About Eila Johnson & her Blog
Eila is a winner of Top 25 Foodie Moms - 2012
What's the one food you could never live without?
Hmmm, this is a fun question because there are so many different foods I love. But, if I had to narrow it down, I'd say leafy greens. We eat so many leafy greens!! I pop spinach into our morning smoothies; I make an amazing (and super simple) kale salad that everyone around here loves; I am always sautéing whatever leafy green I have on hand to go in frittatas, stir-fries, or lasagnas; and I love making pestos out of whatever greens I have on hand. In addition to being so versatile, leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals. They are this yummy powerhouse!
What's a treat your kids love that's actually healthy?
Fruit skewers! Anything on a stick is fun!! I make these all the time for special class snacks, parties, picnics. You can make them on big, long skewers or little toothpicks. Either way, they are a healthy, sweet treat that kids (and adults!) love.
What's your best tip for feeding a picky eater?
I don't make a big deal about picky eating. As a busy mom, I could get myself all worked into a lather if I fretted every time one of my kids turned their little noses up at something I served. Instead, I put my emphasis on variety and color at every meal. I used the "rainbow plate" idea... as many colors as I can get on each plate at each meal. I have a whole section about this on my blog, if you'd like to check it out. By offering up colorful foods, I guarantee fruits and veggies at every meal. And by offering up variety, chances are, there will be something my kids like at every meal... and maybe something they don't care as much for. That's ok. I think preferences are ok... but being a mommy short order cook is not!
What are your favorite Blog Posts?
Eila's Answers
Can you recommend a great summer snack to feed kids on break or to pack for days at camp? (Please include a link to the recipe.)
I have loads and loads of snack (http://www.fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/search/label/snacks) and lunchbox ideas (http://www.fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/search/label/lunchbox%20ideas) on my blog, but here are a few store-bought options, if you're looking for a quick and easy (also, nut-free) camp snacks to have on hand. Enjoy!!! And have a wonderful vacation with your kiddos!
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From peach pies and berry cobbler to lemon shortcake and watermelon popsicles, fruity desserts are perfect for summer. Please share your favorite fruit-based dessert, and include a link to the recipe and photo.
I love making fruit crisp or a clafoutis with the fruit that's so plentiful in the summertime! Clafoutis is a super easy, baked custard. And, I'm not going to lie..... we've been known to enjoy it for breakfast too!
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What's a great school lunch box meal your kids love? Include a link to a photo if you have one!
My kids love variety in their lunchboxes, and I try to keep packing simple. I keep a bunch of fruits and veggies at the ready in our fridge, so I can grab this and that in the morning, filling little tupperwares. Often times, I will pop leftovers from the night before into their lunchbox, but if you asks them, they'd probably say that their favorite "main course" is a sandwich! Here are a bunch of lunchboxes you might like to check out for inspiration: http://www.fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/search/label/lunchbox%20ideas
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Do you have a meatloaf recipe (or, for vegetarians, something similar that's meat-free) your family loves? Please share a picture and a link.
This is my go-to turkey meatloaf (loaded with shredded veggies!!). Everyone in my family loves it + it freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. The veggies keep it moist, and make it even more nutritious. Hope your family likes it as much as mine does!! http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2011/02/mini-turkey-meatloaves-filled-with.html
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What's a great recipe that uses cranberries?
I have a few tried and true family-friendly recipes that use cranberries. I'll share each of them with you, so you can add them to your simple cooking repertoire. Many of them can be made ahead, which is perfect for the busy upcoming holiday time!
Here's one of my favorite Make-Ahead Teacher/Hostess Gift Ideas (that freeze beautifully!): Cranberry Biscotti: http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2010/12/holiday-baking-biscotti-with-dried.html
This is a wonderful side dish (or simple lunch!) that can be made ahead. In fact, it improves in flavor if it sits for 2 days!: Wheatberry Salad with Cranberries and Pecans: http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2010/01/make-ahead-side-dishes-wheat-berry.html
Not just for Thanksgiving! This Make-Ahead Cranberry-Apricot Sauce is also a wonderful accompaniment for chicken or pork tenderloin: http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2009/11/getting-ready-for-thanksgiving.html
And last but not least, here's a recipe for kid-pleasing (and adult-pleasing!) Granola Balls: http://fullplatecookinglessons.blogspot.com/2012/01/granola-balls-make-ahead-sweet-treat.html
Enjoy!!
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What's a light, Springtime meal your kids like to eat? Please share a link to your recipe.
Kale pesto is one of my go-to springtime family meals! Usually we have it over pasta, but I also love using it on open-faced sandwiches, or as an after school snack, served as a dip with veggies, pretzels and/or crackers.
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What's your go-to potluck recipe? Please share a link to the recipe and photo if you have one.
This Bright Green Pea Dip is one of my go-to spring/summer potluck offerings b/c I usually have the ingredients on hand, it's super easy to whip up, and adults and kids both love it!
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It's almost time to break out the grill! What's your family's best recipe for grilled meat, seafood or veggies? Please share a link to your recipe and image if you have one.
My family loves grilled carrots! Sometimes I'll add fresh grated ginger (if I have ginger on hand), but they're fabulous with just a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper too. It's the easiest side dish, and one that children and adults both love. You can serve them warm or room temp.
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