ML Interest Tag: palm-oil

16 Things from Trader Joe’s That Picky Eaters Will Love

by Karly Wood

There’s a special place in our hearts for parents of picky eaters. Mealtimes prove extra challenging, but no surprise to anyone, Trader Joe’s is here to save the day. We’ve rounded up tasty snacks and meal ideas that are so delicious that even your most discerning eaters will chow down. Keep reading to see our favorite things at Trader Joe’s for picky eaters.

Pizza Dough

 

Whether your little is anti-topping or even anti-cheese, Trader Joe’s pizza dough will come in super handy. Choose from regular or garlic dough, then have a pizza night where everyone can make their pie the way they want. At $1.49 each, this makes family dinner not only easy but cheap, too.

Banana Chips

 

It’s hard to turn down these sweet and crunchy banana chips. Made with minimal ingredients, even a picky eater will think these are a treat, rather than a healthy snack.

Trader Joe’s Colorful Carrot Coins

 

Ok here us out: not only do carrots become super sweet when roasted (which makes them more kid-friendly), but we’re pretty sure your picky eater will love that these “coins” also come in fun colors!

PB & J Bar

 

When it seems like all you’re making is PB & J, give yourself a break with these TJ’s bars. Each one packs 8 grams of whole grain, is gluten free and way less messy than your regular sandwich. They’re also great for on the go!

Bamba Peanut Snack

Trader Joe's Bamba Snacks

Trader Joe's version of the popular Israeli snack food, Bamba is a feast for the senses. Made with corn grits, peanut paste, palm oil and salt, the snack is light and airy and oh so delicious. Think: cheese puff but with peanut butter!

Can you believe it's only $.99 for a bag? Time to stock up on some Bamba!

Organic Popcorn with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Trader Joe's organic popcorn
Karly Wood

What kid doesn't enjoy a handful of popcorn? While not your standard movie theater version, this organic popped corn with accompanying organic extra virgin olive oil is a fancy snack that's perfect for adults or kids. Pack in a lunch or take on the go––there's nowhere this popcorn can't go.

A large bag is only $1.99 in the snack section at Trader Joe's.

Original Savory Thin Crackers

trader joe's savory thin crackers
Karly Wood

Enjoyed a la mode, with cheese or in a dip, there's nothing these original Savory Thin Crackers can't go. The gluten-free snack is a great size for kids' lunches and perfect for portion control.

A pack of these tasty crackers is only $1.69 in the cracker and snack aisle.

Trader Joe's Contemplates Inner Peas

trader joe's inner peas

These baked pea snacks couldn't get much simpler! Made from actual peas and shaped like a pea pod with a touch of salt, your picky eater most likely won't even realize they're getting their dose of green veggies in this tasty snack.

A bag of these is only $1.49!

Organic Lowfat Organic Squishers

Trader Joe's Yogurt Squishers
Karly Wood

Sneak in that healthy dairy to your picky eater's palette with cherry or strawberry yogurt squishes. The low-fat snack packs calcium in an ideal on-the-go squeeze package that kids find equally fun as they are delicious. You can even freeze them for a cold treat! 

An 8-pack of squishes is only $3.19 in the refrigerated dairy section at TJ's.

Organic Fruit Wraps

trader joe's fruit wraps

Oh, hello $.49 snack foods! These Trader Joe's organic fruit wraps (or fruit leathers, as they are also known) come in four fruity flavors and are finger-licking good. Plus, they're ideal for packed lunches and snacks because they don't get smashed!

Stock up on these $.49 wraps near the cash register or snack aisle.

Hummus & Pita Chip Snack Pack

This package of two, four-ounce trays is filled with TJ's popular Mediterranean hummus and their own pita chips on the other. Easy to slip into a lunchbox or grab for an on-the-go snack on the way to after-school activities. 

Gluten Free Mac & Cheese

Move over gluten-free Mac & Cheese, TJ's has just released a brand new Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese, and it's SO MUCH BETTER. Made from a blend of Havarti, Swiss, Cheddar and Gouda, this frozen dinner heats up like it was made fresh. It's creamy, flavorful and way better than other boxed versions.

Pack your freezer with several boxes of these for just $3.49.

Turkey Corn Dogs

Trader Joe's turkey corn dogs

One of our favorite things from Trader Joe's is their Turkey Corn Dog. Made from an all-turkey dog with no added nitrates, and then dipped in a savory batter, good luck stopping your littles from eating them with gusto.

A pack of 4 is only $2.99 in the freezer section.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

It's no secret that Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a real crowd pleaser––it wins for most popular product year after year for the retailer. The sweet and savory frozen dinner is a fan favorite for both adults and kids, even picky ones. Plump chicken is covered in crispy breading and then coated in a delicious sauce.

Pick up this easy dinner for $4.99 in the freezer section.

Ramen Soups

The subtle yet unique flavors in two of Trader Joe's newest products, make these Miso soups perfect for picky eaters. Noodles and savory spices plus a packet of sesame oil make this stand out from other ramen cups and make all the difference.

Choose from either Chicken or Miso Ramen cups for just $1.29 a piece.

Bean & Rice Burritos

trader joe's products for picky eaters

Picky meat eaters will chow down on these bean and rice burritos. Made with just the basics, no artificial flavors or preservatives, AND 99% fat free, everyone wins when these burritos are for dinner.

A pack of 2 is only $2.99 in the freezer section.

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Scare Up Some Fun! Portland’s Best Halloween Happenings

by Allison Sutcliffe

Here are all the scary-fun Halloween events Portland families need to check out this year

If there’s one holiday Portland families totally love, it’s got to be Halloween. We love to get weird with the kids (aren’t family costumes the best?) and head out into the city in search of goodies and the coolest carved pumpkins around. Lucky for us, Halloween events Portland kids love happen pretty much all month long. So plan to take that costume out for a spin at the zoo, OMSI, and even the symphony before your little pumpkin dons it for the main event on Halloween.

parents dress up for halloween pose with a costumed baby during howloween a halloween event in portland oregon
Michael Durham/Oregon Zoo

Howloween at the Zoo
You don't want to miss this Halloween event Portland families come back for year after year. The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this local tradition, where costumed trick-or-treaters learn about healthy habitats for wildlife in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo. Your little animal lovers will enjoy seeing the animals and learning all about conservation while filling their buckets, too. This event is included with your zoo admission, and you can grab a treat bag for an additional fee (or bring your own from home). The best part? All goodies handed out are made by companies that have committed to using deforestation-free palm oil.

Dates: Oct. 22, 23, 28-31, 2022

Oregon Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

See Hocus Pocus in Concert
See the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus on the big screen with the Oregon Symphony performing the soundtracks live. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as three wild witches who return from seventeenth-century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos. Filled with bewitching laughs and magic, this hilarious film is perfect for the entire family.

Dates: Oct. 29-31, 2022

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 S.W. Broadway
Portland
Event details

Do the Monster Mash
This Portland Halloween event starts at the Sellwood Middle School for the Monster March parade and ends with a party where kids can enjoy games, music, food, a photo booth, and face painting for Halloween. Wear your costumes, and register in advance for food and admission to this family event.

Dates: Oct. 29, 2022

Sellwood Community House
1436 S.E. Spokane St.
Portland
Event details 

Spirit of Halloween
The sleepy community of St Helens comes alive every October as it re-imagines Halloweentown, the spooky movie filmed there in the 1990s. You can find a celebration all month long, and they mean business—tickets are required for entry every weekend. You’ll be able to go on a self-guided haunted tour, check out the vendor village, and admire the storefronts in the historic downtown—look for special effects and great displays! You’ll find world class street performers, dance lessons, an alien exhibit, a costume contest, and a myriad of photo ops.

Good to Know: You'll find weekend Parking at 471 Plymouth Street.

Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 31, 2022

Courthouse Plaza at The Historical Riverfront District
275 Strand St.
St. Helens, OR
Event details

Ride the Pumpkin Train
Kids of all ages will love this festive train ride around Flower Farm. Why? Because it's led by a pumpkin engine. A trip around the farm is worth the visit, but the kids will love meeting farm animals and checking out the farm store too. Just beware, this ride runs rain or shine. Psst...looking for a frightfully fun ride? Check out the Flower Farm Boo Train (not recommended for kids under 6) that rides after dark.

Dates: Oct. 8-31, 2022

2512 N. Holly St.
Canby, OR
Event details

Related: This Pumpkin Train Ride Is Worth the Drive from PDX

carved pumpkins glow from within during Halloween, fall festivals
Boophotography via iStock

Make a Witch Hat
Bring your little witch or wizard to this parent/child crafting event. Registration includes all the materials you need to make your own custom witch hats, plus two hats you don't have to craft. It's a great event to get you in the spirit of things.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Venino Art Studio
13329 S.E. Misty Dr.
Happy Valley, OR
Event details

 

Trick or Treat at Gresham Station
Bring your costumed kiddos to Gresham Station for a fun Halloween event the whole family will love. Grab tricks or treats from the Gresham Station retailers, make crafts, and even get a chance to meet and greet some of Mountain Peaks Therapy alpacas when you visit.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Gresham Station
649 N.W. 12th St.
Gresham, OR
Event details

 

Get Halloween Goodies at the Farmers Market
Hey, ghosts and goblins, superheroes and princesses! Come celebrate Halloween with a trick or treating opportunity at the Market a day before the main event. Dress up in your costume and trick or treat at the vendors booths.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Rotary Plaza
12345 S.W. Tigard St.
Tigard, OR
Event details 

 

See Cool Carved Pumpkins
West Linn's annual pumpkin display will be back this year with 200 intricately carved, mind-blowing pumpkins, a kid-friendly laser light display, glow pumpkins, and a flaming jack o' lantern. Another fun option in West Linn? The Boo Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 21-22) at Mary S. Young Park where you'll see more pumpkins on display and the Portland Ghostbusters too. Both are fun alternatives to scary haunts that not all kids can handle, and an easy win for parent with tots and babies.

Dates: Oct. 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 28-31, 2022

2885 White Salmon Ct.
West Linn, OR
Event details

 

Experience a Junior Haunt
Halloween thrills that aren’t too scary wait for families at the Canby fairgrounds this year. Harken back to Halloween’s past as you survive ‘80s horror films, 1950’s atomic Cold War bunkers, clanking damp castles, raven-haunted graveyards, and more. This Junior haunt is aimed at guests 12 and under and their families. It’s a more brightly lit, quieter, and friendly attraction to provide only laughter and delight. Tickets required.

Dates: Oct. 8-29, 2022

Clackamas County Event Center
694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Event details

 

Attend the Kids Monster Fest
The Kids Monster Fest is a special matinee haunted house experience for children 12 and under and scaredy cats of all ages. Guests will be allowed into the largest Underhill Haunted House nighttime haunts: Underhill Manor. Upon entering young guests will receive a magic wand that will frighten any ghouls, monsters, or creeps away. Also, guests should try and find Harry, the very cute resident bat. If you do prizes await. Join us for Kids Monster Fest for a fun, scary-but-not-too-scary time.

Dates: Oct. 22 & 23, 2022

Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 N. Ramsay Way
Portland
Event details

Related: Our Favorite Places to Take Kids Trick or Treating in the City, Day or Night

a baby sits open-mouthed in a pumpkin patch field wearing a witch hat
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Experience Laser Halloween
Spooky lasers, eerie scenes, and ghoulish dances are what this party is all about. Get into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good tunes provided by OMSI. All you need to bring is your best dance moves for this chilling good time.

Dates: Oct. 1-30, 2022

OMSI
1945 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland
Event details

Trick-or-Treat on the Trail
Pack up the car and bring the kids for tons of cute photo ops around the Dolan Creek Farm. Dress in your costumes and plan to enjoying trick or treating on the farm’s nature trail, too.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Dolan Creek Farm
13490 S.E. Orient Dr.
Boring, OR
Event details

Go to a Spooky Storytime
Come celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Halloween with North Portland Library. Join with friends for a very special, very spooky storytime, a costume parade, crafts, snacks, and giveaway books.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

North Portland Library
512 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR
Event details 

Oaks Park Scare Grounds
Portland's only Scream Park returns to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, the historic Oaks Amusement Park. The Event features three horrifying haunted walkthrough attractions: House of Horrors Scarezone, Graveyard Pumpkin Patch, Last ‘Scream’ Photo Op. There are also Oaks Park thrill rides, games, and concessions. But we know you want to know about the not-so-scary option for little kids. Little ghosts and goblins are invited to join for Midway Trick-or-Treating during select hours. Get a trick-or-treat bag from any game booth, then stop by the carousel, train, mini golf course, and each Midway game for goodies.

Dates: Sep. 30-Oct. 31, 2022

7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland
Event details

Bella Organics Haunted Corn Maze
Open every Friday and Saturday night through October, this Halloween activity starts at dark. Get lost in acres of corn with the kids. Creatures stalk you as you make your way through the Haunted Corn Maze. This year the Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze will be inspired by suicide prevention, a theme we can all get on board with. If you're wondering which option to take with kids, try the earliest time available.

If you kiddos are too young for such a scare, Bella Organics has a far less scary corn maze to be enjoyed earlier in the day. It's open on Halloween and includes access to hay rides a cow train and even a petting zoo with lots of animals your little ghosts will love getting their hands on.

Dates: Sep. 15-Oct. 31, 2022

16205 N.W. Gillihan Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: Get Lost! Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall

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50 Ways Families Can Help Save the Planet

by Gabby Cullen

Teaching your kids about conservation and the environment is a lot more than just recycling, but it doesn’t have to drastically alter your lifestyle either. There are dozens of small things that families can do to go green, and many of them have the added bonus of saving you money! Read on for simple ways to help your crew help the planet. 

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1. Pick up trash. Bring along a spare plastic bag or two to pick up wayside recycling or garbage on walks around the neighborhood.

2. Carry reusable totes. Cut back on landfill-clogging plastic (and to save money if your city charges for bags!). Stash a few in your car and a folding one in your purse.

3. Veg out! You don't have to have a plant-based diet year round but cutting back on the consumption of meat does help conserve valuable resources. Try implementing Meatless Mondays or another meat-free meal one night a week. Check out these vegetarian recipes to get inspired.

4. Buy secondhand. You can find kids' clothing, furniture, home accessories and art from the antique market, from a Facebook marketplace, garage sales or Craigslist. Not only will you be consuming fewer new products, but your stuff will have a story.

5. Use washable containers. Plastic containers work great in lunch boxes. 

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6. Turn off the lights. Simply making the rounds and flipping the switch has a huge impact on energy usage.

7. Ditch the chemicals. Opt for some non-toxic homemade cleaners that are simple and inexpensive.

8. Wash, rinse, and reuse plastic bags.

9. Use smart bulbs. If your kid needs a night light, make sure to use an LED light. It can be on all night without taking nearly as much energy as a conventional light.

10. Dispose of old paint and electronics the responsible way. Check with your city's garbage pick-up provider to see if they have days or drop-off sites. Most Goodwill stores accept these items for recycling.

bedtime routine
iStock

11. Use reusable/refillable water bottles all day, every day! You'll help decrease the amount of plastic clogging our oceans and landfills. 

12. Buy rechargeable batteries. If you decide to go with regular batteries, make sure to recycle them properly.

13. Quit using paper towels to clean. Cut up old bath towels and tee shirts for cleaning instead.

14. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

15. Leave the car at home. Chose one trip a day to bike or use public transportation. 

eco-friendly brands like BeesWrap are changing the world.
courtesy Bee's Wrap

16. Buy sustainable goods. Be a conscious consumer and make sure the products you buy have a minimal effect on the environment. 

17. Buy in bulk. Buy from the market's bulk section to avoid unnecessary packaging. Do you really need individual containers of olives or cheese sticks when you can buy in bulk and pack it yourself?

18. Take an hour or less and switch all your bills to paperless.

19. Save plastic to-go containers and make mini-greenhouses for starting seeds.

20. Check the family car's tire pressure once a month. Having the right amount will increase gas mileage by three percent (woot!).

Alexas Fotos via Pixaby

21. Put your computer to bed. Plan on stepping away from the keypad? Switch your computer to “sleep” mode to save energy.

22. Tote your own refillable coffee mug. Many coffee shops even charge less for patrons who bring their own mug.

23. Load up the dishwasher. Also, don’t worry about pre-rinsing. (Note: this doesn't work as well with old appliances!).

24. Avoid products with palm oil. Rainforests are still being destroyed in order to produce palm oil. It's found in everything from chocolate to shampoo. Read more here.

25. Use coffee grounds in a compost pile or under acidity-loving plants like azaleas.

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26. Designate one glass per day. Instead of grabbing a new cup each time a kid needs a drink, assign everyone a cup each day. 

27. And speaking of compost ... If you don't have space or yard to start your own, see if your city offers a composting program or try and start one at your kid's school.

28. Share your old magazines with friends or doctor’s offices. It's always a good idea to black out your address first. And if no one wants them, recycle them!

29. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Not only will you save trees but you'll look extra fancy.

30. Buy reusable snack bags. You won't have to buy plastic bags for months, if not years. 

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31. Sell old cellphones. All they're doing is taking up space in your desk drawers. You can send them to usell.com for cash.

32. Add some green. Houseplants are natural air filters, so grow one in your kiddo's room!

33. Dry your clothes in the sunlight or air. Even if they still need to "finish" in the dryer, you'll save electricity and gas by letting natural elements do half the job.

34. Cut up plastic six-pack rings! You probably heard about this when you were a kid but it's still a problem and it's an easy thing to do.

35. Talk to your kids about why going green is so important. You'll be creating future conservationists!

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36. Unplug  appliances (like toasters, hair dryers and coffee makers) when you’re not using them. 

37. Organize a local beach or park cleanup. 

38. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden in your yard, school or neighborhood. 

39. Consider the rain garden: a garden designed to help filter run-off from parking lots. Many schools are creating these in medians and edges of parking lots. 

40. Use calendars and greeting cards to make cool art. 

41. Reuse old toys in inventive ways. 

42. Stop using plastic straws. Switch to paper, silicone or metal straws. Ask your local businesses to do the same. 

43. Stop using bath and body products with synthetic microbead exfoliants and opt for either natural exfoliating ingredients like scrubs with nut/seed exfoliants like St. Ive’s, or sugar scrubs.

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44. Consider swapping out plastic toothbrushes fort these bamboo toothbrushes. Use your old toothbrushes to clean grout and hard-to-reach places. 

45. Create non-toxic crafts like this milk & vinegar plastic. 

46. Stop using glitter. If you must use glitter, use this biodegradable brand, Today Glitter. 

47. Use vinegar in place of glass cleaner. 

48. Avoid food waste with these clever ideas. 

49. Consolidate your Amazon orders, people! Yes, we know you can get it it one day. But if you order several items you can request they arrive in one shipment instead of multiple boxes. 

50. Be kind to animals and all living things.

—Gabby Cullen, Amber Guetebier, Erin Feher, Kristina Moy, Chantal Lamers

 

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Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Brands You’ll Feel Good Investing In

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Our Top 5 Picks for Reusable Snack Bags on Amazon

 

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My 3 Favorite Things to Eat When I’m Stressed

By Chef Gerard Viverito

Raise your hand if you’ve ever eaten something unhealthy because you felt stressed. During my trips to the supermarket, I have been shocked to see so many grocery carts overloaded with junk food. I understand that people are tired and seeking comfort. But tater tots and ice cream won’t help. In the past, I’ve turned to food to bring me solace. But in hindsight, I learned that when you eat poorly, you feel worse so you eat poorly again. After two slices of pie, you might as well eat the whole thing, right? It’s a downward spiral!

Cleaning up your diet may help you feel better physically and emotionally. If that’s still not enough to motivate you, here are my 3 favorite food categories that I reach for whenever I’m stressed. Comfort foods don’t have to be junk. And healthy foods don’t have to be boring (see below for 2 of my favorite recipes that prove just that).

Foods I Reach for When I’m Stressed:

1. Food with Fins. Meat prices are skyrocketing and there’s talk about shortages. Meanwhile, there’s been a spike in seafood consumption. But I still hear from people who are afraid to serve fish at home because they don’t know how to prepare it. Really, it’s easy. Just saute it at high heat until it changes color and flakes easily. Total cooking time would be about 8-9 minutes for thick fillets, and 6-7 minutes for thinner fillets.

  • Make sure to use the right oil. Some oils become carcinogenic at high heat. Malaysian palm oil is ideal for fish because it has a neutral, buttery flavor. Plus it’s heart-healthy, nutritious and certified sustainable.
  • Choose sustainable fish. We’re all attuned to shortages right now. Get into the habit of making responsible choices that help protect our food supplies and our planet. The American seafood industry generally has better sustainability practices than those of other countries.

2. Food from the Soil. There’s no shortage of fruits and vegetables. Because they are rich in fiber, you’ll feel fuller so you’re less likely to want to snack. Consider serving plant-based proteins a few times each week instead of animal proteins. You may know that beans and legumes have a lot of protein. But I’ll bet you didn’t know that there’s also protein in whole grains, broccoli and sweet potatoes. So, challenge yourself to create the most colorful plate of food possible.

  • Make sure you’re always eating a variety of foods. Consider what you ate yesterday, and try not to eat it again today.
  • Opt for fresh or lightly processed. Many over-processed foods, even those sourced from plants, can contain too much sugar and salt. Even if it’s made from plants, you still need to read the labels.

3. Food That’s Fun.

Keep the kids from going stir crazy by getting them into the kitchen. Instead of swinging into another drive-through, teach your kids how to choose and prepare foods on their own that will keep them occupied and sharpen their minds.

  • Plant a garden with kid-approved brain foods such as strawberries, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and broccoli.
  • Encourage them to sample new things. Have your kids research traditional foods and meals in different parts of the world. Then ask them to share what they’ve learned around the dinner table. It’s a wonderful way to take your family on a culinary adventure while you’re all stuck at home. For instance, my kids know that I only cook with palm oil produced in Malaysia because it is certified sustainable; it’s made without harming wildlife or rain forests.
  • Have enough measuring spoons and measuring cups so that each child can use their own. That speeds up meal prep time. Kitchen shears are safer for kids to use than knives.

If you feed your family junk food, your health will pay the price. But you don’t have to be a slave to your stove. Do what I’ve done and try eating just fresh foods for a couple weeks. Pay attention to how eating different foods makes you feel, not just in the moment but also the next day. Then slowly introduce processed or sugary foods back into your diet and see how you feel. Once I cleaned up my diet and realized how great I felt, and how much clearer my thinking was, it became easier to kick my favorite junk foods to the curb, permanently!

Here are 2 of my favorite comfort foods that are healthy to boot:

Chicken “Palm-atta”

Ingredients:

  • 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half
  • Sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
  • all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 7 tablespoons Malaysian sustainable Red Palm Fruit Oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup Italian parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
  2. Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 6 tablespoons Malaysian Red Palm Oil.
  3. When butter and oil are hot, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is golden, flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  4. Remove from the pan and hold in a warm spot.
  5. Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock, and capers. Place on the burner and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan to deglaze for extra flavor.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  7. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Move chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 1 Tbsp of Palm oil to sauce and whisk to emulsify.
  9.  Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.

Mashed Root Vegetables with Chevre and Chives

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds celery root (celeriac), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 4 tablespoons Smart Balance Spread, divided
  • 1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup Chevre goat cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup fresh chives, snipped

Directions:

  1. Bring 1-inch of water to a simmer in a large saucepot.
  2. Place celery root, parsnips, and potatoes in a large steamer basket over the water, cover and steam over medium heat for 20 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and continue steaming until the vegetables are fall-apart tender, 20 minutes more. Add more water if necessary.
  4. Drain the cooking liquid through a sieve and return the vegetables to the pan.
  5. Place over low heat and continue to stir for 3-4 minutes to steam dry.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons Smart Balance and mash until chunky-smooth.
  7. Gradually stir in buttermilk, chevre, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  8. Just before serving, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons Smart Balance and chives.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare everything through Step 2 and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a double boiler and stir in the remaining butter and chives (Step 3) just before serving.

Check out more of my healthy recipes at ChefGerard.com.

 

 

Chef Gerard Viverito
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Chef Gerard Viverito is Director of Culinary Education for Passionfish, a NGO non-profit organization dedicated to educating people around the globe on the issue of sustainability in the seas. He is also the operator of Saveur Fine Catering, a company focusing on local, sustainable and organic foods.

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Does Nutella Really Cause Cancer? Here’s What You Need To Know

by Red Tricycle

Photo: moogs via Flickr Creative Commons

A few scandalous headlines has parents everywhere tossing their Nutella in the trash. The delicious hazelnut spread has been at the center of controversy this week, with headlines reading “Study Warns Nutella Causes Cancer” and “Stores Remove Nutella From Shelves After Reports It Contains Carcinogens.” So are these articles true? Is Ferrero, the Italian company that makes Nutella, selling a product that can kill people?

The answer: No. The highly cited study was released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) last May, and states that palm oil, which is used in many processed foods, can form a “potentially carcinogenic contaminant” when heated to over 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). This contaminant can present a “potential health concern.”

They also mention this experiment was performed on rats, and there is “no scientific evidence” of a link between exposure to the contaminant and cancer in humans.

Ferrero tells Reuters that it refines palm oil at just under 200 degrees Celsius, using a low-pressure process that minimizes the carcinogenic contaminant levels.

While the press may have created an unnecessary health scare, there’s still controversy surrounding the use of palm oil in food. Palm oil plantations have been linked to deforestation, air pollution, and illegal labor practices. Although Ferrero says it sources palm oil from sustainable plantations, it has still come under criticism from environmentalists.

Do you eat Nutella? Let us know in the comments below!

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Let Them Hear You Roar: How to Help Save the Tigers

by Amber Guetebier

Tigers are amazing creatures and after more than a century of population decline, their numbers are starting to rise thanks to major conservation efforts. But there are less than 6,000 tigers left in the world, so they need our help to protect their habitat and their future. Here are 5 simple ways you and the kids can help. 

 

1. Adopt a tiger. Comes with a cute toy, and helps raise awareness and fund conservation efforts.

2. Choose FSC-certified or recycled tissue and toilet paper. Many products contain paper from trees cut down from rainforests, especially from Sumatra.

3. Avoid products with palm oil. This is surprisingly challenging, as many common items, from beauty products to candy, contain palm oil. Palm plantations take the place of vital habitat to tigers. You can also look for RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil.

4. Make sure mama’s coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified to ensure that forests were not destroyed to make room for coffee plantations.

5. Ask local grocery stores and businesses to stock products with these certifications. In fact, see if you can get your school to do it!

 

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5 Habits to Save their Habitat

by Erin Feher

You think you’re having a rough day? The blue-throated macaw can’t find a safe place to nest due to habitat destruction, and at last count, there were only about 500 total birds left on the planet. Sadly, this particular macaw is just one of 1440 creatures currently on the endangered species list. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Thanks to conservation efforts, many formerly endangered populations have made robust recoveries, and you can help by adding these five easy habits to your routine. Do it for the macaws!

1. Buy Sustainable Products and RECYCLE! 
Buy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo and Forest Stewardship Council wood products to protect forest species. Never buy furniture made from wood from rainforests. Recycle your cell phones, because a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics is mined in gorilla habitat. Minimize your use of palm oil because forests where tigers live are being cut down to plant palm plantations.

2. Fill the Yard with Native Plants
Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. The spread of non-native species has greatly impacted native populations around the world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction. For more information about native plants, visit http://www.plantsocieties.org.

3. Avoid Herbicides and Pesticides
They may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels. Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils or throughout the food chain. Predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals. Some groups of animals such as amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat. For alternatives to pesticides, visit beyondpesticides.org.

4. Make your home wildlife friendly
Secure garbage in shelters or cans with locking lids, feed pets indoors and lock pet doors at night to avoid attracting wild animals into your home. Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival. Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease transmission. Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on the windows in your home and office. For more information on what you can do, check out these tips from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

5. Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space
Yep, just going to say hi to the animals can help! These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the places where they live. Get involved by volunteering at your local nature center or wildlife refuge. Go wildlife or bird watching in nearby parks. Wildlife related recreation creates millions of jobs and supports local businesses. To find a wildlife refuge near you, visit www.fws.gov/refuges/ To find a park near you, visit http://www.nps.gov To find a zoo near you, visit www.aza.org

Want to know more? See even more ways that you can help endangered species at endangered.org

–Erin Feher

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