From noodles and egg rolls to a classic stir fry, here are 14 kid-pleasing Asian food recipes to help you ring in the Lunar New Year
Can’t make it out to an Asian food restaurant with the kids? Give your chopsticks a workout anyways, by making a Chinese food-inspired homemade meal. These yummy dishes may not arrive in those cute little boxes, but they’ll be gobbled up as fast as your go-to takeout (We promise!). Let the kids help cook and they’ll be even more excited. From beef and broccoli, noodles, and egg rolls to a classic stir fry, here are 14 Chinese food recipes and other Asian recipes the family will love.
While this looks like sushi, Korean Kimbap is much more kid-friendly because there isn’t any raw fish, but instead includes beef, chicken, and other fillings like cucumber, carrots, avocado, and more. Get an easy recipe here.
Mu Shu Chicken
Move beyond noodles to widen their petite palates even further. Mu Shu, the Chinese version of a burrito, is a treat for Chinese food fans. The kids will get a kick out of stuffing their tortillas (an easy substitute for Mu Shu pancakes) with hoisin-flavored chicken, and you'll love that this recipe is a breeze to prep. Find out how to make this for dinner tonight over at Weelicious.
It’s always good to have options and these vegetable pot stickers from Damn Delicious are a perfect choice. Any picky kiddos will love these and you’ll want to keep them around to eat all the time.
Make this chicken and zucchini stir fry from The Woks of Life and the kids will be begging for more. Check out their tips for crispy and tender zucchini at the recipe link.
Beef and broccoli is a family favorite take-out option for its flavor and nutrient-packed ingredients. While searing the meat might take a little extra time, this is a 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights. Grab the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
You and the family will love these pork and celery dumplings from The Woks of Life. With such easy ingredients as celery and carrots, this recipe will become a go-to.
This popular Chinese street food is easy to recreate at home, plus it’s an easy appetizer, snack, or light dinner with the right dipping sauces. With only four ingredients, the most difficult part of this recipe is how to roll the dough. Head to View from Great Island for the details.
Nothing says comfort food like Chinese food. This soy sauce chicken is the perfect family dish, especially when the hard part is just waiting for the chicken to cook! Serve this with a side of veggie fried rice (or white rice and steamed veggies) to ensure a balanced meal. Click here for the simple recipe.
What’s Chinese takeout without lo mein? Lucky for you, Chungah of Damn Delicious has perfected a fantastic homemade version that only takes 15 minutes. Throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge, and choose to add a protein or keep it meat-free. The kids will love every bite.
The next time the takeout urge strikes, whip up a batch of this honey sesame chicken we scooped over at Foodie with Family. It's a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe that only requires a few steps (chop, whisk, throw in slow-cooker).
Inspired by her husband’s love of chicken wings, food blogger Kari of GI 365 created this stir-fry recipe that features the same sweet and savory flavors of her hubby’s fave dish. Coming together in 30 minutes, you’ll want to make Kari’s stir-fry dish year-round.
Chinese take-out without the guilt? Just look to food blogger Bonnie of Thirsty for Tea for an egg roll recipe that is baked, not fried. Bonnie also has some great tips on perfecting the egg roll!
Bring prosperity and fortune to your Chinese New Year dinner with these fortune prawns. Courtesy of Kuali, the prawns are coated with a flavorful mix of garlic, ginger, and dried chilies. Are your taste buds curious?
Chinese baked BBQ pork buns (or char siu bao) are a kid favorite for their soft fluffy outside and sweet pork inside. While this might not be the easiest Chinese food recipe, it is definitely worth the effort. Get the recipe from The Woks of Life.
Love is in the air! But don’t let those loved-ones with food allergies feel left out this Valentine’s Day—gift them a heart box filled with allergy-friendly chocolates that will have them saying they love you to the moon and back (and then some). Scroll below to find the Valentine’s Day heart box that is right for you and your family.
VERIFIED BRANDS
1. No Whey Chocolate
Product: Heart Chocolate Truffle Box
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 9
Contains: No Top 9
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten, Sesame, Mustard Allergen Statement
2. Vermont Nut Free
Product: Heart Box of Truffles
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame
Contains: Milk, Soy, Egg
Precautionary Label: Processed on shared EGG and WHEAT equipment.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish. Sesame, Mustard, Legumes Allergen Statement
5. Sjaak’s
Product: Classic Heart Valentine Assortment
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame
Contains: Tree Nut
Precautionary Label: Ingredient suppliers may share equipment that result in trace amounts of dairy protein.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg Allergen Statement
6. L.A. Burdick’s Chocolates
Product: Signature Heart Assortment
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Tree Nut, Milk, Soy, Egg, Sesame
Precautionary Label: Our chocolates are crafted in a kitchen where dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, and alcohol are present.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Gluten
7. NeuHaus
Product: Valentine Small Heart Box
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Tree Nut, Milk, Soy, Egg, Wheat, Sesame
Precautionary Label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Fish, Crustaceans Allergen Statement
14. Hotel Chocolat
Product: Straight from the Heart
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Gluten
Contains: Tree Nut, Milk, Soy
Precautionary Label: All chocolates in this box may contain tree nuts, peanuts, milk, soya, gluten, wheat, egg, sesame.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None Stated Allergen Statement
Trick-or-Treating isn’t just for Halloween night! The month of October is full of opportunities to score some candy outside your neighborhood. Try on those costumes and fill your candy buckets while exploring a historic mansion, walking the grounds of George Washington’s home or driving through Sesame Street. You just never know what treats are in store for you in the DC area!
Halloween in Downtown Frederick, MD Treats, an outdoor movie and VW Beetles dressed up for Halloween will fill your Sat.! Stroll the historic streets of Frederick, MD with your costumed little ones and collect treats from local businesses from 10 a.m.-noon. Don’t miss the Vintage Volkswagen Car Show in Everedy Square & Shab Row from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. where you can see cars in costumes and grab some more treats from their trunks. Return in the evening for a showing of Hocus Pocus! at the outdoor Amphitheater from around 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (exact start time will depend on sunset).
HersheyPark in The Dark Pack up the family and leave the tricks behind with a treat filled trip to the “sweetest place on earth” this month! Head north to HersheyPark that opens three weekends in Oct. for a delicious and fun Halloween celebration. Kids 12 & under can visit the Hershey Trick or Treat Trail with 13 sweet stops throughout the park and select rides go lights-out. If you tire of chocolate, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin shakes and pumpkin pie funnel cake sundaes can be purchased throughout the park. You’re likely to spot some Hershey favorites in costume, so don’t forget yours!
Trick-or-Treating at Historic Mount Vernon Step back in time and celebrate Halloween 18th Century style at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Get out the vintage costumes and let the kids collect candy around the estate in provided treat bags. The whole family can enjoy period inspired entertainment and activities. Plan to visit candy making demonstrations and tastings, Punch and Judy Halloween-themed shows and the Blacksmith shop. Be prepared for all the photo ops as history meets Halloween!
Editor's Note: This event has now sold out.
Where:3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA Cost: $9-$25/person Open: Oct. 30 Onlinetinybeans.go-vip.net
Air & Scare If you prefer to feed your brain instead of your sweet tooth this Halloween grab your free tickets to the Air & Scare. The event will be held outdoors this year (rain or shine) and feature Discovery Stations with a Halloween twist, Drone Racing, Paper Airplane Activities, Origami making and more. Don’t miss the “Truth or Trick” Stations or some sun spotting with an Astronomy volunteer. Note there is no food or drink for sale.
Where:14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA Cost: Free, but timed tickets required for entry + $15/vehicle for parking Open: Oct. 30 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Halloween Night Hunt & Sweets The O Street Mansion has dressed up for Halloween and is the perfect destination for your treasure hunter to trick-or-treat! Search through 100 rooms (you are guaranteed to see at least 60 of them) for Halloween and Autumn themed items unique to the mansion. There are 70 secret doors hidden throughout the rooms for the most observant and patient searches to discover. Ticket proceeds support the artist-in-residence and other programs at the Mansion.
Where: 2020 O St. NW, Washington DC Cost: $50/person Open: Oct. 29-31 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Not-Too-Spooky-Halloween Drive-Thru Can you tell me how to get to a safe theme park experience this fall? If a crowded park isn’t in your comfort zone yet, check out this creative way to enjoy the experience from your car. Tune your car radio to their Halloween themed station and wind your way through Sesame Place enjoying dazzling lights, 10 not-too-spooky zones and even see Elmo and furry friends dressed in their costumes. You can trick-or-treat along the way, purchase yummy treats and glow products and take advantage of special photo opportunities all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle.
Monster Mash Where else can you see live pumpkin carvers other than at the Village of Leesburg’s annual Monster Mash? Test run your costume while trick-or-treating around the Village and check out the pumpkin and cookie decorating. Join in the parade and participate in the costume contest for both people and their 4-legged friends. Local restaurant, Rogi, located inside the Chefscape Food Hall, is preparing Harry Potter themed treats for purchase during the event.
Where: 1602 Village Market Blvd, Leesburg, VA Cost: Free Open: Oct. 23 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Sesame Workshop is helping families in yet another way! As part of its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Childreninitiative, the organization is launching new resources to help families cope with challenges, create new routines and embrace flexibility.
Julia continues to be at the center of Sesame Workshop’s program, a four-year-old with autism. In partnership with Exceptional Minds, the pair are releasing a new animated video that follows Julia along as she copes with her fear of the dark.
Not only will families be able to tune in to the new video, but they can also take advantage of new coloring pages, activity sheets and Good Night routine cards to help children develop a healthy bedtime routine. Printables will all be available at sesamestreet.org/autism and are free to everyone.
Additionally Sesame Workshop is partnering with Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) to launch new versions of We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3 digital storybooks in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
Get ready for another season of Not-Too-Late fun with Elmo! He’s back on Cartoonito starting Thursday, September 30 with a whole crew of famous guests. We have a sneak peek at the first episode with Drew Barrymore and Keedron Bryant, too!
The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo is Sesame Workshop’s preschool variety series inspired by classic game shows and features the Sesame Street cast of Elmo, Cookie Monster and more. Real kid contestants will get to take on themed challenges and families watching at home can join in on the fun. Don’t forget the backstage antics!
Throughout the season, look for other guest stars including Kelly Rowland, Seth Meyers, Aidy Bryant, Juanes. The first three episodes will be available on Cartoonito on HBO Max on September 30. And while there’s lot of silliness involved, the show builds in plenty of educational moments, so it’s perfect for the whole family.
While you’re waiting for Season 2 to drop, you can check out tons of fun clips from Season 1 and full Sesame Street episodes on the official YouTube channel. Now put your paws, claws and hands together for Elmo!
Just in time for back-to-school (whether you are at home or in-person), here are our top-rated spreads guide for sandwiches, dipping and beyond. Best part? Every “butter” is made in a dedicated facility. The list also includes a whopping 8 verified brands and one, soon to be VB, many of whom spread the love with special offers, especially for first-time purchases, so make sure to check their websites.
1. 88 Acres
Flavor: Watermelon Seed Butter Unsweetened
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten
Doe Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Gluten Verified Brand Allergy Info Special Offer! 25% off Code: SPOKIN Details: No expiration. Not valid on subscription orders or bundles.
2. Kween
Flavor: Vanilla Granola Butter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Corn, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, Corn Verified Brand Allergy Info Special Offer! 15% off Code: SPOKIN Details: kween.co
3. WowButter
Flavor: Creamy
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Does Contain: Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten Verified Brand Allergy Info
4. Wanna Date?
Flavor: Vanilla Date Spread
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Lupin, Mollusks, Sulphites Verified Brand Allergy Info
5. Sunbutter
Flavor: Natural Sunflower Butter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard, Corn, Gluten Verified Brand Allergy Info 6. Don’t Go Nuts
Flavor: Slightly Sweet Creamy Soy Spread
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Mustard, Sesame, Lupin, Sulphites, Gluten
Does Contain: Soy
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that handles dairy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Mustard, Sesame, Lupin, Sulphites, Gluten Verified Brand Allergy Info
9. Seedible
Flavor: Crunchy Sunflower Sesame Butter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Mustard, Poppyseeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Corn, Peas, Gluten
Does Contain: Sesame
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanuts, Tree Nuts (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Mustard, Poppyseeds, Celery, Lupin, Molluscs, Sulphites, Corn, Peas, Gluten Verified Brand Allergy Info Special Offer! 25% off Code: Use code 25OFF for 25% off your first purchase Details: No expiration, first time purchase only.
13. Living Tree Community Farms
Flavor: Turmeric & Honey Butter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Coconut, Sesame
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut Allergen Statement
14. The Amazing Chickpea
Flavor: Creamy Spread
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: All jars with 2020 manufacturing date or later are produced in nut-free facility. Jars prior to 2020 manufacturing date use olive oil instead of sunflower oil, which is not produced in a nut-free facility.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut Allergen Statement
15. Sneaky Chef
Flavor: No-Nut Butter Creamy
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that also processes soy.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut Allergen Statement
16. Wild Friends
Flavor: Organic Honey Sunflower Butter
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Does Contain: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Made on equipment which also processes sesame.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut (only for the sunflower butter jars, not packets) Allergen Statement
17. Much Better Butter
Flavor: Honey Kissed Sunflower Seed Spread
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Does Contain: Soy, Coconut
Precautionary label: Manufactured in a peanut-free facility that processes tree nuts and wheat.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut Allergen Statement
Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.
123 Sesame Street is getting a new resident! Sesame Street will be home to Elmo’s new adopted puppy, Tango. And today Sesame Street confirmed that Tango will be a live-action Muppet!
In today’s new 30-minute special airing on HBO Max, Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy, Sesame Street watchers will learn how this petite pup found her new home amongst the Muppets. The first preview photo from the show is cuteness personified.
In the special, Elmo, Grover and Tango meet and head out on an adventure to find her a forever home. The trio will also be joined by Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and Oscar the Grouch and will show how Tango got her name.
The sweet puppy is sticking around for future episodes and will serve as a model for kids and how to help with family pets. Littles will see how to properly play and care for a pet, in addition to showing all the love they bring to a family.
Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy airs Thursday, August 5 on HBO Max as part of the 52nd season, and will stream on PBS KIDS in 2022.
Kindness and inclusivity start at home and it’s never too early to start the conversation. As part of Sesame Workshop’s ongoing Coming Together initiative, new resources have launched specifically for military and veteran families. They emphasize racial justice, building a positive sense of identity, being an “upstander” and practicing self-care.
The content includes a special video featuring First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a “Great Things” music video that highlights how military families can deal with “big feelings” and an “I Am Me” interactive game. You’ll also find professional development materials for work with military families and Sesame Workshop will partner with national military organizations to utilize these resources.
Previously, Sesame Workshop released content on the “ABC’s of Racial Literacy,” an ongoing initiative to help families talk about race and racism. You’ll find helpful videos, articles, printables and more so you can get everyone involved and engage even the youngest members of your family.
Five-year-old Wes and his father Elijah, first introduced in March, are back in two new videos. In “Proud of Your Eyes,” Wes helps his Filipino American friend Analyn process big feelings after she was teased about her eyes. In “Breathe, Feel, Share” Wes tells his family about getting teased for his lunch and they practice a simple coping strategy. You can also watch video featuring The Clutes, a Native family, that explores the ways families can talk to their kids about race and culture.
The kids in your home will enjoy printable activities, like “Welcome to Sesame Street, Wes and Elijah!” coloring pages and “I Am Somebody” cut-apart affirmation cards. And the grownups can read articles on “The 4 S’s of Anti-Racist Parenting” and “Racial Trauma and Responding to Racism.”
Sesame Street partnered with the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families and the National Black Child Development Institute to create these resources. You can find them for free in both English and Spanish online. Let’s come together at home to make the world a better place!
––Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Richard Termine, Sesame Street Workshop
We’re sending some special teal love and sharing some of our favorite food allergy recipe bloggers. See our favorite 40 bloggers and our favorite recipes, from eggless cheesecake to a dairy-free version of the famous Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie.
29. The Zestfull Favorite Recipe: Vegan Chai Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Sesame. We try to provide alternatives for other allergens and gluten-free recipes too.
35. Food Allergy P.I. Favorite Recipe: Chocolate Moon Cake Recipes Always Free From: Peanut, Fin Fish, Shellfish, Gluten. Can often be made Top 9 free through substitutions and alternatives
Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.
Bedtime is about to get a whole lot easier with a new project by Headspace, a leader in mindfulness and meditation, and Sesame Workshop. The duo just announced a new podcast that is all about helping your littles wind down during their bedtime routines!
Goodnight, World! episodes will include a story read by your fave Sesame Street friends, a “sleep journey” led by one of Headspace’s sleepcast readers and a soundtrack of relaxing music and sounds. The first episode launches Jun. 13, followed by 11 episodes launching every Sunday through Aug. 29.
The project was developed by both the organizations and a team of early childhood and meditation experts. Gabriela Arenas, Sesame Workshop’s Vice President of Licensing, North America “Even beyond bedtime and naptime, mindfulness is a powerful tool to help kids calm their bodies and regulate their emotions, skills that set them up for success in school and in life. We’re thrilled to work with Headspace to make the practice accessible to families everywhere!”
Goodnight, World! addresses many of the common bedtime issues families encounter. Kids will hear how Sesame Street sometimes don’t want to get to bed either, but learn how mindfulness strategies and things like belly breathing can help them prepare for dreamland.
Headspace and Sesame Workshop are also bringing their series of animated shorts, Sesame Street Monster Meditation to a bookshop near you! Together with Random House Children’s Books, the six-volume series of board books will bring the characters and themes to print for kids ages two to five.