CARBON KNIGHT
Simple Science Experiments: Coloring Flowers from the Inside Out What color of flowers do you like? You can turn flowers that color from the inside out! This month’s simple science experiment will tinker with the inner workings of flowers and celery, too. Now, we all know that plants don’t have a heart to pump their fluids up from the ground to their leaves, so how exactly does... Read More
Green Macaroni and Cheese
Whether you are looking for a green recipe to prepare on St. Patrick’s Day or just a clever way to sneak fresh vegetables into a meal, this classic dish ─ with a fun twist ─ is a crowd pleaser! Ingredients (yields 12 servings) 1 lb. macaroni noodles 2 tbsp. butter 1 yellow onion, minced 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 6 cups packed fresh spinach ½ cup boiling water ½ cup butter ½... Read More
Ready, Set, Grow!
Dig into fun family food with square foot gardens The sunshine-filled days of spring are perfect for burying your hands in the dirt of a garden. Planning a vegetable garden as a family is a great way to reduce your grocery bill, get some fresh air and exercise, and create lasting memories. Square foot gardening If you’re new to gardening, a square foot garden is a great place... Read More
From Trash to Treasure
Five Easy “Upcycled” DIY Projects Creative do-it-yourself (DIY) “upcycling” isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Upcycling is simply transforming an old or unused item into something new, functional, and beautiful. With just a few easy steps, you can repurpose trash, like useless household items or garage sale finds, into treasure! FUNctional Treasures: Planning... Read More
Homemade Soap
Homemade soap can be a luxurious treat for yourself or to give as a gift. Lather up with this fun and functional craft! Materials ½ tsp. body safe fragrance oil, desired scent (we’re using Berry Wine) 1 tsp. body safe soap colorant (we’re using Merlot Sparkle Mica) ½ tsp. body safe glitter (optional) Soap molds, store-bought or household... Read More
Olympic Crafts
The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be held February 7-23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Get in the game with your family with these spirited crafts! Ceremonial Olympic Torch Materials 1 sheet of white construction paper Clear tape Red, yellow, and orange tissue paper, 12″x12″ square of each color White craft glue Tips: 1. To create a really tall torch (like... Read More
Chocolate Fondue: Two Ways to Melt Your Heart
Chocolate Fondue: Two Ways to Melt Your Heart Melt the hearts of your loved ones with melted chocolate! Sweeten the deal by dipping fresh strawberries, bananas, pound cake, or your favorite treats in a heavenly fondue. Try the caramel-raspberry or peanut butter variations of this chocolaty good recipe. INGREDIENTS Choco-Caramel-Raspberry ½ cup Land O’Lakes® butter ½... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Baby Powder and Surface Tension
Let’s kick off the New Year with another simple science experiment. Ever see a bug skitter across the surface of a pond? Ever wonder why raindrops are the shape they are? This month’s simple science project will delve into the world of water’s surface tension with a couple of experiments. Surface tension is a barrier formed on the surface of water caused by something called... Read More
Gender Reveal Fudge Cookies
Team blue or team pink? Parents-to-be can host a “gender reveal” party to share whether they’re expecting a boy or a girl. Sink your teeth into the element of surprise with these gender reveal fudge cookies! INGREDIENTS: 40-50 Wilton candy melt pieces (blue or pink); plus more for decorating (such as white melts), if desired 8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese 1 bag (12 oz.)... Read More
Reindeer Holiday T-Shirt
Made with Christmas Spirit…North Pole Approved These adorable hand-made shirts are fun to make, cute to wear, and sure to attract Santa’s attention. But be warned, he may want to recruit your little fawn to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Materials: T-Shirt (any color) Paint (light brown, dark brown) Paint brush Pom-Pom (red or black) Large googly eyes Accessories (optional):... Read More
Merry Meatloaf Cupcakes
Pull this holiday recipe out of your sleeve (um, we mean Christmas stocking)! You’ll serve up Christmas cheer with these fancy (but easy) single-serve meatloaves. These merry meatloaves are a fun alternative to a traditional Italian-style meatball. Whether your Christmas menu needs a fun hors d’oeuvre or another traditional dish for your family’s table, these ‘cupcakes’... Read More
Heart-Healthy Football Fare
Keep football feasts packed with fun and flavor! Tailgating and watch parties don’t mean you should fumble on your nutrition choices. Meats: No tailgate is complete without a pile of grilled meat! But choose lean or extra-lean beef burgers (patties the size of a deck of cards) or try turkey burgers or salmon burgers (packed with omega-3 fatty acids). Replace traditional fried... Read More
A-Maize-ing Autumn Lanterns
Transform plastic bottles into sweet corncob luminaries that can light the way to your family’s feast! Materials 2 plastic bottles: a 1-liter and a slightly smaller 24-oz Yellow tissue paper Green tissue paper Paintbrush Decoupage glue (Mod Podge) Plate Yellow paint White paint Bubble packaging Tape Glue stick 1/2 cup of rice or sand Battery-operated tea light Directions Total... Read More
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats
The whole family can enjoy seasonal flavors ─ including the dog! There’s nothing scary about this easy-to-make Halloween recipe, but your dog will be howling in delight. Ingredients 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour ½ cup canned pumpkin (do not use pumpkin pie filling which contains excess spices and sugar) ½ cup peanut butter (preferably organic) 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Slime Time
It’s almost time for Halloween, and here is an experiment that is as creepy as it is cool! Of course, it will also help your child become a good thinker….but you don’t have to tell them that. Science is all about learning from observations and figuring out how things work along the way. Simple, hands-on experiments that begin with, “What do you think will happen?” or end... Read More
Bacon and Egg Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Apples
With school back in session, your evenings are likely booked solid with sport practices, music lessons, homework, and so on. Hectic family schedules can leave limited time for cooking elaborate recipes. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great “go to” meal. You can add practically anything to this classic sandwich to create a simple, yet delicious family dinner. Pairing bacon,... Read More
Coffee Can Drum
Kids love music and banging on pots, pans, and plastic containers. Combine their creativity with their musical talent by making this adorable homemade drum. An hour of craft time will end with music to your ears! Materials Aluminum coffee can with plastic lid 2 sheets yellow construction paper 1 sheet tan felt ½ sheet magenta felt Magenta yarn 1 rubber band Scissors Glue stick White... Read More
Strawberry Peach Sorbet
Stir up a cool summer treat to beat the summer heat! Strawberry peach sorbet is a sweet and refreshing snack and easy to prepare without an ice cream machine. Enjoy both the kid-friendly and adult-only versions of this recipe! Ingredients Makes: 4 to 6 servings (about 1 qt) 1 pint strawberries, preferably organic 2 medium peaches, preferably organic 2 to 4 tbsp pure honey (amount... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Crush A Can With The Force Of Air Pressure
Crushing a can? Just with air pressure? Science CAN be fun! This simple science experiment is really cool but requires some safety measures to get it done right. Since the use of a stovetop electric burner (or gas alternative) is necessary, this is a parent-assisted project. Children should not attempt this experiment without parental supervision! Materials Several empty and clean... Read More
Frozen Summer Treat is Frosty Blast from the Past
Cool down this summer with a rainbow of color and flavor. Just like skipping through the sprinkler when the sun is shining bright, homemade shaved ice offers sweet relief on a hot afternoon. Plus, making this frozen favorite is a fun family activity. “Celebrate the flavors of summer with Easy Fruity Shaved Ice,” said Mary Beth Harrington... Read More
American Classic – Potato salad is the perfect dish for a picnic or potluck
No picnic or potluck is complete without potato salad. Whether it’s served warm, cold, creamy, cheesy or with a splash of vinegar, the dish is a true American cookout classic. Potato salads are easy to make and even easier to pack full of flavor. Craft your own potato salad by cutting a delicious, Idaho® potato into cubes with the skins still on. Boil in water for about 8 to... Read More
