasty new options to serve my family!

 

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Desi is mom to a wonderful 5 year old daughter and married to her high school sweetheart. She began Wee Share in 2009 and often shares the products she loves, crafts, recipes, and tips to make your Disney vacation the best yet. She can also find her on Pinterest, Facebook, twitter, and Instagram.

Bento Lunch Ideas For Kids Or the Kid in You! (31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes)

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So excited to have Lindsey, one of my oldest blogging buds, sharing some super creative ideas with you today! If you have been wanting to try bento, here’s a round up to get you started! 

When my daughter started preschool this year, I started fretting over what to send her for lunch!  She’s a semi-picky eater that would seriously eat a PB&J sandwich everyday.  I didn’t want to be that Mom to the teacher, so I knew I was going to need to get creative.  I had a few glimpses of the bento craze that seemed to hit instagram all at once and a lightbulb went off – I could do that!  Then, I search Pinterest – fail.  There are some crazy, creative Toddler Bento Lunch Ideas on Pinterest, let me tell you!

But instead of quitting before I even started, I searched for a bit easier-to-handle toddler bento lunch ideas!  I’ve even compiled a few of my favorites that I found in this post, along with some that I’ve made myself.  When, you’re looking for creative ways to get your child to eat – at home, at school, on a field trip – try a bento box for a new lunch inspiration! And if you need a few bento box supplies, this is my go-to resource! Read the reviews to make sure you get the best stuff!

toddlerbentopin

Holiday Inspired Ideas

We’re coming up on Halloween and Christmas and there are a ton of fun ways that you can get creative with abento box for the Holidays.

HalloweenBento

This Spooky Haunted House Bento came from BentoLunch.net

Find even more great Halloween Bento Ideas in this post from the Following in My Shoes blog.

Check out this cute Christmas-inspired Bentobox.

How about this cute Birthday-inspired Bento from Chaos and Confections?!

Happy Birthday Bento

Skip the Sandwich Ideas

It’s so easy to get stuck on the sandwich train when packing lunches for your kiddos.  There are a ton of lunch and snack sammie-less options out there.  Check out some of these cute boxes!

sewfattybento

SewFatty packed this adorable lunch of Ants on a Log, Cucumber Slices, Grapes, and Fruit Bars.

bentomarineparents

This bento box is from April – Marine Parents.  You can follow all of her bento boxes with the hashtag #bentoaday on social media and on instagram.

Bento Box #bittybentos

source – So Easy Being Green

This colorful lunch is one that I made my daughter for a lunch at home.  You’ll find that by making lunches more colorful and fun, your kiddos will eat foods they normally turn their noses up at!

Just Plain Cute Toddler Bento Lunch Ideas

marineparentsbento

source – Marine Parents

accordingtojennybento

source – According to Jenny

Gluten Free Bento Ideas

Under the Sea Toddler Bento

Hotdog Octopus

a Beary-licious Bento

For even more Creative Toddler Bento Lunch Ideas, follow the #BittyBentos Pinterest Board!

Happy Bento-ing!
Lindsey Galvez is the green Mommy blogger behind So Easy Being Green.  After realizing that small steps make a BIG impact, she’s set out on a journey to make her family a little more eco-friendly every day.  SEBG is a resource for parents who want to make small changes that will make a big impact on their path to a green-er life.

And here are a few more fun school lunch ideas for you!

dinosaur bento box

Dino Diner (with a dino hot dog!)

ant invasion bento box

Ant invasion bento box

healthy cookie dough

Healthy cookie dough! 

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 


12 Amazing Cheesecake Recipes You Will Love (31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes

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In our house, we are obsessed with cheesecake. I would eat it for every meal, every day if I could. It forms such a smooth and creamy base on which to add your favorite flavors. We’ve compiled an ultimate list of some of the best cheesecake recipes out there. They include easy no bake versions as well as more elaborate and decadent recipes. From almond cheesecake to pecan pie, pumpkin spice and, even cheesecakes made with Greek yogurt, these recipes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

cheesecake recipes


We want to know, do you have a favorite flavor of cheesecake?

Stephanie Keeping is mom to a boy named Sam, a blogger, and an Etsy-preneur. She celebrates boyish charm at Spaceships and Laser Beams, where she talks about all things boy and birthday party. You can connect with her on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

Gluten-Free Diet? Try These Fall Favorites!

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It’s fall and that means it’s time for some yummy and delicious comfort food and sweet treats. If you’re on a gluten-free diet it doesn’t mean you need to feel deprived! There are tons of great recipes full of warm and appetizing recipes for any occasion. These cozy recipes, with rich fall flavors, are perfect for keeping your gluten-free bellies warm and full this season!

gluten-free diet and gluten-free recipes

  1. Paleo Cranberry & Raisin Bars
  2. Coconut Flour Mini Donuts
  3. Pumpkin Waffles
  4. Pears with Cacao Ganache and Cinnamon
  5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
  6. Bacon-Wrapped Chorizo Jalapeno Lime Poppers
  7. Gluten Free Gingerbread
  8. Gluten-Free Brownies
  9. Keep it simple! Mix up a 3 egg omelette! It can be filled with just cheese and roasted veggies, or whatever tidbits you have around. Packed with tons of protein, it’s a quick & easy fall-friendly gluten-free meal!

Brandy blogs at MommySplurge and reviews subscription boxes and anything else she finds delightful. Don’t forget to check out the list of subscription boxes perfect for gluten-free eaters! She is also brand rep for Bona Clara, a gluten-free line of skincare products.

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

19 of the Best Brunch Recipes Online!

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Brunch, at this particular season of my life, brunch is a particularly awesome luxury. If I get to go out to brunch, it means someone from out of town much be visiting and staying home with my children so that I can go join the ranks of the civilized for an hour or two.

What I love the most about brunch is the leisure of it. There’s no rush to get started. No rush to finish. It isn’t even an official meal time, but rather, somewhere in the middle. And the food is breakfast, only more grown up and sophisticated. Oh, it’s so much fun!

Most of the “brunching” I get to do these days is happening at home, and when we have brunch, it is because we’re hungry by 10 am (understandable if you’ve been awake with your brood since 5 am, which is not exactly abnormal around here).

Whether you get to break out your china or if you have to eat on paper plates so that nothing will get broken (shout out, sisters! I feel you!), I’ve compiled some simply mah-velous brunch ideas. Invite your girlfriends over, and lock your kids in their rooms, relax, and enjoy!

Just kidding. Sort of.

brunch recipes

Mimosas/Stuff Parents Need

Breakfast Casserole/Giving up on Perfect

Easy Lemon Pull Apart Rolls/Six Sisters Stuff

Avocado, Feta, Tomato and a Poached Egg/That’s so Michelle

Cinnamon Fruit Dip/Giving up on Perfect

Monkey Bread/Vanderbilt Wife

Peanut-Apple Crunch Balls/Reynolds Kitchens

Bacon, Ham and Spinach Quiche/Joshua Trent

Banana Bread/Giving up on Perfect

Strawberry Bruschetta/Tim Vidra Eats

Sausage Gravy Cheese Grits/Vanderbilt Wife

Mini Bagel ‘N’ Salmon Delights/Sunkist

Lemon Monkey Bread/Chew out Loud

Easy Brunch Quiche/The Village Cook

Whole Grain Apple Fritters/Texan Erin

Orange Julius/Joshua Trent

Tropical Mango Banana Bourbon Bread/Foxes Love Lemons

Chicken Pocket Pies/Janes Adventures in Dinner

Cake Mix Orange Sweet Rolls/Number-2-Pencil

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

65 Easy Vegetarian Recipes You Must Try!

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My family loves to try vegetarian recipes, especially if they are easy! I have a HUGE collection of great ideas that are all meat-free. These are great to try out because they can help you stretch your food budget (meat is expensive if you haven’t noticed!) and they can also help introduce some yummy veggies and protein sources other than meat in new and exciting ways. Check out the list and see what you’d like to try!

easy vegetarian recipes

  1. Farmer’s Market Slaw with Bok Choy by Stuff Parents Need
  2. How to Cook Beet Greens/ by Stuff Parents Need
  3. Recipes for Black Beans by Vanderbilt Wife
  4. Summer Bow-Tie Pasta Salad by Vanderbilt Wife
  5. Sweet Beet and Heat Salad with Mustardy Vinaigrette by Vanderbilt Wife
  6. Greek Style Pizza by Slap Dash Mom
  7. Baked Falafel with Tahini Garlic Sauce by Supper For a Steal
  8. Penne alla Vodka by Supper For a Steal
  9. Black Bean Chili Stuffed Baked Potato by Supper For a Steal
  10. Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Zucchini by Supper for a Steal
  11. Farro Stuffed Eggplants with Pickled Jalapeños & Tahini Yogurt Sauce by What Jew Wanna Eat
  12. Pumpkin Butter and Caramelized Fig Rugelach by What Jew Wanna Eat
  13. Vegetarian Pear-Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash by Mom Endeavors
  14. Indian Spiced Slow Cooker Stew by Color Me Pink
  15. Miso Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bowl by Smitten Kitchen
  16. Creamy Wild Rice Cranberry Soup by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  17. Cavatappi Pasta with Tomatoes, Pesto and Mozzarella by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  18. Fall Harvest Vegetarian Corn and Butternut Chowder by A Family Feast
  19. Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar by One Creative Mommy
  20. Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage and Ameretti Cookies by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  21. Tomato Cobbler with Rosemary and Gruyere Biscuits by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
  22. Veggie & Tofu Noodle Bowls by Wine & Glue
  23. Penne with Spinach and Rosemary Gorgonzola Cream by Because I Like Chocolate
  24. Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette by Because I Like Chocolate
  25. Buffalo Cauliflower by Persnickety Plates
  26. Lentils with Brown Rice & Veggies by Persnickety Plates
  27. Spinach Unstuffed Shells by Persnickety Plates
  28. Creamy Corn and Pepper Taquitos by Life & Kitchen
  29. Creamy Cauliflower “Alfredo” Sauce by Life & Kitchen
  30. Crispy Tofu Bites by Life & Kitchen
  31. Apple-Quinoa Breakfast Muffins by Ricki Heller
  32. Pumpkin Caramel Swirl Brownies by Ricki Heller
  33. Holiday Nog (Egg-free, Dairy-free, Sugar-free, Soy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan) by Ricki Heller
  34. Beet Burgers by Ricki Heller
  35. Squash, Mustard Greens, and Chick Pea Curry by Farm Fresh Feasts
  36. Pumpkin and Black Bean Pizza on Roasted Pumpkin Dough by Farm Fresh Feasts
  37. Fattoush Dip with Kale Hummus by Farm Fresh Feasts
  38. Sautéed Beet Greens and Spring Onions with Sherry Vinegar by Farm Fresh Feasts
  39. Baked Spaghetti Squash Gratin by The Kitchen is My Playground
  41. Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  42. Two Cheese Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  43. Mexican Black Bean & Quinoa Burgers with Homemade Guacamole for Kids by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  44. Sesame Glazed Cauliflower “Wings” by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
  45. Gluten Free Vegetarian Pumpkin Quinoa Bowl by Wonky Wonderful
  46. Veggie “Meatballs” by Diethood
  47. Zucchini Goat Cheese Pizza by Diethood
  48. Baked Eggplant Penne Pasta by Diethood
  49. Saag Paneer (Curried Spinach with Cheese) by Crumb
  50. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna by Crumb
  51. Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry by Crumb
  52. Meatless Mexican Stuffed Peppers by Crumb
  53. Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza by The Pinning Mama
  54. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette by The Pinning Mama
  55. Cinnamon Almond Sauteed Cantaloupe by Thirty-One 10
  56. Spicy Peach and Watermelon Salad over Fresh Tomatoes by Thirty-One 10
  57. Healthy Pumpkin Pie by Thirty-One 10
  58. Black Bean Brownies by Thirty-One 10
  59. Lemon and Garlic Pasta with Squash by JaMonkey
  60. Parmesan Spinach Bites by My Frugal Adventures
  61. Quick & Easy Mexican Black Bean Wrap by My Frugal Adventures
  62. Cauliflower Pizza Crust by Little Red Window
  63. Caramelized Onion & Barley Soup by Little Red Window
  64. Roasted Eggplant Pasta by Little Red Window
  65. Butternut Squash Pasta with Fresh Basil by Little Red Window

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

Healthy Smoothie Recipes Everyone Will Love!

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Guest poster (and one of my very favorite bloggers) Kayla Aimee spends a lot of time whipping up smoothies for her former 25-week preemie. They are a great way to get some healthy calories into tiny toddlers and picky eaters. If you have any dairy-free smoothie recipes to share, she would certainly love to see them! And when making smoothies, don’t forget the super cute straws, as they definitely make the smoothie experience more fun! 

It’s time to start thinking about some fast and easy snacks to have during this back to school season and the rest of the school year! You want to make sure that your kids are fulfilled and nourished, all while providing them a great tasting snack.

One easy way to do that is by making healthy smoothie recipes! Smoothies can be prepared ahead of time (just freeze the ingredients together) and they can be made very quickly so when your hungry kids get home from school they will have a snack ready for them in just a few minutes.

Here are some of my favorite, healthy, and kid friendly smoothie ideas!

easy smoothie recipes

  1. Strawberry Peach Smoothie via Love Makes Good
  2. Orange Julius Banana Protein Smoothie Shake via Moments With Mandi
  3. 3 Simple Smoothies For Back To School Breakfasts via Kayla Aimee
  4. Strawberry Orange Avocado Smoothie via This and That
  5. Berry Lovin’ Smoothie via Glued To My Crafts
  6. Green Toddler Smoothie via The Grant Life
  7. Kiwi Smoothie Bowl via Stuff Parents Need
  8. Healthy Fruit Smoothies via Measured By The Heart
  9. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie Shake via Glued To My Crafts
  10. Triple Berry Protein Smoothie via Stuff Parents Need
  11. My Favorite Immunity Boost for Smoothies via Stuff Parents Need
  12. Top 5 Meal Replacement Shakes for Busy Mornings via Stuff Parents Need

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

18 Healthy Appetizers To Get Your Meal Started Right

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Does the term “healthy appetizers” seem like a bit of a misnomer to you? When I think of appetizers, things that are loaded with cheese or deep friend come to mind (or maybe both, in the case of cheesesticks!). But there are so many tempting starters out there that won’t bust your calorie intake. I’ve compiled a list of go-to healthy appetizers that I’m loving, and that I hope you love, too!

18-healthy-appetizers-collage

 

  1. Veggie Snack Chips with Black Bean and Mango Salsa by Stuff Parents Need
  2. Flag Fruit Kebobs by Giving Up on Perfect
  3. Avocado Cream Spread by Glued to My Crafts
  4. Sweet Pepper and Hummus Pinwheels by How to Have it All
  5. Crostini with Fresh Ricotta and Roasted Grapes by Wonky Wonderful
  6. Artichoke Bruschetta by Mom Endeavors
  7. Sweet Peppers With Yogurt by Practically Functional
  8. Bacon Avocado Puff Pastry by Stuff Parents Need
  9. Red Pepper Garlic Hummus by Slap Dash Mom
  10. Southwest Turkey Spirals by The Pinning Mama
  11. Eggplant Meatballs by Around My Family Table
  12. Southwest Crab Rangoon by The Freshman Cook
  13. Pesto, Tomato and Feta Straws by Love Bakes Good Cakes
  14. Dilly Chicken and Veggie Cups by Hot Eats & Cool Reads
  15. Prosciutto Rolls by A Family Feast
  16. Avocado Bruschetta by What’s Cooking Love?
  17. Grilled Peach Feta Bruschetta by Call Me PMC
  18. Beet Tzatziki by Watching What I Eat

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31 days of unforgettable recipes

 

 

Cooking with Kids: 31 Days of Unforgettable Recipes

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Most kids are highly aware of and interested in food – just watch preschoolers play at cooking, shopping and eating. Meal preparation provides terrific opportunities for fun family bonding, for kids to learn about cooking and nutrition, and to allow family members to feel and be useful.

At age-appropriate levels, have kids help pick recipes and plan meals, brainstorm and write shopping lists, go shopping, measure or cut food, and set and clear the table. Older children can make a dish for a family potluck or create their own special meal.

The following projects are especially fun, rewarding and easy, both to make and to eat. And if some of the processes involved feel like playing, so much the better! Enlist your young sous chef to help crack eggs, crush fruit, place sprinkles on cookies, and enjoy that tactile mainstay, rolling and kneading dough.

Sandwich Sushi

Polka Dot Pea Soup

Shrimp Enchiladas Verde

Great Guacamole

50 Easy Pizzas

Lasagna

Soft Pretzels

Jell-O Rainbows and Fairy Burgers

Morning Biscuits

Triple Berry Jam

Apple Butter

Blueberry Buckle

Apple Pie

Yogurt Pie

Colorful Cookies

Best Holiday Cookies

Photos: Martha Stewart, Mark Flickett, Susan Sachs Lipman

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31 days of unforgettable recipes