Summer Meal Ideas: Fast, Festive Summer Meals

Today at Momscape.com: Printable Grocery Coupons
Coupons \| Things We Love \| Contests \| Articles \| Blog \| Search \| Subscribe Inspiration \| Family Fun \| Parenting Tips \| Romance \| Health & Fitness \| Organic Living \| Weight Loss \| Home Based Business Ideas
Welcome Momscapers! Momscape.com is an award winning online magazine featuring a panel of renowned authors and experts writing on conscious & creative parenting, family fun, romance, travel, health & fitness, weight loss, and more. You'll find printable grocery coupons as well as hundreds of online coupons and family travel discounts, too. Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Today at Momscape: Parenting Articles Inspiration/Essays Baby Tips Toddler Tips All Parenting Articles Family Fun Activities & Crafts Family Travel Deals Free Scrapbooking Ideas Favorite Parenting Experts Joanne Baum Jody Johnston Pawel Relationships Marriage Romance Friendships Health and Fitness Fitness Tips Natural Living Nurturing Your Spirit Weight Loss Professional Family Manager Tips Home-Based Business Online Coupons Today's Favorite Coupons All Online Coupons by Store All Online Coupons by Category Printable Grocery Coupons Product Reviews Momscape's Favorite Things (Blog) Top-Rated Mom Product Reviews About Momscape Subscribe Site Map Links Link to Us Privacy Policy Terms of Service About us Contact Us	Fast, Festive Summer Meals by Mimi Doe It’s summertime and the living should be easier – at least in the kitchen. Nature gives us everything we need to create simple, luscious, healthy meals -- it’s up to us to slow down long enough to enjoy the bounty. With extended daylight hours, and no need to nag our children about homework, dinnertime can take on a whole new tone. Shake things up a little bit this summer and have fun with these simple dinner ideas. Even the pickiest eaters will be won over. Picasso in the Kitchen Allow the vivid colors of summer fruits to become your palette. Grab a large white plate or pretty tray and arrange slices of watermelon, kiwi, peaches, mango, grapes, and strawberries. This beautiful arrangement can become your table’s centerpiece. Add a few bowls of various yogurts around the table and your hungry brood can dip to their delight. Warm a loaf of crispy French bread, wrap it in a festive cloth and add it to the table. Arrange some sliced cheeses and smoked or roasted turkey slices (pick these up at the deli counter) and you’ve got an easy does it, display that’s good enough to eat. Participation is Key Less structured summer days give kids the opportunity to join in meal prep. When kids cut the carrots, chances are they will eat the carrots. You might even assign your older kids a specific night to select and prepare the menu -- with you as their sous chef. Offer them a few ideas such as “breakfast for dinner” or “Mac and cheese night.” The new social networking site for moms, MomJunction.com, recently posted an easy, tried and true Mac and cheese recipe: Boil 8 oz. small pasta. Drain, then stir in 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar OR 8 oz. American cheese, Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake at 350˙ until heated through. Easy and yummy and plain! You will want to help with boiling the pasta but, other than that, it’s a cinch for kids about 8 years and older. To make this recipe even healthier, throw some peas (frozen or fresh) into the boiling pasta for the last few minutes of cooking time. Picnics Inside Even if it’s raining outside, think “picnic.” Who said a picnic needs to be under the sky? Pitch a pup tent in the living room or use paper plates in the dining room – the idea is simplicity and a lighthearted approach to mealtime. Buy a precooked roasted chicken from your local supermarket. You can often find organic, barbecued, or even provincial chickens for under $10.00. Assemble a large salad from the salad bar or buy a Caesar salad in a bag. Finally, pick up a container of vanilla frozen yogurt and some chocolate chip cookies. When you get home, all you’ll need to do is cut up the chicken, add it to the Caesar salad and scoop some frozen yogurt between 2 cookies, wrap them in cellophane and freeze for dessert. Partner Up Create a weekly summer pot luck dinner gathering with neighbors. Hearkening back to those beach days where everyone contributed to joint family dinners, enlist your neighbors to join you in creating the ultimate summer easy potluck, one night a week. Your kids will love the cooperative feel where gathering together is what counts. Get out a picnic bench, paper tablecloths, and come up with simple contributions from participating families. Protein Power The combination of fat, protein and fiber in peanut butter makes it hard to break down, so it lasts longer in our systems – providing us more energy. A perfect, protein packed, summer dinner kids adore is Spicy Peanut Noodles. It’s served chilled or at room temperature, so this is a great dish to make in the morning before the day begins. Edamame is also packed with protein punch and would make a great accompaniment to these noodles. You can buy them in the freezer section of your local grocer for ultimate ease. Spicy Peanut Noodles* Whisk together: -4 Tablespoons each creamy peanut butter (organic if available) and low-sodium soy sauce -4 teaspoons fresh lime juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes Toss with: -4 Cups of cooked pasta (spaghetti holds the sauce well) -A seeded, sliced cucumber -Top with a few sliced scallions Options: -Grated ginger and/or garlic -Chopped fresh cilantro About the Author: Mimi Doe is a national parenting expert and the award-winning author of Busy but Balanced (St. Martin’s Press). She serves as the Chair of the http://www.MomJunction.com Board of Advisors. More Momscape articles by Mimi Doe: 5 Ways to Raise Joyful Happy Kids, by Mimi Doe Spiritual Parenting Principles, by Mimi Doe Raising Children in an Email World	Subscribe via email Subscribe to our blog Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Bookmark and share Momscape with your friends: Share \| Momscape on Facebook Coupons for Momscape Readers: Offers valid for a limited time. Free Printable Grocery Coupons Save $5 Off $50 at Target.com Click link to activate coupon. Weight Watchers Coupon: 25% off Office Depot Coupons: $30 off $150
Find Momscape on Facebook \| Follow Momscape on Twitter Copyright Momscape.com All Rights Reserved

Today at Momscape.com: Printable Grocery Coupons
Coupons \| Things We Love \| Contests \| Articles \| Blog \| Search \| Subscribe Inspiration \| Family Fun \| Parenting Tips \| Romance \| Health & Fitness \| Organic Living \| Weight Loss \| Home Based Business Ideas
Welcome Momscapers! Momscape.com is an award winning online magazine featuring a panel of renowned authors and experts writing on conscious & creative parenting, family fun, romance, travel, health & fitness, weight loss, and more. You'll find printable grocery coupons as well as hundreds of online coupons and family travel discounts, too. Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Today at Momscape: Parenting Articles Inspiration/Essays Baby Tips Toddler Tips All Parenting Articles Family Fun Activities & Crafts Family Travel Deals Free Scrapbooking Ideas Favorite Parenting Experts Joanne Baum Jody Johnston Pawel Relationships Marriage Romance Friendships Health and Fitness Fitness Tips Natural Living Nurturing Your Spirit Weight Loss Professional Family Manager Tips Home-Based Business Online Coupons Today's Favorite Coupons All Online Coupons by Store All Online Coupons by Category Printable Grocery Coupons Product Reviews Momscape's Favorite Things (Blog) Top-Rated Mom Product Reviews About Momscape Subscribe Site Map Links Link to Us Privacy Policy Terms of Service About us Contact Us	Fast, Festive Summer Meals by Mimi Doe It’s summertime and the living should be easier – at least in the kitchen. Nature gives us everything we need to create simple, luscious, healthy meals -- it’s up to us to slow down long enough to enjoy the bounty. With extended daylight hours, and no need to nag our children about homework, dinnertime can take on a whole new tone. Shake things up a little bit this summer and have fun with these simple dinner ideas. Even the pickiest eaters will be won over. Picasso in the Kitchen Allow the vivid colors of summer fruits to become your palette. Grab a large white plate or pretty tray and arrange slices of watermelon, kiwi, peaches, mango, grapes, and strawberries. This beautiful arrangement can become your table’s centerpiece. Add a few bowls of various yogurts around the table and your hungry brood can dip to their delight. Warm a loaf of crispy French bread, wrap it in a festive cloth and add it to the table. Arrange some sliced cheeses and smoked or roasted turkey slices (pick these up at the deli counter) and you’ve got an easy does it, display that’s good enough to eat. Participation is Key Less structured summer days give kids the opportunity to join in meal prep. When kids cut the carrots, chances are they will eat the carrots. You might even assign your older kids a specific night to select and prepare the menu -- with you as their sous chef. Offer them a few ideas such as “breakfast for dinner” or “Mac and cheese night.” The new social networking site for moms, MomJunction.com, recently posted an easy, tried and true Mac and cheese recipe: Boil 8 oz. small pasta. Drain, then stir in 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar OR 8 oz. American cheese, Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle more cheese on top. Bake at 350˙ until heated through. Easy and yummy and plain! You will want to help with boiling the pasta but, other than that, it’s a cinch for kids about 8 years and older. To make this recipe even healthier, throw some peas (frozen or fresh) into the boiling pasta for the last few minutes of cooking time. Picnics Inside Even if it’s raining outside, think “picnic.” Who said a picnic needs to be under the sky? Pitch a pup tent in the living room or use paper plates in the dining room – the idea is simplicity and a lighthearted approach to mealtime. Buy a precooked roasted chicken from your local supermarket. You can often find organic, barbecued, or even provincial chickens for under $10.00. Assemble a large salad from the salad bar or buy a Caesar salad in a bag. Finally, pick up a container of vanilla frozen yogurt and some chocolate chip cookies. When you get home, all you’ll need to do is cut up the chicken, add it to the Caesar salad and scoop some frozen yogurt between 2 cookies, wrap them in cellophane and freeze for dessert. Partner Up Create a weekly summer pot luck dinner gathering with neighbors. Hearkening back to those beach days where everyone contributed to joint family dinners, enlist your neighbors to join you in creating the ultimate summer easy potluck, one night a week. Your kids will love the cooperative feel where gathering together is what counts. Get out a picnic bench, paper tablecloths, and come up with simple contributions from participating families. Protein Power The combination of fat, protein and fiber in peanut butter makes it hard to break down, so it lasts longer in our systems – providing us more energy. A perfect, protein packed, summer dinner kids adore is Spicy Peanut Noodles. It’s served chilled or at room temperature, so this is a great dish to make in the morning before the day begins. Edamame is also packed with protein punch and would make a great accompaniment to these noodles. You can buy them in the freezer section of your local grocer for ultimate ease. Spicy Peanut Noodles* Whisk together: -4 Tablespoons each creamy peanut butter (organic if available) and low-sodium soy sauce -4 teaspoons fresh lime juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes Toss with: -4 Cups of cooked pasta (spaghetti holds the sauce well) -A seeded, sliced cucumber -Top with a few sliced scallions Options: -Grated ginger and/or garlic -Chopped fresh cilantro About the Author: Mimi Doe is a national parenting expert and the award-winning author of Busy but Balanced (St. Martin’s Press). She serves as the Chair of the http://www.MomJunction.com Board of Advisors. More Momscape articles by Mimi Doe: 5 Ways to Raise Joyful Happy Kids, by Mimi Doe Spiritual Parenting Principles, by Mimi Doe Raising Children in an Email World	Subscribe via email Subscribe to our blog Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook Bookmark and share Momscape with your friends: Share \| Momscape on Facebook Coupons for Momscape Readers: Offers valid for a limited time. Free Printable Grocery Coupons Save $5 Off $50 at Target.com Click link to activate coupon. Weight Watchers Coupon: 25% off Office Depot Coupons: $30 off $150
Find Momscape on Facebook \| Follow Momscape on Twitter Copyright Momscape.com All Rights Reserved

Welcome Momscapers!

Fast, Festive Summer Meals