When school nights get busy, I rely on easy weeknight dinner quesadillas to keep everyone fed and happy. These BBQ cheeseburger folded quesadillas with caramelized Shuman Farms Vidalia® onions are fast, flavorful, and kid-approved. Whether we’re running to practice or eating late after a game, these are always a win.

They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and they hit that sweet spot between comfort food and smart fuel. Whether it’s a pre-practice bite or second dinner after a game, these quesadillas show up strong.

Why This Quesadilla Works for Real Life

These aren’t your average quesadillas. The fold-up method keeps all the layers neat and melty, which makes them super packable and reheatable. They’re hearty enough to count as dinner but still easy to grab and go when time is tight.

I keep a few prepped in the fridge or freezer for nights when I know dinner is going to be more of a suggestion than an event. The kids love the BBQ flavor. I love that they don’t even notice the veggies tucked inside.

The Power of Vidalia® Onions

Let’s talk about the real MVP of this recipe: the caramelized Vidalia® onions. Shuman Farms grows these sweet onions in Georgia, and they add such a deep, rich flavor that makes this meal feel a little more grown-up without losing kid appeal.

Caramelizing them takes just a little time on the stove, but the payoff is huge. They soften into golden ribbons that mix right into the cheese and beef. It’s comfort food energy with real nutrition.

If you’re looking for other ways to work onions into your meals, try the sausage breakfast muffins. They’re great for early mornings or post-practice snacking. The oven-baked onion rings are another win. Crispy, oven-friendly, and surprisingly easy to pull off.

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BBQ Cheeseburger Folded Quesadillas

These folded quesadillas follow the tortilla hack that went viral for good reason. It makes everything stay neatly in place, whether you’re eating now or reheating later.

Course dinner, Snack

Keyword air fryer, onions, quesadillas

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 324kcal

Ingredients

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 lb cooked ground beef seasoned to your liking
• 1 cup caramelized Vidalia® onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Lay one tortilla flat. Cut a single slice from the center to the edge.
• Add the cooked beef to the bottom left quarter, cheese to the bottom right, caramelized onions to the top right, and BBQ sauce to the top left.
• Fold the top left (BBQ sauce) over the onions. Then fold that over the cheese, and finally fold it all down over the beef.
• Repeat with all tortillas.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat with cooking spray. Cook each quesadilla for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted.
• Optional swaps: Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber Choose a lower sugar BBQ sauce Swap ground turkey or plant-based beef if you prefer A Dinner That Fits Into Any Schedule

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 3mg

A Dinner That Fits Into Any Schedule

These easy weeknight dinner quesadillas are perfect for nights when dinner is more of a time slot than a sit-down meal. They can be wrapped in foil and eaten in the car or reheated later for round two of dinner after extracurriculars.

Double the batch and freeze a few for later—it’s a simple way to stay ahead of the chaos and keep easy weeknight dinner quesadillas on hand when time is tight.

If you’re looking for more low-stress meal ideas, this Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese & Arugula Flatbread is another solid one that packs flavor and is easy to customize.

Set the Vibe: The Road Home with Shuman Farms

There’s something special about the drive home after practice or a big game. Everyone’s quiet for a minute. The adrenaline is wearing off. It’s the perfect time to connect or just let the day settle.

That’s where our playlist comes in.

The Road Home with Shuman Farms is a feel-good mix created for this exact ride. It’s low-key, chill, and family friendly.

Unwind on the drive home with mellow songs that help everyone shift from hustle to home. No drills, no pressure. Just good vibes, fresh beats, and a chance to peel back the layers after a long day.

Why We Keep Shuman Farms Vidalia® Onions Stocked

There’s a reason we reach for these onions again and again. Shuman Farms grows sweet, reliable Vidalia® onions that bring incredible flavor to whatever you’re cooking.

We use them in wraps, breakfast recipes, and simple dinners like these quesadillas. They’re easy to work with, naturally sweet, and help me feel like I’m adding something a little extra to everyday meals.

Stronger Together for Healthier Families

Since 2014, Healthy Family Project has been committed to supporting families during the back-to-school season, and this year is no different. We’re proud to partner with Shuman Farms as part of our Back-To-School campaign, working together to bring healthier dinners, smarter snacks, and stress-free meal ideas to busy households. Alongside several like-minded produce brands, Shuman Farms is helping us make a real impact on families and communities through this initiative. Because when we team up around the table, everyone wins. Our Back-To-School partners are making an impact through a donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 initiatives to support nutrition efforts in schools.

The post Easy Weeknight Dinner Quesadillas Kids Will Love appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Some snacks just work. These homemade blueberry gummies for kids are one of them. They are fruity, chewy, and made with a handful of real ingredients, including fresh blueberries from Consalo Family Farms. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and best of all, my kids don’t leave them untouched at the bottom of the lunchbox.

As a mom of three, I’m always trying to find that sweet spot between fun and healthy when it comes to snacks. These gummies are naturally sweet, have zero artificial junk, and they’re full of the good stuff that helps kids stay focused during busy school days.

Registered Dietitian Julie Lopez puts it best: “Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and brain-boosting nutrients, making them a smart choice for back-to-school season.”

Whether you’re packing lunches or scrambling for something quick after school, this recipe makes snack time a whole lot easier. And way more fun.

Why Blueberries Work for School Snacks

There’s a reason blueberries are a go-to in our house. They’re sweet, easy to rinse and serve, and they don’t require any prep. No peeling, no slicing, no mess. Just pop them into a container and move on with your morning.

Julie Lopez, RD, says, “Blueberries are one of my top picks for busy school days. They support brain health and they’re incredibly versatile.”

These gummies take blueberries to a new level. You still get all the nutrition benefits, but now in a form that feels like a treat. If your kids are anything like mine, turning a snack into something fun-looking goes a long way.

Blueberries also work well in a bunch of other family-friendly recipes. The blueberry banana smoothie is an easy way to sneak in extra fruit during breakfast, and these stone fruit yogurt parfaits with blueberries make a refreshing after-school option that’s loaded with flavor and texture.

How to Make Homemade Blueberry Gummies for Kids

This blueberry gummies are simple enough to prep on a Sunday and stash in the fridge for the week ahead. Plus, kids love helping. Mine always call dibs on pouring the mixture into the molds.

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Blueberry Gummies

These gummies feel like candy but are made with real ingredients you can feel good about. No dyes, no artificial flavors, no mystery additives. Just fruit, almond milk, and gelatin.

Course 5 ingredients or less, Lunchbox Ideas, Snacks

Keyword kid food, kid friendly, kid lunch, lunch box

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Chill Time 2 hours hours

Servings 10

Author Andrea Wiggins

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup almond milk
• ~¼ cup 24g gelatin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Blend the blueberries, almond milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a saucepan and warm over low heat.
• Slowly whisk in the gelatin, stirring until fully dissolved. This takes about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling.
• Pour into silicone molds or a parchment-lined dish.
• Chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours until firm.
• Remove from molds or cut into bite-size squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Why Homemade Blueberry Gummies for Kids Are a Smart Choice

These homemade blueberry gummies for kids feel like candy but are made with real ingredients you can feel good about. No dyes, no artificial flavors, no mystery additives. Just fruit, almond milk, and gelatin.

They’re the perfect size for lunchboxes, ideal for after-school snacks, and even great for packing in a small cooler when you’re heading to a game or activity. I’ve also thrown a few into reusable containers for post-practice pickups, and they hold up well.

Bring on the Berry Best Drop-Off Beats

Mornings can be a whirlwind, but music always helps us keep the mood light. Whether we’re tying shoes or rolling through the drop-off line, a good playlist sets the tone for the day.

That’s where Berry Best Drop-Off Beats comes in. This Spotify playlist is packed with feel-good songs the whole family can sing along to. It’s carpool karaoke meets backpack hustle—fun, energetic, and a little chaotic in the best way. Created in partnership with Consalo Blueberries, it’s our soundtrack for surviving (and maybe even enjoying) the morning rush.

Why We Keep Consalo Blueberries on Hand

Not all blueberries taste the same, and once you’ve had Consalo, you get it. Their berries are consistently sweet, juicy, and flavorful. They’re grown by a family-run farm that really cares about quality and sustainability, which makes a difference.

I always keep them stocked for the Blueberry Banana Smoothie, the Stone Fruit Parfaits, Blueberry Banana Pancakes, and now, these gummies. They’re one of those fruits all three of my kids agree on, which is basically a parenting jackpot.

Stronger Together for Healthier Families

Since 2014, Healthy Family Project has been committed to supporting families during the back-to-school season, and this year is no exception. We’re proud to partner with Consalo Family Farms as part of our Back-to-School campaign, working together to spark healthy habits, one lunchbox at a time. Alongside other dedicated produce brands, Consalo is helping us make a real impact by encouraging more families to enjoy fruits and veggies during the busy school year.

The post Homemade Blueberry Gummies Kids Love appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Back-to-school season always shows up fast. One minute we’re enjoying slow summer mornings, and the next we’re back to early alarms, packed schedules, and lunchbox assembly lines. If you’re looking for an easy lunchbox veggie, Nature Fresh Farms Lil’ Chills™ mini cucumbers are a total game changer.

As a mom of three kids, ages 7, 10, and 13, I’m always trying to find simple ways to keep things healthy, especially when it comes to snacks and lunches. These mini cucumbers have become one of my go-to produce picks this time of year. They’re quick, fresh, and one of the only veggies that all three of my kids will happily eat. That’s a big win in my book.

Why Mini Cucumbers Work for All Ages

Mini cucumbers are just easy. They’re crunchy, mild in flavor, and perfectly snackable. No peeling or special prep required. Some days I throw them in whole. Other times I slice them into rounds or spears depending on what the kids are into that week.

They’re also the right size for little hands, but still satisfying enough for my pre-teen. My youngest likes them plain. My middle one loves dipping them in guacamole. And my oldest? He’s not super into raw veggies, but even he’ll eat mini cucumbers if there’s a good dip involved.

Sneaky Hydration and Real Nutrition

The thing most people don’t realize about cucumbers is how hydrating they are. Since they’re made up of over 95 percent water, they help keep kids hydrated during long school days without them even realizing it. That’s especially helpful since my kids aren’t the best at remembering to drink water unless they’re at practice.

They’re also low in sugar and calories, which helps with energy levels, and they still offer fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. All good stuff for growing bodies, especially when we’re constantly running between school, sports, and homework.

Dips Make All the Difference

Let’s be honest. I’ve packed plenty of baby carrots and celery sticks that came home untouched. What changed the game for us was adding dips. It’s such a simple shift, but it made a huge difference.

I was reminded of this recently while listening to Episode 77 of the Healthy Family Project podcast. Registered Dietitian Sarah Hester said something that really stuck with me. She said, “Dips are a great tool to introduce new vegetables. When they’re able to pair something familiar, like ranch or guac, with something new, they’re way more likely to try it.”

That’s exactly what I’ve seen with my own kids. Once there’s a dip involved, they’re more curious and open to trying something they might normally push aside. Dips turn plain veggies into something fun and familiar, and that’s usually all it takes.

Our Go-To Dips for Mini Cucumbers

After trying out a bunch of combinations, we’ve found four dips that work really well in our house. They’re simple, kid-friendly, and they all hold up great in lunchboxes or after-school snack trays.

Guacamole

This one’s a favorite across the board. I usually mash up an avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a little salt. Sometimes I’ll add in some mashed peas if I’m trying to stretch it. The creaminess is perfect with the crunch of mini cucumbers and the flavor is mild enough for even picky eaters.

Homemade Ranch Hummus

This one is so easy to make. I take plain hummus and mix in a little ranch seasoning—boom, done. It gives you that classic ranch flavor with a protein and fiber boost from the chickpeas. My middle kid calls it “ranch with superpowers” and loves it with cucumber spears. We call it Homemade Ranch Hummus Dip, and it might just pass the kid test at your house too.

Roasted Tomato Hummus

Another favorite around here is Roasted Tomato Hummus. It sounds fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple and full of flavor. The sweetness from the roasted tomatoes is a perfect match for crisp cucumbers. 

Tzatziki

If your kids like Greek flavors, cucumbers with tzatziki is a winning combo. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing. Basically made for dipping. Our go-to is Easy Tzatziki Dip, a quick five-ingredient version we whip up when we’re short on time but still want something fun and fresh.

How We Use Mini Cucumbers All Week Long

I always keep a container of washed mini cucumbers in the fridge. They’re the kind of snack that works no matter what kind of day we’re having. When we’re running behind in the morning, they’re easy to throw in a lunchbox. When we have a long afternoon of practices ahead, they make the perfect after-school snack.

Here’s how they show up in our house during the week:

• Packed in lunchboxes with a small container of dip
• Set out on a snack tray after school with cheese cubes, crackers, and fruit
• Served while I’m making dinner to hold everyone over without spoiling their appetite
• Included on weekend snack boards for easy, no-cook family grazing

I’ve also found that when I let the kids help pick their dip or slice the cucumbers themselves, they’re way more likely to eat them. Sarah Hester mentioned this too in the podcast. She said, “When kids are part of the prep process, even in small ways, they take ownership of their food.” I’ve seen that play out again and again. Even the tiniest bit of control helps them feel invested.

One Small Shift, Big Impact

I’m always looking for simple solutions that make healthy eating easier for my family, and mini cucumbers have definitely earned their spot on our regular grocery list. They’re quick, versatile, and when paired with the right dip, they’re one of the easiest ways I’ve found to get more vegetables into my kids’ day.

If you’re in lunch-packing or snack-prepping mode, I highly recommend giving these a try. Pick up a pack of mini cucumbers, grab a couple of dips your kids already like, and see what happens. Sometimes the smallest swaps make the biggest difference.

Turn Up the Tunes, Turn Down the Stress

Mornings can feel like a race against the clock, but a good playlist can work wonders. We created a custom Nature Fresh Farms Spotify playlist to bring some fun and calm to your lunch-packing routine. Whether you’re dancing through cucumber slicing or trying to wake up sleepy kids, music has a way of setting the tone and making the process feel a little less like a chore—and a lot more like a vibe. Bonus: kids are more likely to pitch in when the energy is fun.

Stronger Together for Healthier Families

Since 2014, Healthy Family Project has been committed to supporting families during the back-to-school season, and this year is no different. We’re proud to partner with Nature Fresh Farms as part of our Back-To-School campaign, working together to inspire healthier lunchboxes and more produce-packed routines. Alongside several like-minded produce brands, Nature Fresh Farms is helping us make a real impact on families and communities through this initiative. Because when we team up around the table, everyone wins. Our Back-To-School partners are making an impact through a donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 initiatives to support nutrition efforts in schools.

The post Back-to-School Lunchbox Game Changer: Mini Cucumbers appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Whether creating a Homegating spread to cheer on your favorite team, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or just looking for a way to spice up Taco Tuesday, this ultimate taco board will amaze family and friends!

Is there a more perfect food than tacos? You could go with traditional Mexican flavors (or more American Tex-Mex versions), Korean fusion, vegetarian or vegan, Greek… The possibilities are truly endless.

In our house, tacos are a weekly staple. They’re quick, easy, and everyone in the family loves them. And since I’m all about the snack boards, we’re turning taco night into one!

We’re so excited to partner with our friend at ¡Yo Quiero!™️ to showcase their guacamole, salsa and queso – because you can’t have taco night without at least one of these, right?

So, let’s taco bout what you need for this taco board:

• Bases: Tacos need a good vehicle to get all those toppings to your mouth. Tortillas, hard taco shells, lettuce wraps, baked taco bowls or even tortilla chips are all good options.
• Protein: Go more traditional with chicken, ground beef or turkey, carnitas, carne asada, black beans or refried beans. Or, switch it up with fish, shrimp, tofu or lentils.
• Veggies (and fruit!): Let’s load these up! Everything from traditional toppings like tomato, lettuce and onions to new ones like sliced radishes or pineapple are a hit.
• Toppings: Bring on all the extra toppings! Guacamole, salsa, queso are all musts, along with cheese, jalapenos, fresh cilantro and more.

Tips for Creating Your Board:

• Use a large cutting board or baking sheet so you have lots of space.
• For small items or ones that need the help of a spoon, like refried beans, sour cream or shredded cheese, use small bowls to keep any mess contained.
• Start by placing larger items on the board, like your bowls or tortillas. Then build in all the extra space with all. the. toppings!
• For extra flair, sprinkle fresh cilantro or other herbs/seasonings throughout the board.

Once your board is assemble, you’re ready to dig in! Mix-and-match your favorite toppings and gather around the table to spend time together with friends and family.

Share your favorite taco toppings with us in the comments below! Don’t forget to use #HealthyFamilyProject to share your taco board creations on Instagram.

Flavorful Taco Board Top Components

The main components are a base (tortillas, taco shells, lettuce wraps), protein (chicken, beef, turkey, beans, tofu), veggies/fruits for toppings, and extras like guacamole, salsa, queso, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro. Recommended proteins include taco-seasoned ground turkey, black beans, refried beans, chicken, beef, carnitas, carne asada, fish, shrimp, tofu, or lentils.

We suggest using a large cutting board or baking sheet to build and arrange your taco board. Start with larger items like bowls and tortillas, then fill in spaces with all the toppings. Use small bowls for dips and ingredients that need spoons. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or herbs.

There’s always a good excuse to enjoy a Taco Tuesday or any taco time! Let’s make this board, shall we?

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The Ultimate Taco Board

Whether creating a Homegating spread to cheer on your favorite team, celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just looking for a way to spice up Taco Tuesday, this ultimate taco board will amaze family and friends!

Course Entree & Main Dishes

Keyword snack board, taco

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 -8 servings

Author Amanda Keefer

Equipment

• Small Bowls with Spoons
• Large Cutting/Serving Board

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ guacamole
• 1 12 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ salsa
• 1 12 oz. container ¡Yo Quiero!™️ queso
• 6-8 each small soft tortillas hard taco shells and/or Bibb lettuce leaves
• 1 cup each taco-seasoned ground turkey black beans and/or refried beans
• Choice of Toppings: lettuce tomatoes, shredded cheese, corn, onion, peppers, jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, etc.

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Cook and prepare your choice of proteins. Place in small bowls to add to board.
• Warm tortillas or hard taco shells before place on board.
• Assemble board with desired ingredients.
• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro as desired.

Video

The post The Ultimate Taco Board appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Easter is here! Let’s get festive with some “fruity Easter snack wands“! Grab your top choices, and discover how to build healthier snacks like these flavorful Peep Kabobs for this fun celebration.

Let’s talk about Easter treats. If you are like most parents, you are balancing egg hunts, school events, basket building, and probably a few last-minute grocery runs. Then you realize you need to bring a fun snack to the party or contribute something to brunch. And just like that, you’re deep in the internet looking at multi-layered cakes or bunny-shaped treats that require piping skills you definitely do not have.

Let’s skip all that. What if you could make something that looks festive, feels special, gets your kids involved, and takes less than fifteen minutes to put together? That is exactly why we love Peep Kabobs.

These bright and cheerful treats are made with just a few fresh fruits and marshmallow Peeps. They are colorful, fun to make, and even better to eat. My kids call them “Easter snack wands,” and honestly, they are not wrong. They feel magical.

The best part? You do not need to bake, melt, chill, or mix anything. Just grab your fruit, open a pack of Peeps, and start stacking. These are perfect for classroom parties, Easter brunches, or just a fun afternoon activity at home.

My six year old was in charge of stacking the fruit while I handled the cutting, and she loved creating her own color patterns. This is one of those snacks where kids can really take the lead. No precision required. And because it includes fruit, it balances out some of the extra sweets that tend to show up this time of year.

Easter Peep Kabobs Ingredients

Here is what you need to make them.

• Pink marshmallow Peeps
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Kiwi slices
• Pineapple chunks
• Red grapes
• Blueberries
• Wooden kabob sticks or reusable skewers

The ingredient list is simple; you can mix and match based on what your family enjoys or what you have on hand. If you do not have kiwi, swap in melon or banana slices. The fun is in the variety and the color.

These kabobs hold up well and can be made just a few hours in advance. If you are planning to use fruit that browns quickly like banana or apple, save that step until right before serving or toss those slices in a little lemon juice to slow the browning.

If you want to add a little extra fun, serve them with a side of yogurt for dipping, or drizzle them with chocolate. But honestly, they are festive and flavorful all on their own.

Peep Kabobs A Great Easter Snack

I love that these kabobs are just as much about the experience of making them as they are about eating them. It turns snack time into an activity, gives kids some independence in the kitchen, and sneaks in fresh fruit without any complaints. Total parent win.

So if you are looking for something simple, festive, and a little bit magical this Easter, Peep Kabobs are the answer. Easy to make, fun for kids, and no baking required. That is what we call a holiday win.

Learn more Easter tips and how to build a healthier Easter Basket!

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Easter Peep Kabobs

Let's get festive with some "fruity Easter snack wands"! Grab your top choices, and discover how to build healthier snacks like these flavorful Peep Kabobs for this fun celebration.

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword easter, healthy snack

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 63kcal

Ingredients

• 10 piece Pink marshmallow Peeps
• 8 Strawberries halved
• 1 Kiwi slices
• 6 slices Pineapple chunks
• 10 Red grapes
• 12 Blueberries
• 6 Wooden kabob sticks or reusable skewers

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Give all the fruit a quick rinse and pat dry.
• Slice up the strawberries and kiwi, and chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
• Set everything out in bowls along with the Peeps and skewers.
• Let the kids start building their kabobs with whatever combo they like.
• Mix it up with colorful patterns or go totally freestyle.
• Enjoy right away or pop them in the fridge until it’s party time.

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg

The post Easter Peep Kabobs appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Get in the recommended amount of 3 dairy servings per day with this undeniably dairy Kid Friendly Snack Board. Prep the ingredients and encourage the kids to assemble it themselves as a nutritious after school snack.

Actually, I am going to prep this amazing kid-friendly snack board so that my kids can assemble it themselves! As the kids prepare for back to school, they need to get back into the routine of getting up early, packing their backpacks, and handling a few things on their own. I will openly admit that during the summer, I answer the “I’m hungry” call more than I have to.

I am fortunate to work out of the house, but I can’t always stop what I’m doing when the kids need an after-school snack. Mine always seems to be hungry!

So, I decided to create a DIY Kids Snack Board. My kids love eating from a “snack board”, they think it’s cool and trendy…okay, I do too. And since I like making snack boards, I thought the kids would too! Especially when they get home from school and start rummaging through the pantry and refrigerator looking for something to eat. Now, they can make their own snack board. Perfect!

I mentioned this was a Do It Yourself Snack Board, so what I did was actually have the kids help me prep some of the ingredients for this kid-friendly snack board and then we stored everything in the refrigerator and freezer in separate containers. That way, when the kids get home from school, all the ingredients for their snack board are ready to go, so they can actually assemble their snack board themselves.

This Kid-Friendly Snack Board is not only the perfect answer to the “I’m hungry!” call, but it also gets the kids more involved in the kitchen. Which is a life skill they will carry with them always.

What you need for the perfect Dairylicious Kid Friendly Snack Board

The ingredients in our Kid-Friendly Snack Board are loaded with dairy. Why dairy? Because dairy is important source of nutrients, especially in kids and teens. Dairy products are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamins A, D, B12, phosphorus, protein , potassium, riboflavin and niacin. Dairy is also important to bone health, which is essential to us adults too, so if you sneak a snack off the Undeniably Dairy Snack Board, it’s good for you too!

• Fresh Fruit
• Chocolate Yogurt Fruit Dip
• Ham & Cheese Pretzel Roll-Ups
• Frozen Yogurt Dipped Bananas *recipe below
• Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Why we picked these recipes for our Dairy Filled Snack Board

• We are all about getting the kids to eat more fresh fruit! We used pineapple, grapes, blueberries and mandarins, but feel free to let the kids pick their favorites.
• The Chocolate Yogurt Dip is only 4 simple ingredients, it packed with protein thanks to the Greek yogurt.
• The Ham & Cheese Pretzel Roll-Ups are easy and fun! Simply roll up a piece of cheese and ham and stick it thru a mini pretzel stick.
• The frozen yogurt dipped bananas are a version of a healthy popsicle, it’s a sweet treat that the kids will love and you can feel good about them eating. Kids don’t like bananas? Try these Frozen Yogurt Creamsicle bites.
• Our Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are delicious and so easy to make…we are talking just 3 ingredients!

Prep and have all of this ready to go so kids can easily create their own dairy packed snack board when they arrive home from school or activities.  Each part of this snack boards stores well, so it really is perfect to prep ahead of time.

How to prep the ingredients for your kid-friendly snack board

• Wash and cut all fresh fruit, storage in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
• Prepare the chocolate yogurt dip and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• I recommend making the pretzels roll-ups the night before or in the morning, too many days before that they may get soggy. *Pro-tip, prep the meat and cheese a few days ahead of time and let the kids roll it up and add it to the pretzel when they are ready.
• Once you have made your yogurt-dipped bananas (recipe below) don’t forget to store them in the freezer!
• Have the kiddos sprinkle on the seasoning on the Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers right before serving so the seasoning doesn’t lose it’s crunch.

And don’t forget the milk! Have a gallon of milk in the fridge so kids can grab something to drink to go along with their DIY dairy-filled snack board.

It’s also important that kids learn more about the importance of dairy and our dairy farmers, the Dairy Council of Florida has a variety of resources and STEM activities available that can be printed out for free.

Want more? Learn about Fuel Up To Play 60. Fuel Up To Play 60 empowers students to lead their schools in fueling up with nutrient-rich foods and getting active for at least 60 minutes every day. One of the things I love about the Healthy Family Project team is that we believe in the same goals—healthy families.

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Frozen Yogurt Dipped Bananas

These Frozen Yogurt Dipped Bananas are the perfect after school snack! They are easy to make, healthy and delicious.

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword bananas, desserts, healthy, snacks

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Author Amanda Keefer

Ingredients

• Bananas
• Vanilla Greek Yogurt
• Skewers
• Sprinkles – optional but fun!

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Peel and cut the banana.
• Place vanilla Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
• Dip each banana into the yogurt and place the individual pieces on parchment paper.
• Add sprinkles or leave plain.
• Freeze for at least one hour, recommended to freeze overnight.

Notes

Feel free to let the kiddos experiment with different flavors yogurt!

Print

How To Make A Kid-Friendly Snack Board

Prep the ingredients for this dairy-filled kid friendly snack board the night before and encourage the kids to make their own nutritious after school snack.

Course Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword grazing board, healthy, kid friendly, snack board, snacks

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Author Amanda Keefer

Ingredients

• Fresh Fruit Of Choice – We used Pineapple blueberries, grapes and mandarins
• Chocolate Yogurt Fruit Dip
• Ham & Cheese Roll Ups with Pretzels
• Frozen Yogurt Dipped Bananas
• Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Milk for serving

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Prepare fresh fruit by washing it and cutting if needed
• Prepare Chocolate Yogurt Dip
• Cut cheese and ham for Pretzel Roll-Ups
• Prepare Mini Peppers Stuffed with Cheese
• Prepare Frozen Yogurt Dipped Bananaa
• Store everything but the dipped bananas in seperate air-tight container in the fridge
• Store yogurt dipped bananas in freezer
• Encourage your kid(s) to assemble their dairy-filled snack board when they need a snack

Notes

We also added a cup of the vanilla Greek Yogurt sprinkled with granola or an extra dip for the fruit.

The post How To Make A Kid-Friendly Snack Board appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Discover budget-friendly and nutritious meal prep tips with Vidalia onions. Learn why these sweet onions are a pantry staple, packed with health benefits, and perfect for stretching ground beef meals further. Find delicious recipes like kid-friendly empanadas, taco-stuffed peppers, and more. The 2024 Back To School Campaign has raised $12,000 for the Foundation For Fresh Produce to support children’s accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to our amazing partners, like Shuman Farms.

If you’ve been to the grocery store at all lately, you have noticed that the price of everything has gone up. Especially proteins! So, I have been doing something that I haven’t done since the kids were little. I am making freezer meals. When lean ground beef is on sale, I buy it in bulk (around 8-10 lbs) and I spend a few hours in the kitchen making a bunch of meals. I am adding onions and other veggies to all of them to really stretch out the beef (and to help save on my budget while adding nutrients to our meals).

Why onions? Well, I love them! And there’s a bunch of reasons why 🙂

Here’s why we love Vidalia onions

• Onions are a flavorful, delicious, and simple way to add a rich depth of flavor to your meals no matter what you might be cooking.
• Vidalia onions are a pantry staple that can be found in most household kitchens all of the time and the opportunities to use them are practically endless! 
• Onions are inexpensive and easily accessible since you can find them at every grocery store and produce stand.
• They are an excellent way to add volume (and vegetables) to your meals so that you can stretch your meat a little bit further. 

If you are new to the idea of meal prepping your dinners for the week, one simple way to ease into it is to wash and prep your vegetables like onions and bell peppers for the meals you plan to make throughout the week. You can also brown a large quantity of ground beef and add in those onions and veggies then divide it into dinners all week long. When cooking ground beef I basically add Vidalia onions and either jalapenos (we like it spicy!) or mini sweet peppers to the pan every single time.

Health Benefits of Onions

You probably haven’t taken a lot of time to consider the health benefits of onions, but besides adding a vegetable component to your meals they are actually quite good for you. Onions contain vitamin C, which gives your immune system a boost, and antioxidants including quercetin, which help to reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. They also contain fiber, which is necessary for your digestive health. Onions are low in calories and high in flavor and have been found to improve heart health. 

Vidalia onions are a favorite of Chef Julie Lopez, a registered dietitian. Julie says they are not only sweet and delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. They are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, such as quercetin, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Additionally, Vidalia onions provide a good source of vitamin C, aiding in immune function and skin health. Including these onions in your diet can add flavor while boosting your overall nutrition. 

Onion-infused ground beef dishes always tend to be family favorites because they are flavorful and comforting. It’s safe to say that if you have onions and ground beef on hand you’ve got what you need to make a tasty dinner. Need some new onion and beef recipes? No, problem, we’ve got you covered, and here are some we think your family might enjoy!  

Kid-friendly Lunch Box Empanadas

Looking for a tasty lunch that the kids will get excited about? Then try these lunch box friendly empanadas! Ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and carrots are all stuffed inside of a delicious whole wheat pizza dough with mozzarella cheese. These empanadas work well for lunchtime meal prep because you can make them on Sunday and serve them all week long! 

Taco Stuffed Peppers

The whole family, kids included will be excited when they find out you are having taco-stuffed peppers for dinner! It’s a simple, delicious meal that happens to be a delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies! Simply saute the onions and brown your ground beef, and then add some taco seasoning, tomato sauce, green chilies, and black beans. Stuff this mixture inside of your bell peppers, bake, top with cheese, bake until it melts, and then serve! 

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a comfort food classic that is perfect for serving all year long. It’s an excellent dinner choice to get everyone excited to come to the table during the first few busy days of heading back to school. Ground beef or turkey, carrots, potatoes, onions, and corn all come together in a savory sauce with Worcestershire that everyone will love!  

Easy Taco Soup

This easy taco soup is a delicious dinner that you can have on the table in just about 30 minutes! Leftovers make great lunches too if you are lucky enough to have some! All you need to make it is ground beef, canned veggies, seasonings and Vidalia onion. Feel free to add some sour cream and cheese for toppings.

Simple Beef Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

This dinner is prepped in just about ten minutes (mom win!), but it does take about an hour to cook. It’s a delicious veggie and ground beef dinner that’s packed with nutrition and flavor that the whole family will love. To make this simple beef stuffed spaghetti squash you will need spaghetti squash, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and shredded mozzarella cheese. 

Next time you head to the grocery store don’t forget the onions! They are a nutritious and flavorful way to fill out and round out your meals. There are practically no dishes that can’t be made better with the addition of sweet, delicious Vidalia onions.

What’s your favorite way to use onions in recipes?

How do you #PowerYourLunchbox? Show us your healthy lunchboxes on Instagram using #PowerYourLunchbox.

Get all our Back To School Tips

Looking for more lunchbox solutions?

• Best Lunch Boxes For Kids
• 25+ Nut Free Lunchbox Ideas
• 34+ Non-Sandwich Lunchbox Ideas
• 10+ Ways To Add More Fruits & Veggies To Your Child’s Lunchbox
• Ultimate Guide For Packing Healthy Lunches
• 12+ Gluten-free Lunchbox Ideas

The post Frugal Ground Beef Recipes To Help Stretch Your Budget appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Grab this free Easy Breakfast Ideas printable to make sure everyone is eating the most important meal of the day!

On busy mornings, it’s tempting to just pour a bowl of cereal or grab a granola bar as you’re heading out the door. Or, you may not have anything at all! You know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

While weekends might be better suited for a family breakfast, because you have a bit more time to plan and make breakfast, that doesn’t mean your weekday breakfast is any less important.

We created a free printable that you can grab and toss on the refrigerator, so when everyone is running around crazy in the morning, no one forgets to eat!

These easy 3 ingredient breakfast ideas will help power you and your kids through until lunch.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s definitely a good way to make sure to start your day off on a good foot.

Healthy 3-Ingredient Breakfasts Ideas

• Mini Bagel + Cream Cheese + Sliced Strawberries
• Whole Grain Waffle + Peanut Butter + Sliced Apples
• English Muffin + Scrambled Egg + Cheese (more English muffin ideas)
• Instant Oatmeal + Chopped Nuts + Fruit
• Fruit + Spinach + Yogurt = Smoothie
• Whole Grain Cereal + Milk + Blueberries
• Banana + Oats + Dried Fruit = Breakfast Cookies
• Greek Yogurt + Chopped Fruit + Granola
• Toast + Mashed Avocado + Hard-Boiled Egg

Print the infographic below and hang on your fridge for inspiration all week!

For other time-saving breakfast ideas, check out these make-ahead ideas or grab-and-go breakfasts.

The post Easy 3-Ingredient Breakfast Ideas appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Enjoy a new spin on cupcakes with this lightened-up cranberry cupcake recipe! It’s made with canned cranberry sauce and topped with a cranberry cream cheese frosting for a sweet dessert. Perfect for Mother’s Day, holiday celebrations, birthday parties, and more…

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of cupcakes. My sweet tooth tends to lean more dark chocolate than cake and frosting. So, when our friends at US Cranberries reached out about doing a cranberry cupcake, I knew I was going to need some taste-testers to help me out.

Luckily, our team is always ready to try a new dish! After a couple of rounds getting the recipe just right, the team bit in and their eyes lit up – BINGO! We had it.

What makes these cupcakes special?

First, their light, fluffy and super moist thanks to the cranberry sauce. I could eat them just as they are without the cream cheese frosting. There would be no complaints on these for breakfast as a “muffin.”

Second, I love that they have a balanced sweetness. They’ve got a little, but not hit-you-in-the-face sugar sweetness that you often get with boxes or store-bought cupcakes. The average store-bought cupcake can pack around 27g of sugar! This recipe contains 11g with over half of that coming from natural sources like cranberries.

Third, I’m a sucker for cream cheese frosting and love the addition of cranberry sauce to add some flavor and turn it into a pretty pink color with no food coloring needed.

Related: Learn all about cranberries from when to buy to how to store them!

Cranberry Cupcakes Key Ingredients

The ingredients needed for these cupcakes are pretty standard, most of these items you can probably find in your pantry already. Here are a few things to keep in mind with this recipe:

• Flour: This recipe called for standard all-purpose flour. I didn’t test these using a different type of flour, so I can’t guarantee that a gluten-free flour would give you the same fluffy texture.
• Canned cranberry sauce: I used “whole cranberry sauce” but any type would do. Or if you have leftover cranberry sauce from a holiday celebration, that works too!
• Honey: You could also swap for maple syrup (for a slightly different flavor) or agave nectar
• Cream Cheese: Make sure to set this out a few hours before making the frosting so it has time to soften. It’ll make a huge difference in how easy it blends!

How many cupcakes does this recipe make?

This recipe made 16 cupcakes when I tested it at home. However, I made them at a friends house and it made 12. I think her muffin tin was slightly larger than mine. Maybe one was a “standard” size and the other wasn’t? Either way, be prepared for this recipe to make 12-16 cupcakes, depending on the side of your pan.

Related: Try our Angel Food Cupcakes with Blood Orange Frosting!

Cupcake Decorating Tips

Wanting to make your cupcakes look like they’re fresh from a cupcake shop? Go for it! Here are some tips.

Use a Piping Bag

Fill a piping bag with your frosting for that professional frosting look. Since the frosting does contain cranberry pieces, I’d use a tip with a larger opening so it doesn’t get clogged

Give these cupcakes some added flair by topping with a sugared cranberry! Here’s how to make them:

1. Thaw frozen cranberries in water or small bowl at room temperature.
2. Toss in a little sugar until coated.
3. Add to your cupcakes!

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q: What are the main ingredients in Cranberry Cupcakes?
A: The main ingredients in Cranberry Cupcakes are all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, canned cranberry sauce, melted butter, honey, vanilla, and cream cheese for the frosting.

Q: How many cupcakes does the Cranberry Cupcake recipe make?
A: The Cranberry Cupcake recipe makes 12-16 cupcakes depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Q: Does the cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, any leftovers of the Cranberry Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. Let it warm up to room temperature before eating again.

Q: What makes these cupcakes a lighter dessert?
A: These cupcakes use healthier ingredients like Greek yogurt in the frosting and have less sugar than traditional cupcakes, with only 11g per serving.

Other Sweet, but Not Too Sweet Desserts to Try

• Applesauce-Filled Carrot Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Healthy No Bake Cheesecake in Mini Mason Jars
• Chocolate Yogurt Fruit Dip
• Broiled Peaches with Greek Yogurt & Almonds
• Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Print

Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoy a new spin on cupcakes with this lightened-up cranberry cupcake recipe! It’s made with canned cranberry sauce and topped with a cranberry cream cheese frosting for a sweet, but not too sweet, dessert.

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword baking, cranberries, cranberry cupcakes, cupcakes, healthier desserts

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 16

Calories 205kcal

Author Amanda Keefer

Equipment

• Piping Bag and Tips
• Silicone Cupcake Liners
• Muffin Pan

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned cranberry sauce
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

• 8 oz. cream cheese softened
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. canned cranberry sauce
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• Cupcakes
• Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Mix in cranberry sauce, butter, honey and vanilla.
• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients until just combined.
• Fill muffin cups to about ¾ full. Bake 16-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (ovens can vary, check at 16 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool 2-3 minutes before removing from muffin tin and letting cool on wire rack.
• Frosting
• Beat cream cheese, yogurt, cranberry sauce, honey and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. 
• Spread evenly on top of cooled cupcakes before serving.

Video

Notes

• The recipe makes 12-16 cupcakes, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
• Make sure to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before making the frosting. This will make it much easier to mix.
• Refrigerate leftover cupcakes. Take out of refrigerator and store at room temperature for an hour if you want them "warmed up" for eating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 406IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

If you are looking to regrow some fruits and veggies, reduce your food waste, or make trips to the grocery store, look no further than these ideas on regrowing some of them. This can be a fun way to keep the kids busy and learning at home.

In our podcast Episode 51, we talked with Tanya Acosta, who shared with us about mastering distance learning and even provided us with a fun free downloadable you can use to turn this into a true science experiment and help your family learn about produce. 

We are trying a few of these in our house like green onions (which I think is the easiest) and even celery.

Regrow Fruits and Vegetables

How To Regrow Green Onions 

1. Chop off root ends (about 2 inches) and place in small glass with an inch of water. 
2. Refresh water every few days and watch your green onions regrow within days. 
3. Cut off as needed from the top. The green onions will continue to grow if left in water.

Learn How to Regrow Celery

1. Chop off the base of the stalk, rinse it, and put it in a shallow cup of warm water in a well-lit area. 
2. Change the water every few days. 
3. You should see significant signs of growth within five days or less, depending on how much sunlight you have available. Then, Celery will start growing!

How to Regrow Pineapple

Pineapples are hardy plants that like warm weather and good soil that is well composted. There are three ways to plant pineapples: from seed, from suckers and from the crown of the pineapple. The crown and suckers are planted in almost the same manner, but the seeds will require more attention.

Planting a Pineapple crown

A Pineapple crown is the leafy top of a pineapple like the ones that can be purchased in the local grocery stores. To remove the crown, twist the top and the crown will separate from the pineapple, leaving a cone shape at the base. Be careful not to get cut when twisting the top off, it is pointed and sharp. 

A good pair of gloves will help in this step of removing the top.  At this point, take time to cut away any fruit that is attached to the bottom of the crown. Any excess fruit will damage the crown roots and they will rot. causing the plant to die.

Next, pull off the bottom one or two inches of leaves, but be careful not to tear the plant base while doing this. When done, the pineapple will have a root base with a couple of inches above it for a stem. The roots should already be forming and look like little pimples in between the leaves that were removed.

The pineapple is now ready to plant.

1. Set the top of your pineapple aside and allow to dry for a day or two. 
2. Once dry, plant in soil. Depending on your soil and daily temperature, you can choose to plant in the ground or in a pot. If you are somewhere that doesn’t allow for warm weather year-round, you can grow your pineapple in a pot indoors, but they do need about six hours of sunlight a day. 

How To Regrow Tomatoes 

1. Remove the seeds from your tomato, soak for about an hour.
2. Allow to fully dry and plant in soil within seven days. If it’s not quite spring yet in your home, you can start your seeds indoors in an old egg carton or other small container and plant outdoors when you are ready. Your kids will be astonished to see you grew a tomato from your tomato!

Let’s Regrow Potatoes

1. Cut potatoes so that each piece has at least two “eyes.” 
2. Let them sit out at room temperature overnight until they’re dry. 
3. Plant them in soil 8 inches deep and spaced 1 foot apart.

How To Regrow Avocado 

1. Clean the pit and remove any avocado remains. Towel dry. 
2. Push 4 toothpicks into the pit to create an X (you’ll want to place the pit pointy side up in the next step). 
3. Place avocado pit over small bowl or glass jar (pointy side up) using the toothpicks to hold it up. Add enough water to the bowl so that half of the pit is submerged. Place in sunlight and change water every 1-2 days. 
4. After about 3-6 weeks, the pit will begin to split open. In a few additional weeks, a stem, leaves and root will begin to grow. 
5. After about 3 months, when the “tree” is about 7-8 inches, plant in a pot.

Regrow Romaine Lettuce

1. Chop off bottom of the Romaine heart, leaving a few inches. 
2. Place in bowl with ½-inch of water. Keep in a sunny place and change water daily. 
3. Once it starts to sprout (after a few days), plant those sprouts directly in your garden. Harvest when about 6-8 inches tall.

How To Regrow Carrots

1. Cut tops off of your carrots. You’ll need about an inch of the root.
2. Stick toothpicks into carrot tops and place on top of a small glass. Fill with enough water to barely touch the bottom of the carrot top.
3. Place in a sunny spot and add water daily to keep the water touching the bottom of the carrot top. 
4. The carrot tops will start to grow roots in about a week.

Show us what you’re regrowing!

Join us in the Healthy Family Project Facebook Group to show us what you are growing, or leave us a comment here. Are you regrowing fruits and veggies from scraps in your kitchen? We want to see! Tag us on social media using #healthyfamilyproject or tagging @healthy.family.project

The post How To Regrow Fruits and Vegetables from Scraps appeared first on Healthy Family Project.