After picking the kids up from after school activities and then helping them with their homework, putting a healthy dinner on the table may be the last thing on a parent’s mind.
And it can sometimes turn into a stressful event, if the child doesn't want to eat what mom or dad has put on the table.
Chef and
Registered Dietitian Michelle Dudash shares some simple dinner recipes the whole family will love.
Fix and Forget ItBoth kids and adults eyes brighten up when they see mac and cheese on the menu.
With this easy and creamy recipe, there’s no need to rely on the fluorescent orange mac and cheese in your pantry.
To make this comfort food healthier, soft spread replaces the butter.
Soft spreads, like Country Crock, are a healthier choice than butter because they are 70% lower in saturated fat, are cholesterol free, and contain 0 grams trans fat per serving.
Look for those made with nutritious oils like canola and soybean.
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a simple salad with light vinaigrette.
SO EASY SLOW COOKER MACARONI & CHEESE4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours
3 cups fat free milk
1 pkg. (10 oz.) 2% American cheese slices
8 oz. uncooked whole grain elbow macaroni
1/4 cup I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® Spread
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
Combine all ingredients in 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cook covered on HIGH 3 hours or until macaroni is tender. Stir well before serving.
TIP: Make it Mexican! Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup prepared salsa, then top, if desired, with 2 Tbsp. chopped green onions.
Recipe Source:
www.icantbelieveitsnotbutter.com
Still slow cooked, peanut butter stew
Next, you’d never expect this unique dish to come out of a slow cooker, and your kids won’t know its good for them!
It combines the wholesome peanut buttery taste everyone loves with lean chicken breast, fresh bell peppers and onions.
For a complete meal, serve this dish with brown rice.
Slow Cooker African Chicken StewServes: 4
Preparation Time: 15 Minute(s)
Cook Time: 4-8 Hour(s)
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into large size pieces
2 Tbsp. Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Calcium plus Vitamin D
1 cup prepared salsa
1/2 cup Skippy® Super Chunk® Peanut Butter
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, halved and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 Knorr® Chicken Bouillon Cube, crumbled
2 Tbsp. lime juice
Spray 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Season chicken, if desired, with salt and ground black pepper.
Melt Promise Buttery Spread in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Remove chicken to slow cooker.
Stir salsa, Skippy® Super Chunk® Peanut Butter, red pepper, onion and Knorr®
Chicken Bouillon Cube into slow cooker.
Cook covered on LOW for 8 hours (or, HIGH for 1 hour, and LOW for 3 hours).
Stir in lime juice and garnish, if desired, with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve, if desired, over hot cooked brown rice.
Recipe Source:
www.countrycrock.com, adapted by Michelle Dudash, RD, CD
