MEET ASTRO NUT

The C Monster loves nuts; he even loves them more when they still have shells on.  I had been looking for a kid friendly nutcracker for him and well we adopted Astro Nut.  He is our friendly little nut crunching robot (as C describes him).  I found him at IQ Living on the Danforth.

CARROTS ANYONE?

You all know my struggle with getting C Monster to try anything. I recently discovered that he is more likely to try a new food if it is julienned. Julienned carrots are now a new staple in his diet. I pre-cut a bunch and store then in an airtight container in the fridge with a little water at the bottom. They will keep fresh for about 3-4 days. 

Asparagus Soup

I still don't understand this one but the Monster ate this soup and even asked for more...

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, (2 bunches) tops and bottoms trimmed. save tops
- 6 onces potatoes, chopped
- 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 cup cream, (or milk)


METHOD:

1. melt butter in heavy bottom pot on medium heat. Add onions, garlic and saute over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Do not allow garlic to brown.

2. While onions are cooking, cut the asparagus into 3/4 inch pieces. When onions are soft add add asparagus (reserve the tips), potatoes and cook for about 6 minutes. Add broth and raise the heat until soup boils. Once boiling reduce to low and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

3. While soup is cooking, blanch asparagus tips. and place aside for garnish.

4. Once soup is cooked add all remaining ingredients except for asparagus tips. and blend using the emersion blender.

5. toss is the tips and serve.

Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

Until I tried this smoothy mix I could not get the monster to even touch a kiwi...

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 cup strawberries frozen, partly thawed
- 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup Vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp. honey


DIRECTION:

Place all ingredients in your emmersion blender cup and mix with immersion blender until smooth.

Apple Pancakes

These are a little finicky to cook but well worth the effort - very yummy.


Ingredients:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. Panela
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg
2 tbsp. canola oil
400 mL unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon, ground
1/4 cup Milk, add more as needed

Directions:
Measure first 6 ingredients in a bowl and mix.
Add remaining ingredients. Mix until moistened. Drop by about 1/4 cup at a time and cook on a greased frying pan. When bubbles appear and edges look dry, turn and cook other side.
Serve with real maple syrup.