Whether you head to the Berkshires or spend the weekend in the Catskills, these cozy cabins provide a haven away from it all

The snow just started flying and as they say, “winter is coming,” which means it’s time to make a plan. Whether you want to hit the slopes of a nearby ski area, do the holidays in a deluxe chalet, or spend winter break outside the city, we found cozy cabin rentals where you and the family can escape, recharge, and have fun.

POCONOS

A Pet-friendly Poconos Chalet

Airbnb

Stylishly appointed with a retro vibe, the "Sedgwick Chalet" has five bedrooms. For $50 you can bring a pet. Note: there's an open staircase so may not be a fit for families with tiny kids. 

Sleeps: 10
Cost: $306/night
Online: airbnb.com

ULSTER COUNTY

An Ulster County Cottage with a Bonus Community Center

Airbnb

Part of Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY, "Birdsong Cottage" comes with use of the community center, where there's free coffee and tea, controlled campfires with s'mores, and more. You can bring your dog here, too. 

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $176/night
Online: airbnb.com

A Tiny House Near Beacon

Airbnb

Talk about cozy! If you've ever wanted to experience tiny house living, here's a chance! This cute trailer is in Marlboro, New York (about 20 minutes from Beacon, home to the museum Dia: Beacon). Somehow, it's got a king bed in there and wifi, too! (Not recommended for kids two and under.)

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $237/night
Online: airbnb.com

DUTCHESS COUNTY

An Upscale A Frame

airbnb upstate cabin
Airbnb

Built in 1968 but fully renovated in 2020/21, this deluxe Hudson Vally cabin has four bedrooms and 2 and a half baths. A glass facade lets you take in the winter landscape while keeping cozy watching the many streaming services or playing a game from the resident library. When you're up for an activity, hit one of the ski resorts in the area like Catamount or Butternut, both less than an hour away. 

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $490/night
Online: airbnb.com

COLUMBIA COUNTY

A Chic House in Hudson

Airbnb

Make yourself at home in this two-floor house with a double-sided fireplace, clawfoot tub and rain shower, lots of puzzles and games, and even a deck and fire pit. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $264/night
Online: airbnb.com

THE CATSKILLS

A Loaded Ski Lodge Near Hunter Mountain & Phoenicia

Airbnb

In addition to four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two fireplaces (!), this modern ski retreat offers speedy wifi, a record player, toys and games for the kids and amazing views. 

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $450/night
Online: airbnb.com

A Small Cottage For Bargain Hunters

Airbnb

It's petite, but so is the price. (One of the beds is a sofa bed.) Located in the Catskills, near Woodstock, New Paltz, and a short drive to Hunter Mountain. 

Sleeps: 3
Cost: $112/night
Online: airbnb.com

A Funky Carriage House Near Belleayre

Airbnb

Just a few minutes from the slopes this carriage house is on the site of a Methodist church from 1860. It sleeps six, has quirky decor touches, and a cozy wood stove. 

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $157/night
Online: airbnb.com

THE ADIRONDACKS

A Stylish Cabin Near Lake Placid

Airbnb

Head north for serious skiing and recharge in this modern cabin. Sleeps four comfortably (thanks to double bed bunks) and has a fire pit for apres ski hot chocolate. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $210/night
Online: airbnb.com

THE BERKSHIRES 

A Huge Berkshires Log Cabin with Hot a Tub

Airbnb

This sprawling "cabin" with tons of wood, a fireplace, and a hot tub can sleep nine. It's near ski areas like Catamount and Butternut, as well as Great Barrington, Lenox and the Appalachian Trail.  

Sleeps: 9
Cost: $355/night
Online: airbnb.com

FINGER LAKES

For a 19th Century Schoolhouse with Your Own Private Igloo

Airbnb

Situated in Finger Lakes wine country near Seneca Lake, this schoolhouse has a renovated, modern interior and a heated igloo for morning coffee or nighttime star-gazing. 

Sleeps: 4
Cost: $215/night
Online: airbnb.com

LONG ISLAND

A Chic Off-Season Escape

Airbnb

Yes, there is a lot of white in this former fisherman's cottage in Port Jefferson, but kids are welcome (and will likely enjoy the cozy bunk beds.) Chill out and enjoy the fireplace, deck, and motorized projector screen for movie nights. It sleeps six.

Sleeps: 6
Cost: $389/night
Online: airbnb.com

Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Take a break this year! Treat yourself and your family to a Thanksgiving feast to remember. With less preparation, cooking and cleanup you’ll have more time for family charades or to simply cozy up on the couch and watch your favorite family movie. Scroll down now to check out this abundant list of Bay Area restaurants and meal delivery options you just might be thankful for this year.

San Francisco

Via istock

One Market One Market’s Thanksgiving menu features a roasted Willie Bird Turkey, served with a fresh Pear and Arugula Salad, Cornbread-Sausage Stuffing (non-sausage version available), Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Shallot Thyme Gravy (on the side) and Cranberry Relish. To sweeten your night, get the Pumpkin “pie” Tart or Chocolate Pot de Crème. This meal comes chilled to heat and serve at home. $79 per person, minimum of two people. Classic cocktails and wine also available. Order here to pickup on Wednesday Nov. 24. 

Canela Canela is offering pre-orders on classic holiday meats and desserts for pick-up and delivery. The Thanksgiving Butcher Shop offers Marinated Natural Turkey, Rolled, Stuffed Turkey Breast with Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread Stuffing and Brussels Sprouts. Available homemade pies by Chona Piumarta of Pastry Cupboard include Pumpkin cheesecake brownies, Pecan Pie with Shortbread Crust or customer favorite: Blueberry Buttermilk Pie. Order here until Nov. 18. Pickup or local delivery available on Nov. 24.

A-Five Meats A-Five Meat Company is a distribution company that provides the finest cuts of wagyu to the world’s top chefs, and now to the consumer at home. Order the new Wagyu Feast, which features 6 pieces of wagyu and wagyu ground beef and includes Kobe beef and the Sanuki Olive Fed A5 Grade. ($1,140) for a turkey alternative with a group. The company also offers a Wagyu Sampler and Wagyu Essentials pack. Order here 

Shuk Shuka Shuk Shukka, which means "market" in both Hebrew and Arabic, is a new online marketplace created by a collaborative team of chefs with Middle Eastern roots delivering goods to the Bay Area. To spice up your Thanksgiving feast, snag the Dips and Spices Package that comes with 4 dips and 2 spices for $44.99. Order here

Mina Family Kitchen Chef Michael Mina and his culinary team introduce a very special feast from International Smoke. The dinner serves 4 people and is available for $299. Highlights include Butternut Squash Soup with toasted hazelnuts and pumpernickel croutons, Truffle Caesar Salad with onion crema, truffle vinaigrette and parmesan, Smoked Turkey Breast with truffle gravy, Asiago Stuffed Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing and Apple Crumble Pie for dessert.  Minimal heating and prep required at home. Instructions included. Order now through Nov. 23. In addition to delivery, orders can be picked up Nov. 24 and Nov. 25. 

Cassava Take it easy this year with take out from Cassava! The Outer Richmond’s casually elegant eatery is offering a ready to reheat Turkey Day Dinner for four. Stuffed with your favorites and all the fixings, Cassava’s Thanksgiving Meal to-go includes: 1 Whole Turkey (6-8 lbs, roasted ready to reheat), Green Bean Casserole, Candied Yams, Cornbread & Honey Butter, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and a Whole Pumpkin Pie. Order here

Brenda's French Soul Food For a larger group, try the whole turkey dinner kit (Serves 8 to 12) with all the fixin's: Butter Whipped Potatoes, Andouille Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans, Biscuits, Cranberry Compote ($330). Or for a smaller celebration, enjoy the same savory sides with a turkey breast ($165). And to fill your kitchen with holiday aromas, add spiced wine or cider! Order here for pickup on Nov. 23.

Lord Stanley This Michelin-starred Modern European restaurant offers a Thanksgiving Dinner for four. The feast includes: Truffled Turkey Breast Stuffed with Confit Leg, Sourdough and Dried Fruit, Yukon Gold Pomme Puree with Savory Hazelnut Praline, Winter Squash and Persimmon Galette, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Poultry Jus, Parker House Rolls and Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Calvados and Granny Smith Apple ($375). And to make it even fancier, why not add a side of caviar? Cocktails, beer and wine also available. Order here for pick-up on Nov. 24.

SPQR Chef Matt Accarrino offers an Italian-inspired Thanksgiving feast in two packages—one for 4-5 people and the other for 8-9 people. Both packages include: Herb Roasted Turkey, Black Truffle Gravy, Root Vegetable Stuffing, Winter Green Caesar Salad, Baked Mushroom filled Pasta Rotolo with Marsala Crema, 4 side dishes and a choice of Meyer Lemon Tre Latti Cake, Caramelized Sweet Potato Cheesecake, or Jean's Pecan Pie. Order here to pickup on Nov. 24 or Nov. 25. 

3rd Cousin Start your intimate dinner for two with a 7-layer salad before digging in to an Herb Roasted Organic Diestel Turkey, Sausage Stuffing, Whipped Potatoes, Yams, and a Classic Green Been Casserole. For dessert, enjoy a slice each of pumpkin pie and pecan pie. All for $198. Order online for pickup on Nov. 25.  

Luke’s Local With a wide variety of raw birds, Luke’s Local also offers a smoked (whole or half) turkey from Willie Bird Farms. And choose from a wide selection of sides. Some options are more traditional like Stuffing, Candied Yams and Mashed Potatoes, but other autumnal choices include Arugula Salad with Persimmon, Candied Walnuts and Goat Cheese or Stuffed Squash with Quinoa and Pepitas. Pies are also available. And whether you’re hosting or not, why not throw in a seasonal bouquet or holiday wreath. Order here.

Presidio Social Club Let the Presidio Social Club Exchange fuss over the meal while you focus on your friends and family. Savor the 12-14lb Roasted Turkey, Mushroom Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Relish. Choose between whole Pumpkin Pie or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.  Barrel aged cocktails also available. Serves 4-6 ($345). Order here by Nov. 16 to pickup on Nov. 25.

East Bay

Via istock

Pomella(Oakland) Mica Talmor’s mains, sides and desserts are all made with his distinctive Mediterranean and Eastern Europe influence. Order a la carte from a special holiday menu that includes Stuffed Turkey Breast Roulade, Harissa Turkey Wings, Mushroom “Bastilla,” Moroccan-style Phyllo Pie, Yukon Gold and Celeriac Mashed Potatoes, Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Brandied Cherries, House-made Biscuits, Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Candied Ginger, Pecan-Caramel Bars, and more. Heat and serve at home. Wine and beer are also available. Fresh Apple Persimmon Pie from Oakland-based baker Edith’s Pie will also be available whole and by the slice. Pre-order by noon on Nov. 20 for pick up on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.

Rocky's Market (Oakland) This year, Rocky's teamed up with Two Local Girls catering to offer to-go holiday meals. For $65/person, start your meal with Salad with Radishes, Oranges, Cojita Cheese and Pepitas before moving on to Roasted Turkey “Pavo Navideno” with Achiote Gravy. The meal includes Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Poblano Peppers, Sauteed Greens and ends with a sweet Bunuelo with Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Sauce. Order here.

Horn Barbecue (Oakland) Why not try one of the Bay Area’s hottest new restaurants? Pitmaster Matt Horn (best new chef, Food & Wine Magazine 2021), offers Smoked Turkey ($150), whole Prime Brisket ($250) or Beef Rib Racks ($120). Sides include Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and Potatoes. For dessert, try the Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Order now for pickup on Nov. 24.  

Buttercup (Walnut Creek, Concord, Vallejo, Oakland) For $80, this Thanksgiving feast is a steal! The meal includes: 2 lbs of Hand Carved, Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Cornbread Sage Stuffing, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Caesar Salad and your choice of Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. Generously serves 4 to 6! Served cold for you to reheat at home. Order here.

Montperi Caterers (Oakland) Order Chef Lamont’s Thanksgiving specials delivered to your door. Turkeys range from 10lbs to 18lbs. Traditional sides are available as is Apple Cobbler, Peach Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie, or Cheesecake. Order here by Nov. 22.

South Bay/Peninsula

Via unsplash

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley (East Palo Alto)—This Thanksgiving, savor a fully prepared meal by the chefs at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley from the comfort of your home. Each family-style menu includes soup and salad appetizers, turkey with all the trimmings, and dessert for the whole family. The menu includes: Red Kale Salad, Butternut Squash Soup, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Muscat Glaze and Pecan Pie Cobbler. Order now until Nov. 18 for pickup on Nov. 25.

Manresa Bread (Los Altos, Campbell, Los Gatos) This Thanksgiving, Manresa Bread features seasonal favorites made with house-milled flour: Pecan Pie, Apple, Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Butter Buns, Kouign Amann, and an Assorted Fresh-Milled Cookie Tin offering five different Cookie Varieties, (25 cookies for $55). Pre-order now for pickup on Nov. 23 or Nov 24.

Black Angus Steakhouse, (San Lorenzo, San Jose, Vallejo) Available in three sizes, family Turkey Dinners feature the holiday classics: Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sage Dressing, Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Broccoli with Garlic Butter, Garden Salad, fresh Cranberry Sauce, Molasses Bread and Pumpkin Pie. If you’re not in the mood for turkey, why not try the prime rib? Order online.

Selby’s (Redwood City) The entire menu is a la carte so feel free to create the Thanksgiving meal of your dreams. Think organic turkey (10-12lb: $125; 24-26lb: $265), Traditional Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Cranberry-Orange Relish and more! Place your orders by Nov. 23 for pick-up on Nov. 25.

Marin

Via unsplash

Carneros Resort & Spa—Carneros Resort is offering Turkey To-Go meals for those that want to enjoy the resort’s holiday feast within the comfort and security of their own home. The package serves groups of 4-6 people ($350) and features an Organic Diestel Turkey with traditional sides, all featuring the abundant flavors of Napa Valley. To preorder, call the Market at 707.299.4820 or email Pauline Stanley at pstanley@carnerosresort.com

Left Bank (Larkspur, Menlo Park, San Jose) This 4 course prix-fixe dinner is only $59/person and includes Butternut Squash Soup, Fall Salad, and a traditional Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts, Candied Yams and Orange Cranberry Relish. Or—if turkey isn’t to your liking, try the Honey Mustard Glazed Natural Rack of Pork or the Autumn Risotto. All meals come with Pumpkin Pie. Order online for pickup on Thanksgiving Day. View menu here.

Dee Wagner Kick up your feet, relax and let Dee Wagner do all the work. With options for 2 people ($100) to 10 people ($500), each meal includes Diestel Family Ranch Free Range Turkey, Mushroom Bread Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Moroccan Carrots, and Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Delicata Squash. Order online and your meal will be delivered the day before thanksgiving. You can also make a donation this Thanksgiving to NoHungerHere and bring meals to hungry people throughout the North Bay.

Throughout the Bay Area

Via Unsplash

Jessie & Laurent Save your sanity and order up some gourmet meals from Jessie & Laurent for your family. This San Rafael-based company has delivered delicious, chef-made meals to the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. Thanksgiving offerings from Jessie & Laurent include:

  • Seasoned Whole Diestel Organic Turkey (10-12 lb ($125)
  • Local Artisan Cheese & Charcuterie Platter ($55)
  • Glazed Cornish Hens with Cranberry Stuffing (small:$22; medium: $41; large: $55)

And don't forget the traditional sides: Whipped Potatoes, Classic Stuffing with Mushrooms, Roasted Root Veggies and Cranberry Relish. Desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, rustic apple tartlets and so much more! View the complete Thanksgiving menu here and place your order early so they don't sell out of your favorite items.

Good Eggs Start off with an antipasto board or a cheese platter and move on to a complete Thanksgiving feast (think turkey with all the necessary sides). Or—if you like the way cooking a turkey makes your house smell like the holidays, why not just cook the bird yourself and have all the sides delivered? You can customize, add meat alternatives, tack on a wide selection of fresh desserts and enjoy beer or wine to toast the occasion. Click here to start your order.

Whole Foods Market Whether you want an entire Thanksgiving feast for 12, just sides, soups and sauces, or a vegan celebration, give Whole Foods a try. With the option of a fully cooked or raw turkey and sides fully prepared or just the ingredients, they really do cater to everyone. Click here to explore your options. 

—Nicole Findlay & Kate Loweth

featured photo via iStock

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Whether you are venturing out to trick-or-treat or you are planning a stay-at-home bash there is plenty to celebrate this Halloween. Head over to ALDI if you are looking for some festive treats your kids will love to gobble up. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Halloween Pumpkin-Shaped Pizza will hit the shelves starting Oct. 7. 

Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen Halloween Pumpkin Shaped Pizza

According to its packaging, the pizza features “a crispy crust topped with a creamy butternut squash sauce, cheddar cheese, mozzarella eyes and a mascarpone cheese sauce” smile. 

Each 8.11 ounce personal pizza retails for $3.99. Snap these up while you can because they won’t last long. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: ALDI

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Are you trying to sneak more veggies into your little one’s diet? Campbell Soup Company just introduced Prego+, a new plant-based pasta sauce. The new platform includes a line of Prego+ Plant Protein and a line of Prego+ Hidden Super Veggies. Both offer the same great taste and texture families know and love from Prego, now with added goodness.

The team was inspired by ongoing consumer demand for more protein and the persistent challenge of getting picky eaters to eat more vegetables. Prego+ Plant Protein offers 4 grams of protein from peas; its Meatless Meat variety includes soy crumbles and is the first vegan meat sauce from the Prego brand. Prego+ Hidden Super Veggies offers a smooth blend of six super veggies, including: sweet potato, carrot, cauliflower, butternut squash, spinach and roasted red pepper. All varieties are designed to look and taste like the Prego families love.

“With the surge in popularity of plant-based diets, we were inspired to create Prego+ to offer more options,” said Diane George, Senior Marketing Manager, Prego, “Now more than ever parents are looking for quick and simple ways to get more nourishment into their families’ diets. Prego+ offers a new way to do that, making life a little easier for families amidst a new normal.”

The new varieties include:

Prego+ Plant Protein Italian Tomato Sauce

– Traditional

– Meatless Meat

– Roasted Garlic & Herb

 

Prego+ Hidden Super Veggies Italian Tomato Sauce

– Traditional

– Flavored with Meat

– Roasted Garlic and Herb

Prego+ has a suggested retail price of $2.99 per 24-ounce jar and is currently rolling out to retailers nationwide. Both new sauce lines provide a good source of fiber, are low in fat and saturated fat and free of artificial colors and MSG. For more information on Prego®and Prego+, please visit prego.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy 

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When it comes to making dinner, no one knows the struggle more than author, nutrition coach and chef, Sarah Adler. The woman behind Simply Real Health is committed to making no muss, no fuss dinners that are healthy and easy. That’s where her Veggie & Red Lentil Curry Stew comes in. With less than 10 ingredients, this family-friendly meal can be made three ways and is the perfect way to sneak in those veggies.

Veggie & Red Lentil Curry Stew
Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups red lentils
5 cups water
1 large bag frozen broccoli (or 3-4 cups fresh)
1 large bag frozen butternut squash (or 3 cups fresh)
1 yam, cubed
5 carrots, roughly chopped
1 TB red curry paste (I used Thai Kitchen)
2 tsp sea salt + 1 tsp pepper

Directions:
For a IP: Add all ingredients to an Instant Pot, close tamper to high pressure and set for 30 minutes.

If making in a crockpot: add all ingredients in and cook for 4 hours high or 6 hours low.

If making traditionally in a stock pot: sauté veggies first, then add lentils, curry, s + p and liquid and bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat until lentils are cooked and broken down, about 15-20 minutes.

For more recipes from Sarah check out her cookbook, Simply Real Eating which is available on Amazon for $19.89.

––Karly Wood

 

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Introducing food is one of the most exciting milestones in your child’s first year of life. But have you ever actually tasted store-bought baby food? Go ahead. Give it a try. Jar or pouch not tasting so fresh and healthy? After discovering that most baby food available today is highly processed and either overly sweet or too bland, Chicago mom of two Shibani Baluja started making her own food full of hearty, nutritious veggies, and light on fruits. Read on for the scoop on Shibani’s company, lil’gourmets and why it’s a win-win for both kids and busy parents.

Special offer: Try lil’gourmets for just $3 a meal by using code REDTRI3 with the purchase of two or more boxes. And to learn more visit lilgourmets.com.

The Scoop

After consulting with pediatricians, chefs and nutritionists, Shibani launched lil’gourmets to make her fresh and delicious meals conveniently available to parents of babies and toddlers. Instead of using mostly apples and bananas to cover up the taste of vegetables, Shibani opted to rely on spices to enhance the flavors of those vegetables. The result was spoonfuls of bold and earthy veggie goodness, naturally low in sugar but big on taste.

Why You’ll Both Love the Meals
The meals are all 70-95% vegetables and beans and come in four flavorful varieties:

  • Organic Sweet Potato Curry: Made with 100% organic sweet potatoes, coconut milk, spinach, a squeeze of lemon and lime juice, and a blend of  spices
  • Organic Moroccan Butternut Squash: Made with 100% organic butternut squash, carrots, chickpeas, a squeeze of tamarind and lemon, and a blend of spices
  • Organic Coconut Cauliflower Mash: Made with 100% organic cauliflower, carrots, peas, coconut milk, a squeeze of tamarind and lime, and a blend of spices
  • Organic Cinnamon Beets & Apples: Made with 100% organic beets, a bit of apple, a squeeze of lemon, and a hint of cinnamon and ginger

These chef-inspired flavors can help develop a young child’s curiosity and palate, while the minimal processing allows your baby to absorb the essential nutrients in the veggies to boost growing brains and bodies. Each 3.5 oz lil’gourmets cup exposes your little one to new tastes, textures, colors, and aromas, and can be served directly from the fridge or placed in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

A single serving packs enough nutritional punch to stand as a meal for baby, or to offer as a side dish for a hungry toddler or preschooler. Try Cinnamon Beets & Apples on the side of beef or substitute for an applesauce snack; let your toddler dip their grilled chicken in Sweet Potato Curry or Moroccan Butternut Squash; or pair Coconut Cauliflower Mash with a fish or grain, like quinoa or pita bread, or even sprinkle with ground cashews for a nutty flavor. Talk to your baby and let your child see how you think about, prepare, and enjoy food and family mealtime will take on a whole new dimension.

 

Benefits Beyond a Delicious and Healthy Meal
The lil’gourmets servings are all packaged in clear cups so your baby will get lots of spoon-feeding and fine motor skills practice, plus plenty of chances to recognize satiety cues and relish parent/caretaker bonding. And, all that time you spend together with your baby in a highchair sharing a meal? Setting a positive relationship with food by providing healthy and hearty meals will help your kiddo blossom into a healthy and happy eater.

It's Convenient

The lil’gourmets model couldn’t be easier. The meals—ala-carte or subscription—are delivered refrigerated to your door, saving you time and energy to do all the other things you love doing. Just order a box of the organic veggie meals, store them in your fridge and your little one will enjoy fresh and flavorful foods every day. What’s more, lil’gourmets meals are made with only organic ingredients, just 3-5 grams of sugar per serving, and everything is non-GMO, vegan, preservative-free, and gluten-free. So you also save yourself any worry over what you're putting in your baby’s bowl.

Want to give it a taste? Try lil’gourmets for just $3 a meal by using code REDTRI3 at lilgourmets.com with the purchase of two or more boxes. And to learn more or see the list of local grocers they are sold at, visit lilgourmets.com.

—Whitney Harris

 

Finally, a dessert you won’t feel guilty about saying yes to! Yum Actually is a brand new ice cream made with real fruits and vegetables.

Mom of three, Nicole Frankel, struggled to get her kids to eat fruits and vegetables so she decided to add them into a kid-approved favorite: ice cream. She started by adding soft and sweet options, like bananas and sweet potatoes, to homemade ice cream and her kids, who were hesitant at first, gobbled it up declaring, “It’s yum, actually,” and that’s how the company was born.

Yum Actually offers four unique and delicious flavors: Creamy Honey Banana, Caramel Sweet Potato, Yummy Mango, Butternut Squash Butterscotch and there are more coming soon. Unlike other ice creams that contain real fruit, the amount in Yum Actually is much higher, with the fruits and vegetables being the main ingredient in every flavor. They are also 40 percent lower in sugar and more than 65 percent lower in added sugar.

“Kids eat too much sugar these days. It’s a known fact,” Frankel said. “When you look at the labels of other kids’ desserts sold in stores, the added sugar content is alarming. Because we use such flavorful fruits and veggies in our frozen desserts, we don’t need to add a lot.”

Frankel’s hope is that the frozen treats will also encourage kids to try more fruits and vegetables. She says her own daughter, Eleanor acquired a taste for fresh mangoes and sweet potatoes after eating the ice cream.

Yum Actually frozen treats are sold in portable three ounce cups, with four cups in each box. They are currently only available at select retailers in New York, but hopefully it will expand to more cities soon.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Yum Actually via PRNewswire

 

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a recall for Growers Express packaged fresh butternut squash, zucchini and butternut squash-based veggie bowls sold under the Green Giant Fresh, Growers Express, Signature Farms and Trader Joe’s brand names out of a Listeria monocytogenes contamination concern. Representatives from Growers Express did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

While there are no reported illnesses as of now, if you think you may have purchased the affected products, read on for more information on the recall.

Product Description: Growers Express Packaged Vegetables

The current recall includes the packaged varieties of butternut squash, cauliflower, zucchini and butternut squashed based veggie bowls sold under the Green Giant Fresh, Growers Express, Signature Farms and Trader Joe’s  names. The products were produced at a facility in Biddeford, Maine and were distributed to multiple states and retailers. Visit the FDA’s website for a complete list of products, states and retailers.

Why the Vegetables Were Recalled

The products were recalled out of a possible bacterial contamination concern. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause headaches, GI symptoms and stiffness. It can also lead to miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.

Tom Byrne, President of Growers Express, said in a press release, “The safety of our consumers is our first priority.” Bryne also added, “We self-reported the need for this recall to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and stopped production immediately after being notified of a single positive sample by the Massachusetts Department of Health. We are deep sanitizing the entire facility and our line equipment, as well as conducting continued testing on top of our usual battery of sanitation and quality and safety tests before resuming production.”

How to Tell If Your Veggies Were Recalled

According to the FDA’s website, the majority of recalled veggies have a “Best If Used By” date of Jun. 26 through Jun. 29, 2019. Visit the FDA’s website here for a full list of products and UPC numbers.

What Parents Can Do

If you have the affected products, don’t eat or serve them. Throw the products away and visit the Growers Express website here for more information.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Growers Express

 

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a voluntary green bean and squash recall. Following notification from a raw material supplier that routine tests for food contact surfaces tested positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Southern Specialties Inc. announced the recall for Marketside brand bagged green beans and butternut squash products.

A spokesperson for Southern Specialties Inc. provided the following statement to Red Tricycle via email:

“The health and wellness of those who consume our products is paramount. Anyone who lives in the nine Southern states listed on our website should check to see if they have the recalled bags. No illnesses have been linked to this recall, but we are still asking that people not consume and instead dispose of or return the recalled products to the place of purchase. We regret that disposing of or returning the recalled product may be inconvenient, but food safety is our priority.”

If you bought one of the affected products, or think you may have, read on for more information.

photo: Courtesy of Southern Specialties, Inc.

Recall Description: Marketside Bagged Green Beans and Butternut Squash

The current recall includes Marketside brand bagged green beans in 32-ounce and 12-ounce packages as well as bagged butternut squash in 16-ounce packages. The full list of recalled UPC codes, use by dates and lot codes is available from the FDA website here.

Why the Bagged Veggies Were Recalled

Following routine testing, a raw materials supplier (used by Southern Specialties Inc.) notified the company of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on food preparation surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes is a potentially harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, stiffness and headaches. The bacteria can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

How to Tell If Your Marketside Product Is Part of the Recall
Visit the FDA’s website for the full product and code listings to verify whether you have the affected products or not. While most of the recalled veggies were retrieved prior to retail distribution, some may have reached stores in the following southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

What Parents Can Do

If you have one of the recalled Marketside products don’t eat it. Throw out the veggies or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions or concerns can reach Southern Specialties Inc. at 1-954-876-2453 or by visiting the company’s website.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Karolina Grabowska via Foodiesfeed

 

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FYI: There Are New Chicken Nugget & Chicken Product Recalls

This homey recipe courtesy of Kari from GI 365 is perfect for those chilly but busy days—just pop some chicken, butternut squash, and cream of chicken soup in the crock pot in the morning, and you’ll have a complete meal ready by the time you get home. For extra brownie points, skip the sodium-heavy cans of soup and make your own cream of chicken soup using Kari’s recipe.

Ingredients:
3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and seeded
1½ pounds chicken thighs, browned (browning is optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil, for browning
1 medium onion, small dice
1 cup homemade cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon rosemary, minced
1 tablespoon sea salt

Method:
1. Cube the squash into 1½ inch cubes and place in the crockpot. Cut the onion into a small dice and place it in with the squash.

2. If you’re browning the chicken, place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and the chicken thighs. Brown for just a minute on each side. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.

3. Pour the homemade cream of chicken soup over the top and sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary.

4. Place the lid on the crockpot and turn to low for 8 hours.

Note: To make this completely dairy free, be sure to use a non-dairy cream of chicken soup. Browning the chicken adds extra flavor, but it’s not necessary if time is short.

What do you think of this recipe? 

Recipe and photo courtesy of Kari from GI 365