ML Interest Tag: bell-pepper

17 Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

by Karly Wood

Ahh, the supermarket roasted chicken. It’s so easy to grab, adaptable for tons of recipes, and makes weeknight dinners simple. Better yet, it makes for awesome leftovers! So skip the extra time baking chicken and take note of some of the tastiest rotisserie chicken recipes out there.

Chicken & Bacon Quesadilla

When it comes to recipes for rotisserie chicken, store this one on the fridge for frequent consumption! Bacon, ranch dressing, cheese, green pepper, and chicken sandwiched in a tortilla make for a great appetizer or full meal. It’s ideal for busy nights and using up that leftover bacon, too. Get the recipe from Rasa Malaysia.

Leftover Chicken Flatbread Pizza

A Taste of Madness

Tired of regular marinara and pepperoni pizza? Grab a pack of flatbread, that leftover rotisserie chicken, cheese, and some tomato paste, and try this recipe! It bakes in just 10-15 minutes and will make your kids think you’ve ordered from the local pizzeria. Get the recipe from A Taste of Madness.

30 Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup

When it comes to rotisserie chicken recipes, you can’t go wrong with a hearty soup. This tortilla soup uses traditional ingredients like beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, and tortilla strips and is great for making in big batches and eating all week.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Boulder Locavore

Chicken enchiladas can be quite the affair but using rotisserie chicken cuts back on prep time in a big way. When you use that, paired with store-bought enchilada sauce, canned green chilis, refried beans, and cheese, dinner is served in a flash. Pair this rotisserie chicken recipe from Boulder Locavore with rice and chips, and your meal is complete.

Related: Soup and Stew Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter

Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits

Chicken Pot Pie is a good rotisserie chicken recipe

Pinch of Yum

There are fewer dishes more comforting than a warm chicken pot pie and it tastes even better when you don’t have to slave over the chicken! This recipe uses leftover rotisserie chicken, a homemade roux and welcomes the option to make homemade biscuits, or the canned pre-made version. Either way, it’s a must-try dinner recipe.

Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe

rotisserie chicken recipes

Wondermom Wannabe

Healthy and filling, this shredded chicken salad is a great option for those leftovers. You can whip it up using other ingredients like creamy dijon, mayo, and onion and add other options like nuts and fruit to make it your own. Serve on a bun (think: chicken salad sandwich) or enjoy with a fork. Get the recipe from Wondermom Wannabe.

Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry

 

This stir fry is so gorgeous; your kids won’t be able to turn it down! We love that it uses frozen veggies so you can skip the majority of the chopping, rotisserie chicken, and an easy 5-minute sauce. There will be no issues meeting your veggie quota with this recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

Salsa Chicken Casserole

 

Do you kids love the ingredients of chicken tortilla soup, but want something a little more hearty? This casserole packs the same delicious punch but is crafted using rice, bell pepper, cheese, and salsa! It’s great for chilly nights and served alongside chips and guacamole. Get the recipe at Spend with Pennies.

Fried Rice

Once you learn this fried rice recipe, you will be an expert at adding whatever meat your family wants, like chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp. It uses pre-made rice (either made earlier and chilled or even from last night’s dinner!), simple veggies and of course, a scrambled egg. Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven, and don’t forget the leftover rotisserie chicken!

Chicken Lemon Orzo Soup

 

Refreshing and great for either spring or winter, this lemon orzo soup is a great option for using up that leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s packed with bright veggies, is super aromatic thanks to the herbs and lemon, extra-filling with its orzo pasta, and enticing even to younger kids. Get the entire ingredient list over at Carlsbad Craving.

Chicken Stuffing Casserole

 

Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving! This simple recipe is the stuff that homemade dinners are made of and comes together with green beans, stuffing, gravy, and rotisserie chicken. Dare we say that crispy stuffing and savory gravy might be enough to hide the green beans? It’s worth a shot. Get the recipe at Mommy Musings.

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

You can’t go wrong with a hearty pasta dish and this creamy recipe uses up that rotisserie chicken that’s been chilling in the fridge. It uses pantry staples like flour, butter, penne pasta, and Italian seasoning and can even be made ahead of time or frozen. Get the recipe here.

Related: 30+ Simple Pasta Dishes Everyone Will Love

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Favorite Family Recipes

Looking for a lighter fare or how to serve rotisserie chicken cold? Try this simple pasta Caesar salad that uses canned olives, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and bagged salad. Make the pasta ahead of time, or toss in those plain buttered noodles you likely make on the regular. Get the recipe from Favorite Family Recipes.

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Today’s Creative Life

 

Rotisserie chicken is already comforting, but when you add it to a wild rice soup, your winter nights get infinitely more cozy. It includes only eight ingredients, one of which is boxed rice, and cooks in 20 minutes! Serve with some rolls for a perfect comfort meal. Get the recipe from Today’s Creative Life.

Chicken Shepherd’s Pie

Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Family Spice

 

What do you get when you combine shepherd’s pie and chicken pot pie? This tasty and hearty dinner idea from Family Spice is made with rotisserie chicken, of course! While this recipe calls for homemade mashed potatoes, we won’t tell anyone if you opt for the pre-made store-bought version instead to cut down on time. We’d guess this meal is equally delicious as leftovers as it is fresh from the oven.

Chicken Broccoli Crescent Roll Bake

Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
Bitz & Giggles

 

Crescent rolls with cheese and chicken INSIDE? Sign us up for this delicious casserole from Bitz & Giggles that uses either a homemade sauce or a handy canned soup and is then baked for less than 20 minutes in total. Don’t forget to toss in some broccoli so you can skip a separate side of veggies.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

rotisserie chicken recipes
Scrambled Chefs

 

Rotisserie chicken also makes for delightful dips. This buffalo dip from Scrambled Chefs teams up chicken, hot sauce, cheese, and ranch dressing and pairs wonderfully with sliced veggies, chips, bread, or hey, even in a wrap!

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16 Easy Dip Recipes That Make a Hearty Dinner

by Karly Wood

These easy dip recipes are packed with meat and veggies that make them a full meal

Have you ever whipped up a dip appetizer for an upcoming party that was so hearty, you could eat it for dinner? Since we rarely hear of kids (okay, except the uber-picky eaters) or adults refusing a warm dip paired with crispy bread or veggies, why not make that delicious dip into dinner? These easy dip recipes include everything from classics like artichoke and buffalo dips to new takes on the viral TikTok baked feta and tomato recipe, and each idea is a great way to spice up your dinner routine.

Creamy Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe with Garlic Toast Rounds

easy dip recipes
Boulder Locavore

This isn’t your grandma’s plain ole artichoke dip! This version is made with sour cream, three kinds of cheese, and a little hot sauce to give it a kick. While you could eat this with a fork, this recipe from Boulder Locavore also includes steps on how to make your own garlic toast rounds which makes this dip even more scoopable.

Chicken Enchilada Dip

This is definitely a dinner masquerading as a dip, what with the chicken, Rotel, cream cheese, and lots of savory spices. Did we mention it’s also low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free? Serve with veggies, chips or just spread on a tortilla and make a roll up! You can find the full recipe here.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip

The View from Great Island

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a tub of sour cream and a packet of onion dip mix, but this hot sweet Vidalia onion dip from The View from Great Island is for those days you want a little something extra! It’s made with aged Italian cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella, Worcestershire, and a little hot sauce. Toast up a sliced baguette and dinner is served.

Broccoli Cheese Dip

Bitz & Giggles

No, this isn’t a creamy soup—it’s your next dinner! It’s made with ingredients you likely keep on hand, like bagged broccoli, onion, garlic, and cream of celery soup. It comes together in a jiffy and per the recipe creator, pairs well with corn chips or even small pieces of bagel. Get the recipe from Bitz & Giggles.

Related: Soup and Stew Recipes To Warm You Up This Winter

Hatch Chili Corn Dip

This Hatch chili dip recipe is an Easy Dip Recipes
Family Spice

Ever wonder how to use Hatch chilis? This recipe puts this smoky veggie to good use. After roasting, combine the chili with corn, red bell pepper, green onions, and pepper jack cheese, then roast until everything is bubbly. Sure, this recipe from Family Spice is great for game day but it’s even better for dinner.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow cooker Buffalo chicken dip is an easy dip recipe
Gimmie Some Oven

Easy dip recipe: coming right up! All you have to do is toss ingredients that include cooked chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch dressing, and a few others into a crock pot and cook on high for a few hours. Grab your favorite dippers or chips, then enjoy. Get the recipe from Gimmie Some Oven.

Hot Tandoori Chicken Dip

The best part of this easy dip recipe is you can skip making Tandoori chicken—just use rotisserie! It does use a few Indian spices so make sure you have them on hand before diving in, but the creamy recipe that’s full of flavor is completely worth an extra shopping trip. Get the full recipe here.

Fire Roasted Corn Dip

A Spicy Perspective

There is something about fire-roasting ingredients that takes them next level, and that’s exactly what this recipe does with corn. When you combine with spicy pepper cheese, cooked chorizo, bell pepper, and onion, you get a delectable dip that pairs great with chips or street-size tortillas.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

This baked potato dip is an easy dip recipe.
Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Baked potatoes can take a while to prepare so you can skip some of the hassle with this easy dip recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron. It’s made with all your favorite toppings, like green onions, cheese, and bacon. You can enjoy it with veggies or pretzels, or top on a baked potato for the ultimate experience.

Philly Cheesesteak Dip

This Philly cheesteak dip is an easy dip recipe
Carlsbad Cravings

The heart of this dip from Carlsbad Cravings is beef and cheese, so you know it’s going to be hearty. It’s then combined with other Philly cheesesteak faves like onion and bell pepper then baked until bubbly. Serve with toasted bread or crackers!

Ranch Crack Dip

Ranch crack dip is an easy dip recipe
Scrambled Chefs

Ranch is always a fan favorite and this dip uses sour cream, cream cheese, cheese, onion, and bacon in a delightful combination. After baking, enjoy this hearty dip from Scrambled Chefs with pita, crackers, pretzels, or veggies.

Mississippi Sin Dip

Spend with Pennies

With a name like that, you know it’s going to be sinfully good! It’s similar to Crack Ranch Dip with its bacon, cream cheese, and chives but is served in a bread bowl which basically means it’s a meal. If you’d rather be fancy, you can serve on crisp crostini. Get the recipe from Spend with Pennies.

Healthy Taco Dip

Easy Dip Recipes
Isabel Eats

This taco dip from Isabel Eats is very reminiscent of the seven-layer dip of your youth, but a little healthier. It uses refried beans, cream cheese, tomatoes, salsa, lettuce, jalapeños, and cheese. If you want to make this dip an experience, take a stab at making your own tortilla chips to go with it!

Baked Feta Dip with Cherry Tomatoes

Baked Feta Dip is an easy dip recipe
Cookie and Kate

Great for summer dinners, this easy dip recipe from Cookie and Kate is flavorful and light. It uses feta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, and basil and is baked until the tomatoes release all their sweet goodness. Stir and eat with pita wedges or crackers.

Texas Trash Tip

This Texas Trash dip is an easy dip recipe
Bake Me Some Sugar

We’re not entirely sure where this dip got its name, but we appreciate the simple ingredients and the amazing taste.  You probably already have a lot of the must-haves, like refried beans, Rotel, taco seasoning, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. It goes great with chopped veggies, pretzels, or chips. Get the recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar.

Pepperoni Pizza Dip

Pepperoni Pizza Dip
Dinner Then Dessert

Most kids can’t turn away pizza, and they’ll likely love this dip from Dinner Then Dessert, too. It’s made with marinara, pepperoni, cream cheese, and Italian spices and is baked for a quick 15 minutes. Scoop up with breadsticks for the full pizza experience!

 

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5 Ways to Pack More Energy Into Your Kid’s Lunch

by Dahlia Rimmon, MS, RDN

Hack their school lunch to keep them fueled on busy days

Welcome to back-to-school season! While many of us are sorry to see summer go, we’re also looking forward to reeling in some of the chaos it wrought on schedules and routines. I know I am. The school year may be a grind but my household runs so much more efficiently with established routines. And as a mom, efficiency makes me happy. (So does finally getting my summer night owls back to bed at a reasonable hour!)

One of my favorite daily routines is packing school lunches. I know, hot take. But it gives me peace of mind knowing that the foods I include nourish and energize my children. And we all need a little extra fuel when we’re juggling school, extracurriculars, busy weekends, and more. So I’ve compiled some of my favorite dietitian-approved tips and healthy school lunch ideas for packing an extra dose of energy into their mid-day meals.

1. Carbs are an energizing powerhouse

Cue the communal sigh of relief! You’ve probably spent some time worrying that your kid eats too many beige carbohydrates, but carbs are the body’s preferred source of energy—and kids need a lot of them! To make them count, opt for whole grains (like whole-wheat crackers, bread, tortillas, and pasta), which are rich in fiber, rather than processed grains. Consuming fiber improves digestion, balances blood sugar, and increases satiety to help you feel full for longer stretches. Brown rice, overnight oats, and quinoa are amazing sources of fiber to pop in a lunch box.

2. Double-duty foods give an added boost of fuel

Protein provides satiety and sustained energy, which can tide you over between meals and snacks. Protein also slows the digestion of carbohydrates, or sugar, which prevents blood sugar spikes that can make kids tired and moody. Like protein, dietary fat also helps you feel fuller for longer, especially when paired with carbohydrates, and keeps spikes at bay. So why not pack foods that include both? (Mom hack for the win.) Foods that contain both fat and protein include nuts and seeds, cheese, eggs, and fatty animal proteins like salmon.

Related: 9 Dietitian-Approved Packaged Costco Snacks for Kids

3. Pack in some extra oomph with shelf-stable produce

Carrot and celery sticks, apple and orange slices, fresh berries, and bell pepper strips are standard lunchbox fair for a reason: Kids love them and they brighten up their meals (after all, we do eat with our eyes first). But you can give them an added dose of vitamins and minerals with shelf-stable fruit and veggie snacks, like applesauce cups, fruit and veggie pouches, freeze-dried or dried fruits, and crispy vegetable chips.

4. Ditch the juice boxes and opt for water

What if I told you that water not only hydrates, it also energizes? It’s actually not that surprising since we’re all mostly made of water. Pack a reusable water bottle for your kids so they can concentrate, play, and go about their day without getting dehydrated. And if they’re not typically into drinking water, try adding some fresh lemon slices or berries to dazzle up their H2O.

5. Think about a lunchtime snackle box

Every now and then, consider switching up your sandwich or thermos of pasta for a bento box full of snacks. These also work well for kids who don’t like typical lunch fare. In the same way that you would design a charcuterie board, build a lunch that’s made of energizing snacks. Some great options would be nuts (just remember that whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under age 4), dried fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cheese slices, which you can pair with whole-grain crackers. Don’t forget to include dips, a great source of fat! Guacamole, hummus, nut butter, and cream cheese are fan favorites. If you’re in a pinch, consider nourishing packaged snacks such as popcorn, granola bars, and whole-grain cereals.

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23 Toddler Lunch Ideas for When You’re on the Go

by Shelley Massey

Life doesn’t slow down just because kids need to eat; these toddler lunch ideas can keep up

If you’re trying to meal-plan for your toddler whose social life (or siblings’ sports schedules) translates to lunch in the fast lane, you have a few things going for you. Toddlers don’t eat that much—even on a good day—so you have room to pack a couple of choices. Plus, they tend to be distracted (translation: less picky). The next time you need to pack a quick bite, try one of our favorite healthy (and just plain enticing) toddler lunch ideas.

Savory Toddler Lunch Ideas

  • Quesadilla: Portable, handheld, and generally liked by all, the quesadilla is the king of the
    toddler lunch on the road.
  • Toddler Portion of Leftovers (plus wipes): Forget about being clean. Just get them fed.
  • Hard Boiled Egg & Sesame (provided there’s no allergy) Bagel: For the pickier eaters, try plain instead.
  • Whole Avocados: Just remember to bring a bread knife to cut it in half, then hand the
    unseeded side to your toddler with a kiddie spoon.
  • Kid-cuterie: Guess what you get when you unpack a Ziploc bag with a protein, a dairy,
    fruit, and vegetable onto a paper plate? That’s right. A kid-cuterie. Throw in a small
    container of hummus or ranch and you’ve got two tickets to paradise.
  • Roly-Poly: Cream cheese and turkey rolled into a tortilla.
  • Deconstructed Sandwiches on a Stick: For your older toddlers, skewer rolls of deli meat,
    mini tomatoes, chunks of bagels or whole-grain bread, and cubes of cheese.

Related: 5 Amazing Toddler Charcuterie Board Ideas 

Sweet Options

  • Peanut Butter & Anything: For toddlers who’ve cleared the peanut allergy test, this gold-
    standard of child-rearing nutrition won’t fall apart and packs a protein-filled punch. Instead of jelly, try adding mini marshmallows or sliced bananas to keep it fresh. Or, simply allow a frozen Uncrustable that will thaw in your bag to do the work for you.
  • Apple Sticks Wrapped in Deli Turkey
  • Nutella & Strawberry Roly-Poly
  • Peanut Butter & Banana Roly-Poly: Don’t slice the banana! Spread peanut butter on the
    tortilla and wrap that thing up whole.
  • Yogurt Dip & Graham Crackers with chopped fruit: Freeze this healthy treat and pull it out before you leave. Serve with strawberries, apples, or even bananas.
  • No-Bake Energy Bites: Made with peanut butter, chocolate, old-fashioned oats, and chia seeds, your toddler will get tons of nutrition in one tasty nibble.

Ideas That Sneak in Healthy Foods

  • Cucumber & Cream Cheese Crustless Sandwiches: Your mother had them at her baby
    shower and you can bet your toddler will love the cream cheese paired with the salty
    crunch of the cuke.
  • Garbanzo Beans & Halved Cherry Tomatoes: Squeeze some lemon and sprinkle some
    salt on this easy finger food.
  • Thawed Frozen Veggies & a Cheese Stick
  • Frozen Pre-Made Smoothies: Freeze these in advance and they’ll thaw out just in time for
    lunch on the go.
  • Shelled Edamame & Pasta: Add a splash of soy and sesame oil for the adventurous
    eaters.
  • Hummus & Pretzel Chips: Throw in a few slices of bell pepper for a vitamin C boost.

Related: 31 Super Easy Ideas for Toddler Dinners (That Aren’t Buttered Noodles)

Last-Ditch Toddler Lunch Ideas

  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Prep these crowd-pleasers the night before and keep them in
    the fridge for portable possibilities.
  • Frozen Yogurt Tube
  • Dry Cereal & Banana: Because sometimes, it’s the answer.
  • Clif or Any Kind of Protein Bar
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Recipe: California Dreamin’ Dog

by Maraea Cardner
Partner Content

You can’t go wrong with the California Dreamin’ Dog recipe. Tasty avocados, crisp cucumbers and Nathan’s Famous® Skinless Beef Franks are the perfect combo for this west coast favorite.

Check out the recipe from Nathan’s Famous® below to learn how to whip up your family’s new go-to weeknight dinner.

Total Time Skill Level Servings
20 mins Beginner 4

Ingredients

Nathan’s Famous® Skinless Beef Franks 1 pkg(s)
Hot dog buns 1 pkg(s)
Sliced avocados As needed
Sliced cucumbers As needed
Diced red bell peppers As needed
Cilantro, stems removed As needed
Lime zest
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Instructions

  1. Prep your veggies. Wash and dry all. For the avocado, cut in half around the seed, then rotate and cut around again to create quarters. Separate the quarters and remove seed. Peel the skin away from each segment, then cut into thin slices. Cucumbers can be sliced with the skin on or removed – your choice! Whichever you choose, slice the cucumber into rounds, then cut each round in half. For the bell pepper, cut off the top and bottom, then halve. Cut away the membrane and seeds, then dice. Cilantro should be thoroughly dried (squeeze excess water out if needed), then finely chopped. Zest the lime.
  2. Cook your hot dogs your favorite way. We suggest pan-fried with butter!
  3. Assemble your dog! Nestle dog into the bun, then arrange avocado and cucumber slices alongside. Top with bell pepper and cilantro, then sprinkle lime zest over all.
  4. Optional: Want to add even more West Coast freshness? Finish with a generous drizzle of Green Goddess to cover.

Tips to Stretch Your Dollar

Turn your leftovers into an avocado salad! Add lettuce and you’re ready to go for your next meal. You can even toast your leftover hot dog buns to make some tasty croutons!

In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time. 

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Recipe: Fast and Fabulous Smoked Sausage Fajitas

by Maraea Cardner
Partner Content

Looking for a way to spice up mealtime, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? These Fast and Fabulous Smoked Sausage Fajitas are great for family dinner, and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage is precooked and ready to heat for your convenience.

Check out the recipe from Eckrich® below to learn how to make your next go-to meal.

Total Time Skill Level Servings
35 mins Intermediate 4

Ingredients

Eckrich® Smoked Sausage Rope, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices 8 oz.
Medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 whole
Medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 whole
Medium onion, cut into thin slices, separated into rings 1 whole
Dried oregano leaves 1 Tsp.
Ground cumin 1/2 Tsp.
Hot pepper sauce 1/8 Tsp.
Flour tortillas 4
Shredded lettuce, optional As needed
Salsa, optional As needed
Sour cream, optional As needed
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Instructions

  1. Combine sausage, bell peppers, onion, oregano, cumin and hot pepper sauce in medium skillet; cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender and sausage is heated through.
  2. Heat tortillas according to package directions.
  3. Spoon sausage mixture evenly down centers of tortillas. Top with lettuce, salsa and sour cream, if desired. Roll up.

Tips to Stretch Your Dollar

Use the leftover mixture to add to a taco salad for lunch the next day. Be sure to store your the sausage and veggies in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time. 

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7 Quick Ways to Show Your St. Patrick’s Day Spirit

by Erin Feher

With all us moms and dads have to remember on a daily basis, we don’t blame you if you forgot to stock up on Kiss Me, I’m Irish tees and shamrock socks in preparation for St. Patricks Day. But that doesn’t mean you have to send your little leprechaun to school without a speck of green. Here are seven simple (and sometimes silly) ideas for how to add some instant green to their look today, to ensure no one gets pinched.

leaf crown

Photo: The Twig and Toadstool

Make a Leaf Crown
Forget the store, just stop by the nearest tree to complete your “Luck of the Irish” look. Just follow this easy tutorial from Twig and Toadstool, and your little will rule the day.

Raid the PJ Drawer
No green tees or pants? You may have more luck in the pajama department. For this fun day make a wardrobe exception, and let them wear those dino PJs out into the world.

green lunch

Photo: Mom100

Pack a Green Lunch
Pesto, broccoli, edamame, kiwi, grapes, bell pepper, celery, green apple—we are betting your fridge is stocked with green, so why not challenge yourself to pack an all green lunch today? The Mom100 has more great ideas on adding some color to packed lunches, so check it out here.

photo: Jose Soriano via Unsplash

Sport a Green Juice Mustache
This idea is so easy it involves doing LESS than you do on a typical day. Just blend up a greens-filled power juice and skip the clean up after, and let your little smoothie sipper sport a green juice mustache all day. Some dripped on their shirt? Even better.

Don A Broccoli and Kale Corsage
This one is sure to garner giggles from their schoolmates. Just bundle up a few of the prettiest greens from the crisper drawer and make a prom-worthy (and Iron-packing) corsage. The best part? A healthy snack is always at hand…literally.

Green Hair, Don’t Care
All you need is a stick or two of green chalk, some warm water and a little hair gel for an instant and very temporary (promise!) hair dye. Follow these simple instructions from The Krazy Coupon Lady and your kid will head to school looking like you planned for this holiday for weeks.

Raid Mommas Jewelry Box
We are betting there are some faux emeralds or even forgotten Mardi Gras beads in that jewelry box of yours, so let you littles sort through your stash and come up with something sparkly and green. Just be sure and remove anything of actual value from the pile of options! 

 

RELATED STORIES: 

13 Rainbow Recipes That Are (Mostly) Healthy

Target’s St. Patrick’s Day Collection Is Everything

Everything You Need to Trap a Leprechaun This St. Patrick’s Day

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This Is How to Sham-Rock a St. Patrick’s Day Party

by Christal Y.

Take a break from gold and leprechauns this St. Patrick’s Day and check out this unique and viridescent Irish celebration from mom editors Megan and Ginger of Little Peanut. Flip through the slideshow to see all the decorations, healthy snacks and games the dynamic duo planned for this party that will make you green with envy.

A Healthy Irish Celebration

Start your little one's weekend with some celebrations and healthy snacks. Little Peanut's non-traditional St. Patrick's Day food spread totally compliments it's savvy and chic decor style.

Darling Yarn Wrapped Centerpieces

This uncomplicated centerpiece is made of bottles wrapped tightly in green yarn. For crafty fams, it's also a great project that little fingers can help out with.

Shamrock Streamers

Hanging shamrocks make a great backdrop during photo ops with the kids. With different shades of green, the decorations pop and the room much more vibrant.

Green Milk

Little Peanut grabbed these cute milk bottles and green clover straw from Shop Sweet Lulu, and made the milk green for some extra fun.

Shamrock Painting

Did you know bell peppers also the key to creating perfect shamrock fridge art? Simply cut off the end of a bell pepper, clean out the membranes and use the pepper to stamp a shamrock shape with paint onto paper.

Shamrock Peppers with Ranch Dressing

What a delicious way to get little ones to eat their greens. Thinly sliced bell peppers make it easier for kids to dip them into green ranch dressing.

Rainbow Art

Kids won't be able to keep their hands off this fruit loopy rainbow art. Simply have them form the rainbow arches with each color of the rainbow. Drawing faint pencil lines can help keep the lines round the way you want them. Use Cotton balls for the clouds and glue down all of the pieces.

Rainbow Fruit Stick

These rainbow fruit kabobs are such a delightful treat. Kids at the SLP party had fun naming the colors and fruits.

Pencil Stamp Shamrock

This project from No Little Peanut is elementary for a tot of any age. Kids can fine tune their motor skills by stamping in the lines or free-forming a shamrock!

Skittle Rainbow Sticks

Fill clear plastic candy tubes with a little colorful magic. These make beautiful party favors that'll have guests rattling happily long after they've left your party.

What’s your favorite part of this cool party? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Taylor Clifton & Christal Yuen

all photos by Jessica Peterson, courtesy of Little Peanut

Everything You Need to Trap a Leprechaun This St. Patrick’s Day

21 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crafts That Kids Will Love

11 St. Patrick’s Day Science Experiments for Kids

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Easy One-Pan Shakshuka

By Catherine McCord

Photo: Weelicious

This one-pan meal from Catherine McCord of Weelicious is the perfect weekend brunch dish. Catherine says, “Shakshuka has existed in mediterranean countries for centuries and you will find different variations on it depending on where it’s served.” With eggs, spices, cheese and veggies, your kids will go wild for this dish.

2-3 servings

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped (whichever you prefer)
4 large eggs
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
bread or pita, toasted for serving
avocado, sliced for serving

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes or until becoming translucent. Add the bell pepper, garlic and salt and continue sautéing for 3 more minutes or until vegetables have softened.

2. Add the smoked paprika, cumin and coriander and sauté for 1 minute to toast the herbs. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and stir the sauce until combined. Simmer the sauce over medium low for 15 minutes to med the flavors.

3. Using the back of a large spoon make 4 indents spaced out in the sauce and gently crack eggs into these “wells”. Cook the eggs and sauce for 5-6 minutes or until the whites are set and the eggs yolks are still jiggly. If you want your egg yolks fully cooked through cook for a total of 8-9 minutes.

4. Serve in bowls with toast and sliced avocado if desired or eat right out of the skillet like we do.

This post originally appeared on Weelicious.

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Catherine McCord is the co-founder of One Potato and the founder of the popular Weelicious brand, a trusted content resource synonymous with family and food. She has written three cookbooks including her latest Smoothie Project. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

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Make This Tonight: Easy Noodle Pancakes

By Catherine McCord

Photo: Weelicious

If our kids could eat two foods on repeat it would be noodles and pancakes. Catherine McCord of Weelicious combined these two popular dishes into one, and we have a hunch this noodle pancake recipe will be a new fave in your home. We love that it utilizes those leftover noodles we bet you never know what to do with. With the addition of diced veggies and eggs, these noodle pancakes make a healthy and filling meal.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked egg noodles
3 eggs, whisked
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/3 cup corn (I used frozen corn that I defrosted first)
1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup broccoli, chopped (raw or cooked)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
olive oil

Method:

1. Place all the ingredients (except for the olive oil) in a bowl and stir to combine.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.

3. Pour about 1/4 cup of the noodle mixture per pancake in the pan and cook for 3 minutes (you can pour as many pancakes at once as fit comfortably in your pan).

4. Flip the pancakes and cook an additional 3 minutes. Continue making the pancakes with the remaining mixture.

To freeze: Allow to cool, then place in ziploc bag, label and freeze. When ready, pop them into the oven at 300 for 10 minutes or until warmed through or defrost in fridge for 24 hours then heat in a dry pan.

Catherine McCord is the co-founder of One Potato and the founder of the popular Weelicious brand, a trusted content resource synonymous with family and food. She has written three cookbooks including her latest Smoothie Project. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

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