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Rhubarb + Apple Sauce

This rhubarb + apple sauce combines the flavors of spring with a staple fruit available all year long to make a delicious side for any spring or summer meal.Rhubarb + Apple Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

School is out! Summer has officially begun. Before you move on to strawberries, blueberries and cherries sneak in one last rhubarb dish.

I know strawberries are the classic pairing with rhubarb. It makes sense since they are available at the same time of year. But I’m learning rhubarb goes with so many other fruits!  Cherry and rhubarb blend well in this jello.

Now you can mix rhubarb with a fall staple – apples. Since apples are readily available year round this side dish is easy to make in the spring or summer.

My kids loved this rhubarb applesauce. There is sweetness from the apples, spice from the cinnamon and hint of tart from the rhubarb.

Rhubarb applesauce is great any time of day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a snack – you really can’t go wrong.

The preparation for this side is minimal. Since the apples cook down you don’t have to chop them much ahead of time, especially if you are going to puree the sauce. The rhubarb should be peeled first (I just do this with my hands) to remove the stringy outside. Then a rough chop and you’re all set.

Kids can help make rhubarb applesauce. Peeling rhubarb is a great task for them! Then using a safe knife to roughly chop apples (after you peel/core them) and put them in the pan. My kids love helping make this.

Are you getting bored with plain applesauce? Try a spruced up spring version with rhubarb added.  You’ll add vitamins and boost the flavor. It is also a great way to introduce your kids to rhubarb.

Rhubarb + apple sauce is perfect for early summer picnics, family barbeques and easy lunches while the kids are home.Rhubarb + Apple Sauce | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Rhubarb + Apple Sauce
Serves 6
A tart and sweet applesauce with the flavor of early summer.
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Ingredients
  1. 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  2. 1 cup rhubarb, peeled and diced (about 1 large stalk)
  3. 1/3 cup cane sugar or honey
  4. 1 tsp. cinnamon
  5. 1/2 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
  6. 1/2 cup water
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 - 25 minutes (will depend on the firmness of the apples), stirring periodically.
  3. Mash or puree the sauce.
  4. Serve warm or cold.
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Cherry Rhubarb Jello

Cherry rhubarb jello is the perfect kid-friendly way to use fresh produce and welcome summer weather.

Cherry rhubarb jello is a dye-free, allergy-friendly treat that all kids love. The perfect finger food.

We have two rhubarb plants in our garden. Most years we get a few decent stalks from them that I use to make a special dessert like crisp, ice cream, cake or even cheesecake!

This year our rhubarb plants were huge! After making three strawberry rhubarb crisps there was still plenty left. That means it is time to experiment with new ways to use rhubarb.

What Flavors Go Well With Rhubarb

I came up with cherry rhubarb jello. This is the perfect, nutritious way to use fresh, spring produce in combination with last year’s freezer stash (we still have a couple gallons of sweet cherries left!).

The cherries give sweetness and a deep maroon color while the rhubarb gives a hint of tartness. It’s the perfect combination.

Cherry rhubarb jello is a dye-free, allergy-friendly treat that all kids love. The perfect finger food.

Cherry rhubarb jello makes a great finger food lunch addition or snack for kids. The fruit provides vitamins while the gelatin provides easy-to-digest protein (Use the code TAKE10 for 10% off your gelatin purchase HERE).

Allergen-Free Cherry Rhubarb Jello

An added bonus is that cherry rhubarb jello is very allergy-friendly. Not to mention there is no food coloring or artificial flavor (food dyes are connected with behavioral issues). So it makes a unique and healthy treat for everyone.

Are you looking for a dish to pass at your next potluck or picnic? Cherry rhubarb jello is just the thing. You can make it in advance and both kids and adults will enjoy it.

Sometimes I even serve this for breakfast. My oldest can take her time eating in the morning. If we need to get out the door on time jello is great. It is soft and easy to chew.

Don’t forget the really important part – cherry rhubarb jello is so easy to make! Just cook, puree, add the gelatin and chill. It takes about five minutes of hands on time. Who doesn’t love that?!

Before rhubarb season ends grab a few stalks and make this fun treat to celebrate the end of the school year and welcome summer.

Cherry rhubarb jello is a dye-free, allergy-friendly treat that all kids love. The perfect finger food.

Cherry Rhubarb Jello
Serves 12
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups sweet cherries (fresh or frozen)
  2. 2 cups rhubarb, peeled and chopped
  3. 3/4 cups organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
  4. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  5. 1/2 cup water
  6. 2 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin
Instructions
  1. Combine the cherries, rhubarb, sugar and salt in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes.
  3. Pour the mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
  5. Dissolve the gelatin in 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit 1 minute.
  6. whisk the gelatin water into the hot puree until dissolved, about 1 minute.
  7. Pour the mixture into an 8" square pan or a bowl.
  8. Refrigerate until firm.
  9. Scoop or cut into squares to serve.
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Basic Grains: Quinoa

Basic Grains: Quinoa | Homemade Dutch Apple PieNow that you understand why it’s so important to properly prepare your grains (and nuts and seeds) it’s time to start learning how. Let’s start with the basics.

Today I’m starting my basic grain series with quinoa.  Although it is technically a seed it is treated the same as a grain. Plus it is a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, even if you are gluten free.

It took a long time for me to understand how to work with quinoa. I treated it like I did rice – add water, boil, done. But quinoa needs more care than that to make it digestible.

The first step is soaking the quinoa to remove the bitter coating and start the fermenting process.

Then the quinoa is rinsed. Finally it is cooked, preferably in broth for a nutrient boost and easier digestion.

If you look at the directions on a package of quinoa it will usually say to cook about twelve minutes and then let it sit for fifteen minutes.

But to really cook it properly quinoa should be cooked for about an hour.

After the soaking, rinsing and long cooking you’ll have a flavorful dish that is easy on the tummy.

If using the quinoa for something that is not savory you can simply cook it in water. It will still be prepared well for easier digestion.

Quinoa can be cooked in advance and used in cold salads, added to soups or even used as a replacement for oatmeal for breakfast. It will add great texture and flavor to your food. Plus it has a lot of protein.

Are you sick of rice or just want something different? Thinking about trying quinoa? Get it soaking a day ahead and you’ll be all set for an easy and nutritious part of your meal.Basic Grains: Quinoa | Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Basic Grains: Quinoa
Serves 4
Basic cooking directions for properly prepared quinoa.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup quinoa
  2. 2 cups warm water
  3. 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, kefir or whey
  4. 1 1/2 cups water or broth
  5. seasoning (optional - salt, garlic powder, herbs)
  6. 1-2 Tbsp. EVOO, coconut oil or butter (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine the quinoa, water and lemon juice.
  2. Let sit 24 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse the quinoa.
  4. Place the quinoa in a medium saucepan.
  5. Add the broth/water and seasoning.
  6. Bring to a boil. Simmer, covered about one hour. Add extra liquid if getting too dry.
  7. Remove from heat and add fat if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
  1. If using the quinoa for a breakfast cereal or something not savory use water for cooking and don't add seasoning.
  2. Quinoa can be cooked in advance and kept in the refrigerator until needed. Simply reheat with a bit of broth or water.
  3. Cooked quinoa can be added to soups and salads.
  4. Cooked/cooled quinoa can be used in place of polenta.
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Zucchini Salmon Cakes (grain free, dairy free, nut free)

Zucchini Salmon Cakes - Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

One meal that I know my kids will always devour is salmon cakes. It’s kind of an odd meal for small children to love. But they do. And it makes me so happy.

Recently I decided to change things up a bit and make zucchini salmon cakes since zucchini is in season. I wondered if my kids (one with texture issues and one that is very picky with vegetables) would still enjoy them.

To my great surprise and delight they did!! Both kids loved them!

These zucchini salmon cakes still have the flavor of a salmon cake. But there is actually way more zucchini than salmon in them. So you get the benefits of salmon combined with vegetables. And even if your kids won’t eat another vegetable with the meal you know they are at least getting some. That is my kind of meal!

Zucchini salmon cakes are very easy to make. They also work well for a lot of special diets since they are grain, dairy and nut free.

We had these as our main dish for dinner. But they were also great cold the next day for lunch. I honestly think my kids liked them better that way. I even love them cold for breakfast. It’s a great way to start my day with fish, eggs and vegetables. Plus it’s already prepared, so breakfast is easy.

I serve them with homemade mayonnaise. They would also be good with pesto. These zucchini salmon cakes are even meaty enough to be used as burgers! Put one on a bun with your favorite toppings for a change of pace.

 If you’re looking for a delicious and nourishing summer meal this is it. There is no need to turn on the oven. Just fry up some zucchini salmon cakes. They are great for the whole family. 

Zucchini Salmon Cakes - Homemade Dutch Apple Pie 2 

Zucchini Salmon Cakes
Yields 8
A salmon cake packed with zucchini and lots of flavor.
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Ingredients
  1. 2 cups finely grated zucchini, drained (about 3 medium zucchinis)
  2. 1 6 oz. can of boneless skinless salmon
  3. 3 eggs
  4. 1/3 cup coconut flour
  5. seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
  6. Lard, coconut oil or palm shortening for frying
Instructions
  1. Grate the zucchini. Place in a strainer to drain for about one hour. Squeeze out excess liquid.
  2. Combine the zucchini, salmon, eggs, flour and seasoning.
  3. Cover the bottom of a large pan with fat. Heat over medium heat.
  4. Scoop balls of zucchini mixture and form into patties. Place in hot pan.
  5. Cook until browned on bottom, about 7 minutes. Flip. Cook until the other side is browned.
  6. Serve warm.
Notes
  1. If you like the cakes to be really firm add 1/2 cup coconut flour instead of 1/3 cup.
  2. The zucchini salmon cakes can be used as burgers and served on buns.
  3. The zucchini salmon cakes can be served warm or cold, as breakfast. lunch or dinner.
  4. Homemade mayonnaise or pesto make great dipping sauces for the zucchini salmon cakes.
  5. The salmon can be replaced with tuna.
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Honeyed-Dew

honeyed-dewI often serve some kind of fruit side dish with our dinner. I try to have variety or simply make fruit salads with whatever fruit we have on hand and is in season.

Recently as I was preparing dinner I was trying to think of what to do with the fruit we had on hand. My son is allergic to grapes and bananas. So those were out. That left honeydew.

We all enjoy honeydew plain. But I wanted to spruce it up a bit. So our honeydew became honeyed-dew.

The honeyed-dew only took about 30 seconds to prepare. It was so refreshing at dinner, and everyone liked it. My son kept sucking on the fruit like a popsicle.

You can make it in a bowl to serve to a group or put the honeydew on sucker or popsicle sticks for a cool treat kids will eat any time of day.

If you don’t have honeydew you can use a different type of melon. You could even use grapes or berries. No matter what fruit you choose this is a healthy, simple side dish or snack.honeyed-dew 2

Honeyed-Dew
A simple and refreshing side dish or fun treat for kids.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup honeydew, cut into chunks
  2. 1 Tbsp. honey
  3. 1/4 tsp. sea salt (optional)
Instructions
  1. Place the honeydew in a bowl or on sticks.
  2. Drizzle with honey.
  3. Sprinkle with salt.
  4. Mix or spread over the fruit.
  5. Freeze the fruit for about 60 minutes.
  6. Stir before serving to make sure the syrup covers the fruit.
Notes
  1. This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc. depending on how many you are serving.
  2. The "popsicles" can stay in the freezer for an easy snack.
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Pesto Quinoa Salad

pesto quinoa salad

It’s that time of year again. Time for picnics and potlucks and family gatherings. It’s always tough to figure out what to bring.

Are you sick of potato salad and pasta salad? Or are your kids like mine and won’t touch either of those anyway?

This pesto quinoa salad is my solution! It has a lot of flavor from the pesto. But it’s not overpowering. So even my sensitive palate daughter enjoys it.

The other great part is that this salad is very allergen friendly. It basically has three ingredients – quinoa, peas and olive oil. You can swap peas for another vegetable if you don’t like them or don’t tolerate them.

As an added bonus you don’t have to worry about this salad spoiling after being outside for a little bit.

Pesto quinoa salad can be served as a warm side dish or chilled. The leftovers are great for easy lunches. You can add a little cooked chicken for a complete meal. I even added a few chickpeas and topped it with a fried egg for lunch! It was delicious.

I use a very simple pesto made with peas. A traditional basil or spinach pesto would also be delicious. For a nutrient boost you could even make it with pummus!

If you’re looking for an alternative salad for your next picnic or just want a new side dish for your dinner at home try this pesto quinoa salad. Both of my kids said it was great! If they approve, it must be good.

 pesto quinoa salad 2

Pesto Quinoa Salad
Serves 4
A simple spring salad that is perfect for picnics.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup quinoa - soaked and drained
  2. 1 cup water or chicken broth
  3. 1/2 - 1 cup peas (frozen, thawed or fresh)
  4. 1/4 cup pesto (I use pesto made with peas* - you can use any pesto you like)
To taste (optional)
  1. salt
  2. garlic powder
  3. parmesan cheese
  4. chopped nuts
Instructions
  1. Soak the quinoa for 1 - 24 hours. Rinse and drain.
  2. Bring water or broth to a boil in a sauce pan. Add the quinoa, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat. Keep the lid on.
  4. After 10 minutes add the peas to the pan of quinoa. Cover and let sit 5 - 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the pesto.
  6. Season to taste.
  7. Add nuts or cheese if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
  1. If you are taking this to a group gathering double or triple the recipe.
  2. *For a simple pesto blend 2 cups thawed peas, 1/2 - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (can replace some of the oil with water for a milder flavor), sea salt and garlic powder to taste in a blender until smooth.
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Three Ingredient Caramel Apple Salad (gluten free, dairy free)

caramel apple salad

Lately I’ve been serving fruit salad with our “breakfast for dinner” meals. I usually just do a mix of whatever fresh and frozen fruits we have on hand. We all enjoy it.

But last week I wanted something different. I also wanted something my son could eat (he’s allergic to grapes, bananas and pears…and he doesn’t tolerate citrus fruits well). That’s not easy to do.

I decided to use apples. I created a caramel apple salad that is so easy to make and so delicious!

My daughter actually licked every last drop of “caramel” off her plate. Both kids asked for seconds too. It was that good.

I love how simple this recipe is. It takes about three minutes to prepare and only has three ingredients. You can make enough for one or for a large group.

I served it as a simple fruit salad on the side. But this salad isn’t just for eating plain. It works as an ice cream topping, a dessert, a yogurt add-in (caramel apple yogurt…mmm) or a treat to mix in your oatmeal.

If you want to make the salad a bit fancier you can add chopped nuts, dried fruit or shredded coconut. You could also add a little heavy cream or coconut milk to make a creamy caramel apple salad.

I happened to have a little extra heavy cream in the fridge. So I topped ours with fresh whipped cream.

Dress it up, serve it plain, eat it for breakfast or as a dessert. No matter how you eat it, this caramel apple salad is quick, easy and so good!

DSC_1732

Three Ingredient Caramel Apple Salad (gluten free, dairy free)
Serves 4
A simple side dish or dessert that only takes minutes to prepare. Make as little or as much as you want.
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Ingredients
  1. 4 large apples
  2. 4 Tbsp. coconut sugar or cane sugar
  3. 2 Tbsp. honey and/or maple syrup
Instructions
  1. Peel and chop the apples.
  2. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Cover the salad and refrigerate until the sugar is dissolved and a syrup has formed (about 1 hour).
Notes
  1. The apples make a great ice cream topping, dessert, yogurt add-in or oatmeal topping.
  2. Add 1 Tbsp. coconut milk or heavy cream for a creamy version.
  3. Add chopped nuts, dried fruit or shredded coconut for variety.
  4. Top with whipped cream to serve as a dessert.
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Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto (gluten free, dairy free)

butternut squash quinoa risotto

I LOVE risotto. I also LOVE anything with squash. Unfortunately my son is allergic to rice (yes, really). So I never make risotto anymore.

My son is also fairly picky. But I was craving risotto the other day. So I crossed my fingers and made a quinoa version that we could all eat.

The verdict? Amazing! Three of us dug right in and even had seconds.

My son, however, ran from the table screaming at the word risotto. He didn’t come back until dinner was over and I was cleaning the table. He finally agreed to try a bite. When he did his reaction was, “This is so good!” He proceeded to clear his plate.

I’ll consider it a great dinner success!

One of the best parts about the this risotto is that it is so easy to make. I cooked the quinoa earlier in the day when I had a few spare minutes. Then at dinner time it only took about 15 minutes to make the risotto.

I also love this recipe because it’s a simple way to get my kids to eat quality vegetables and bone broth without them realizing it. Easy, healthy and delicious…my favorite kind of recipe.

Give this risotto a try. Your whole family will love it.

DSC_1512

Butternut Squash Quinoa Risotto (gluten free, dairy free)
Serves 4
A simple main dish or side dish filled with vegetables and bone broth that the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
  1. 1/2 cup quinoa - soaked for at least 7 hours and then drained
  2. 1 cup water or bone broth
  3. 1 cup pureed butternut squash (you can replace this with any pureed vegetable you like)
  4. 1 Tbsp. coconut oil (or butter)
  5. 1/2 - 3/4 cups bone broth
  6. seasoning - sea salt, garlic powder, pepper - seasoning of your choice
  7. grated parmesan cheese (optional if tolerant of dairy)
Instructions
  1. Bring one cup of water and/or broth to a boil. Add the drained/rinsed quinoa. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat. Leave the pan covered for 15 minutes. At this point you can make the risotto or refrigerate the quinoa until you are ready to make the risotto.
  3. In a pot, heat the quinoa, squash, coconut oil, seasoning and 1/2 cup broth. Stir until well combined. Simmer the mixture until the broth has cooked down, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if desired/if the mixture is too dry. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Add cheese directly to the pan or grate on top of individual servings if desired.
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Quinoa Mac ‘n’ Cheese

We tried yet another new recipe for dinner last night. Quinoa Mac ‘n’ Cheese. This recipe comes from Tasty Kitchen.

The original recipe has spinach in it. I just used the concept of replacing noodles with quinoa and then made it the way I normally make macaroni and cheese.

This was quite good. It was a unique way to get my family to eat quinoa. So far they are not big fans (I really enjoy it myself…but the rest not so much). But Justin and Rebecca both finished their helpings. Since they normally only tolerate a few bites of quinoa I consider it a success :).

You could easily add any chopped, cooked vegetables to this dish. Or even add bacon or ham. That would make it even better!

I’ll post the recipe the way I made it. Very simple. And a nice change from the traditional macaroni and cheese. It’s also a great way to make a gluten free version of a classic dish. If you like your mac ‘n’ cheese to really hold together well you can mix in a couple of beaten eggs before pouring it into the pan.

This can be prepared in advance and then simply baked right before dinner. Or you can skip the topping/baking and serve it right out of the pan. This would also make a great, warming breakfast!

Quinoa “Macaroni” and Cheese
serves 3 – 4

1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes about 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa)
1 cup water
1 tsp. evoo
1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 – 2 cups grated cheese (depends how cheesy you like it. Any varieties will do. I used mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan.)
salt and garlic powder to taste

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs (optional – use gluten free or omit to keep it gluten free)
1/4 cup grated cheese (I used the same cheese mix as was in the casserole)

Rinse quinoa in a small mesh strainer for 1-2 minutes to remove bitter coating.

Toast quinoa in hot oil in a small saucepan for 1-2 minutes. Add water. Bring to a boil. Add salt. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let set covered 5 minutes. Pour quinoa into a bowl.

In the mean time melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add milk very gradually, a couple Tbsp. at a time at first. Stir after each addition to incorporate into the butter/flour mixture. Add remaining milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Season to taste.

Pour cheese sauce over quinoa and mix. Add extra seasoning if necessary. Add eggs if desired.

Pour into a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs and cheese over top.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 – 30 minutes, until cheese on top is melted and golden. Let set for 5 minutes before serving.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

After asking on facebook for some vegetable ideas I tried a new recipe for brussels sprouts from Eat, Live, Run. It’s so simple and so delicious! We all loved it.

Basically you saute brussels sprouts and add a little brown sugar at the end. Who knew that could make them taste so amazing? We already love brussels sprouts. This was a great way to change it up a bit.

I did not use the garlic or the nuts. But that would be good too. I will definitely be making these again. I might even turn them into a one dish meal by adding a starch and protein (quinoa and nuts?, rice and chicken?, couscous and salmon?). My mind is whirling with variations already 🙂

I’ll be trying this method of vegetable preparation with other vegetables as well. I already did broccoli and kohlrabi last week. Yum!! Cauliflower would be a great addition as well.

Do you like brussels sprouts? If not would a little brown sugar make you change your mind?

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

12-14 large brussels sprouts
1 Tbsp olive oil (I used about 2 Tbsp. of butter and coconut oil)
1 clove garlic, minced (I just used a sprinkle of garlic powder)
pinch sea salt (or a lot if you’re like me:)
2 Tbsp brown cane sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (I’d use crispy nuts)

Slice each brussels sprout very thin until you have a mound of feathery brussels sprout ribbons. Heat the olive oil/butter/coconut oil over medium high in a large skillet and saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the brussels sprouts and continue sauteing for another 4-5 minutes, until bright green and tender (I saute them a bit longer…my family likes them plenty soft). Add the sea salt and brown sugar and toss together. Finish by adding the toasted nuts.