Talk of Tomatoes

http://www.talkoftomatoes.com/

Chef | Urban Farmer | Food & Travel blogger.

Janelle is known to wield knives, pitchforks and martinis. She has affection for seasonal eating, food preservation and local farm food. She lives in Seattle with her husband, two teen...

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What's the one food you could never live without?

bacon. and butter. and bourbon. Is that a food?

What's a treat your kids love that's actually healthy?

dehydrated cinnamon apple chips.

What's your best tip for feeding a picky eater?

I always told my sons: you only have to try one bite. If you don't like it, that's fine. But if you do like it, it will be worth it. Taking one bite is the only way you will find your new favorite foods.

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What's an easy, healthy lunchbox menu for kids?

Janelle

COLOR-coded lunches. Often a good rule of thumb for healthful eating is to add as many colors to your plate as possible. A good way to learn about colors? ONE color lunches. The kids love it: an orange lunch might have orange bell pepper or carrot slices, apricot yogurt or dried apricots, orange juice and orange slices, orange crackers with orange cheddar cheese, kumquats and BBQ Kettle chips (baked!). You would be surprised how many great, one-colored lunches/ideas you can come up with!!
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What's your favorite easy casserole?

Janelle

Lasagna replacement therapy: my favorite, EASY casserole to make is 4 layers: polenta on the bottom (you can buy it pre-made in a tube, just crumble and mix with Parmesan), then a layer of red sauce (again: buy or make your own) then a layer of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage and finally topped with mozzarella. Layer, bake: done. Happy family. Freezes well too! http://www.talkoftomatoes.com/2007/01/italian-layered-dish/
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What's your go-to cooking shortcut?

Janelle

Easy: my freezer. I make ahead full entrees or sauces (pesto, red sauce) and gnocchi. That way when dinner arrives---or I am away at work---my family can grab a meal/or I can make a meal on the fly.
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What's your favorite recipe for a dish that can be made ahead and frozen?

Janelle

This is one of my favorite questions, b/c it applies en mass! For me it is all about making big batches of something: dinner for tonight and the rest in the freezer for future dinners. Go-to freezer meals for me include: gnocchi, meatballs, lasagna, macaroni and cheese.
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What is an easy vegetable recipe that your kids love?

Janelle

anything roasted. Veggies are caramelized and the kids love them---all you need is a 400 degree oven, toss veg. with olive oil and liberal grinds of salt and pepper. Italian seasoning if you are getting fancy.
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What's a great, freezable dish to bring to a new mom? Please share a link to your recipe.

Janelle

I ADORE freezable food. I am always collecting freezer-worthy recipes. It is a great way to make dinner in a flash! Chicken Enchiladas are a fave!
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