Maple and Thyme Roasted Carrots

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not so good with the side dishes. I'm trying, it's just not something that comes naturally to me. Maybe its because I'm constantly searching for simplicity in my life and especially in my meals. I like simple main dishes and even simpler sides. You see, I was a vegetarian for 10 years (still only eat minimal chicken and fish) and have huge respect for vegetables in their natural state. Don't get me wrong, I won't turn away a good creamed spinach but I strive to prepare vegetables simply (usually roasted and lightly dressed like in the recipe below), as to highlight their natural yumminess.

As parents, it's easy to get frustrated with the "picky" eater phases (yes, PLURAL) and resort to covering veggies with butter and cheese. You just want them to "EAT THE BROCCOLI ALREADY!". I'm not a huge fan of that method because it's not really the best way to encourage a healthy eater. It's our responsibility to keep presenting our kids with healthy, nutritious options. And if one day they turn up their noses to a veg, so be it! We have to remember that they are human after all. Just because they don't eat their veggies today, doesn't mean it's forever. It's frustrating and stressful and you just want to give up (I've been there!). One of the many great challenges of parenting is learning to move through phases knowing they won't last. Eating is no different. There are all sorts of reasons your lil' one might be on a strike. Maybe their stomach hurts, or their teeth or maybe, just MAYBE they don't feel like having broccoli today!!! "OK Ma?!" My advice is to step back, take a deep breath and try again tomorrow. Never, never give up! The investment you make in your child's nutrition now, will yield immeasurable results later.


Want to know more about Feeding Your Baby Healthfully?

Visit Our365.com for an awesome Q&A with Dr. Greene and my pal Chowmama Stacie.


About the Recipe:
I developed this recipe last minute when I had a chicken roasting in the oven and once again, NO SIDE DISH! I took a quick scan of my fridge and pantry and came up with this combo. Not sure what made me add the apple cider vinegar but boy, am I glad I did. It really made the dish something special. Hope you think so too!




Maple and Thyme Roasted Carrots
Serves 4-6

12 medium sized carrots, stems and peels removed (i your carrots are large, halve them)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup good quality maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper


1)-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2)- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, thyme and salt and pepper. Place carrots in the bowl and toss to coat.

3)- Dump the carrots onto an aluminum foil lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Enjoy!

Fave Friday Week 2

Photo: The Vintage Pearl

I'm at that age where all of my friends are having babies. In fact, it's happening so fast I hardly keep up with all of the gift giving. I love shopping and I am always on the lookout for something thoughtful, fun and unique. Still, I don't have a ton of money to spend and I want the gifts I give to be useful and from the heart.

I came across The Vintage Pearl thanks to the amazing moms at Cool Mom Picks. They featured one of TVP's initial necklaces's and a rockin' coupon to go along with it!! Too good to pass up, I immediately ordered a few of them as Christmas gifts for some mamas I know. And of course, I purchased one for myself that I still have not taken off. It's super comfy to wear and even after wearing it in the shower, it remains untarnished. WAHOO!

Recently, I found myself trolling for a gift for a friend who is ready to pop and I came across another Vintage Pearl gem, these adorable engraved keepsake spoons. What I love most about them is their nostalgic, vintage kinda feel. We use metal baby spoons in our house (ones my husband used when he was a baby-awww), so I was super psyched to see these. Sterling silver spoons were a popular gift back in the day but thank goodness these are stainless cause this mama ain't polishing! Great twist on an old classic. Practical yet perfectly adorable. Go get yours now!

Fave Friday

Fave Friday is a new little feature I am excited to add to my blog! My hope is that it will offer another element of service to everyone who follows. Fave Friday will be open to anything and everything from products to services, so please feel free to Email, Tweet or Facebook me anything cool you've come across that you think I should check out. I love getting tips from other parents!!




My Fave Friday this week goes to (drum roll please....) the FIRST EVER Edible Schoolyard on the East Coast, even cooler-the first ESY to operate in all four seasons!! And get this, it's in my little out of the way corner of Brooklyn, NY. In fact, its being built for my Alma mater P.S. 216- The Arturo Toscanini School. This school rocks for so many reasons and I was extremely psyched to hear that Alice Waters' amazing program thinks so too! I am still friends with many of my former teachers (over 15 years later!) and recently spent some time with them and the awesome Principal Kaplinsky. This couldn't be happening to a better bunch.I hope that this is just the beginning and that many, many more ESY programs are brought to the east coast. WAY TO GO ALICE!

If you haven't already heard of the Edible Schoolyard, here is a little excerpt regarding the mission from their site:


"The mission of the Edible Schoolyard is to create and sustain an organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the school’s curriculum, culture, and food program.

ESY involves students in all aspects of farming the garden and preparing, serving, and eating food as a means of awakening their senses and encouraging awareness and appreciation of the transformative values of nourishment, community, and stewardship of the land."

Please visit the ESYNY site to see the awesome plans and find out how to volunteer or donate if you can! Even if you don't live in a state that currently has an ESY program, check out their amazing resources (recipes and lessons plans!) that can help you incorporate some of the program into your everyday life or classroom.


**Don't forget to check out the Publication section of the ESY site, where you can purchase any or all of their amazing books. A personal fave of mine is What You Need To Know About School Lunch . It makes a perfect (and unique) gift for a foodie parent of school aged kids.