Podcast
Welcome to our weekly radio podcast, Cooking with the Moms. Our show is packed with fast and healthy recipe ideas and helpful mealtime tips all designed to help you and your family eat a more nutritious diet.
We hope you’ll join us (or download us) each week as we share our kitchen creations and cooking insights with you. And if you think our kids are perfect – devouring every fruit and vegetable we put in front of them – you’ll be happy to learn that we’re mere mortals just like you, as we face the day-to-day challenges of feeding our own families.
If you have a question you’d like us to answer “on the air” or a comment you’d like to share – perhaps you have a clever tip for getting your children to eat their veggies without complaint or a no-fail sandwich recipe your kids take for school lunch — send an email to moms@mealmakeovermoms.com or visit our blog and post a comment/question there.
Now that you have found us, we hope you’ll listen, laugh, and get cooking! And if you like what you hear please post a review on iTunes.
Episode 116: Summer Tomatoes
September 1, 2010
42 minutes
Tomatoes are at their peak in New England right now, which means endless good eats as far as we're concerned. Janice's husband, Don, has a green thumb that just won't quit, and his backyard garden is brimming right now with the sweetest, juiciest tomatoes you've ever seen. As for Liz's garden, well, let's just say she's shelling out hard cash for her tomatoes this summer! During this week’s show, we serve up a new recipe creation for an Open-Faced PB & Tomato Sandwich (yes, it sounds weird, but it is soooo good), take you behind the scenes to Pumpkin Pond Farm on Nantucket where Liz sampled just-picked tomatoes, still warm from the sun, and share lots of fresh, new ideas for preparing tomatoes, inspired by our Twitter friends and Facebook fans.
Listen HereEpisode 115: Tyler Florence Interview
August 25, 2010
24 minutes
When it comes to feeding the public, celebrity chef and Food Network host, Tyler Florence is known for his uncomplicated recipes, bright flavors, and fresh food. And when it comes to feeding his family, this dynamic dad is clearly devoted to good nutrition. On this week's show, we caught up with Tyler to talk about his three kids, the importance of sharing family meals, and some clever ways to get picky eaters to try new foods. Tyler was in Boston for the National "got milk?" Milk Mustache Mobile Tour to discuss the importance of "milking the moment at mealtime." Tyler shared a recipe for Roasted Broccoli with Crispy Parmesan and Lemon and he also offered up a few autographed copies of his cookbooks for a Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen giveaway.
Episode 114: Substituting Ingredients
August 18, 2010
23 minutes
How many times have you been in the middle of making a recipe only to discover you're out of a key ingredient? We can certainly relate to that! Thanks to Substituting Ingredients: The A to Z Kitchen Reference (Sourcebooks, 2010) by Becky Sue Epstein, the next time you run out of pumpkin pie spice, or teriyaki sauce, or even an egg, you'll be able to swap it in no time with something else from your pantry. Besides her substitution tips (don't have a cardoon ... no worries!), Becky also reveals common yields (did you know 1 pound of potatoes yields 1 ¾-cups mashed?), remedies for fixing common kitchen disasters, and household formulas. Be sure to check out our blog post for more information on this indispensable guide.
Episode 113: BlogHer 2010
August 11, 2010
33 minutes
At this year's BlogHer 2010 conference, everyone from food and fashion bloggers to mommy bloggers gathered in New York City to network and learn about new ways to blog better. We were there too, and on this week's show, we share our adventures. Highlights included working at the Got Milk booth and posing for a bloggers'-only Milk Mustache ad, attending educational sessions on photography and web analytics, and dining at some of New York's most delicious restaurants. Tune in for all the fun.
Episode 112: Healthy Summer Grilling
August 4, 2010
36 minutes
If Grilled Pork with Pineapple Pizzazz whets your appetite, be sure to tune into this week's Cooking with the Moms podcast. On the show, we join fellow podcasters for the Summer 2010 Podcast Project where we dish about our favorite summertime food adventures. Although we've been super busy this summer finishing the manuscript for our new cookbook, we've each enjoyed flavorful and nutritious meals prepared on the outdoor grill.
Episode 111: Great Sodium Debate
July 21, 2010
33 minutes
Should all Americans pay closer attention to shaking the salt habit? The answer is, "Yes" according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group established to update the 2005 Dietary Guidelines. According to the committee, "On average, Americans of all ages consume too few vegetables, fruits, high-fiber whole grains, low-fat milk and milk products, and seafood, and they eat too much added sugars, solid fats, refined grains, and sodium." To that end, they suggest we all lower our sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day --- a lofty goal indeed given that, on average, Americans consume 4,000 milligrams daily. So in this show, we explore ways to cut back on sodium...everything from navigating the supermarket aisles to new ways to prepare food.
Episode 110: Cookbook: Sneak Preview
July 14, 2010
29 minutes
The manuscript for our new cookbook, NO WHINE WITH DINNER: 150 Healthy, Kid-Tested Recipes from The Meal Makeover Moms is done! The book will be available in early October, 2010, and we can't wait for everyone to see it. We wrote the book with the help of the many moms in our social media network. They tested recipes and offered feedback, and many sent us their best secrets for getting picky eaters to try new foods...without complaint. The goal of the book is turn mealtime whines into "wows." During today's show, we shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of our new book.
Episode 109: Power of Probiotics
June 30, 2010
26 minutes
On today's show, we chow down on probiotics, friendly bacteria that may support the immune system, regulate the digestive tract, and ease symptoms of lactose intolerance. Consuming foods swimming in bacteria may not sound appetizing, but when good bacteria like lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium are ingested, they help to keep us healthy. Probiotics can be found in supplements as well as in everyday fermented foods including yogurt, soy yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Episode 108: No-Recipe Dinners
June 23, 2010
39 minutes
On this week's show, we cook up family-friendly dinners that are so easy, you don't even need a recipe. Everyone can probably relate to those nights when you walk in the door at 5pm and have no idea what to make for dinner. For some people, mac & cheese, frozen chicken nuggets, or a pizza become the dinner du jour... But all those "fast" foods aren't always the most nutritious. To make last-minute meals easy, we share lots of ideas for making quick dinners -- things like quesadillas, soups, and sliders -- from the foods you may already have in your pantry, and we promise that each and every one of them will be nutritious and good for your family.
Episode 107: Beef News
June 16, 2010
30 minutes
On this week's show, we saddle up and head out on the range for the latest news on beef nutrition, tips for choosing the leanest cuts of meat, and a recipe for Lemon Thyme Rub, just in time for Father's Day. Last week, Liz traveled to Napa Valley, CA for the Live Well 2010 conference, sponsored by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. There, she met ranchers (some of whom were women!), scientists, and top California chefs, and she had an opportunity to cook at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America with fellow dietitians from around the country.
Episode 106: Whole Grain Goodness
June 9, 2010
45 minutes
During this week's show, we talk about the benefits of eating more whole grains, share tips for adding more of them to your family's diet, feature an interview with Bob of Bob's Red Mill, and serve up a delicious recipe for Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies. Tune in if you're curious about teff, amaranth, quinoa, and other whole grains.
Episode 105: Favorite Cookbooks
May 26, 2010
32 minutes
What are your favorite family cookbooks and how do you read them? For this week's show, we asked our fans and followers to share their cookbook reading habits, and it turns out that many read cookbooks like a novel. Others thumb through the recipes, see what catches their eye and then shop for the ingredients...while others look through the index for ingredients already on hand and then get cooking from there. During the show, we also share recipes for The Best Cookie Ever and Vegetarian EnchiladasVegetarian Enchiladas.
Episode 104: Soy Story
May 19, 2010
35 minutes
This week's show is all about soy. Soybeans are a type of legume native to Southest Asia. They may be tiny, but soybeans are the most widely grown legume in the world with about 210 million tons cultivated annually. That's a lot of beans! Foods made from soy include tofu, soymilk, edamame, soynuts, miso (soy paste), tempeh, soy burgers and soynut butter. To explain how soy foods can fit into a healthy family diet we invited pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene, author of several books including Raising Baby Green and Feeding Baby Green, to be a guest on the show. Soy foods often find their way on to Dr. Greene's dinner table (he has four kids), so we asked him to weigh in on the health benefits of soy, the difference between whole and processed soy, and the role soy may play in heart disease and cancer prevention. We also have a recipe to share for Tropical Soymilk Smoothie.
Episode 103: Breakfast for Dinner
May 12, 2010
37 minutes
Lately, we've been up to our elbows in recipe testing for the new book. So when Eggland's Best Eggs invited us to a food blogger's dinner in downtown Boston, we jumped at the opportunity (plus, they've been our podcast sponsor since the show launched, so we were eager to meet them). At their Breakfast for Dinner event, we met fellow food bloggers from the Boston area, and had an opportunity to sample some delicious egg-inspired dishes: French Toast with Warm Vermont Maple Syrup, Linguini Carbonara, and Duck Omelet made with duck confit, crumbled blue cheese, and baby spinach. We also learned about the new-and-improved EB eggs – they provide vitamins D and E, lutein (an antioxidant good for eye health), and omega-3 fats. On the show, we also feature a kid-friendly recipe for Crispy Kale Chips (you'll have to listen to find out what kale chips have to do with eggs)!
Episode 102: School Lunch Revolution
May 5, 2010
34 minutes
What's happening in your community to improve the school lunch menu? On today's show we join the school lunch revolution with an overview of several initiatives going on across the country to reform school lunch programs. From Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution to Chef Ann Cooper's mission to transform highly processed school food to highly nourishing food, we explore some of the innovative programs taking place from coast to coast. We also share some kid-friendly brown bag ideas including a recipe for a Healthy Hero.
Episode 101: Foodie Conference
April 28, 2010
36 minutes
Recently, while Liz sat in Boston with nowhere to go (her family's flight to the UK was canceled due to the erupting Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland ... say that five times backwards!) Janice flew to Portland, OR for the annual meeting of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She feasted on fine food and hobnobbed with famous foodies, and on today's show, she shares all of those fabulous adventures. During the show, she also serves up a recipe for Sesame Broccoli Pasta that she enjoyed during the trip. For more information, visit the Moms' blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.
Episode 100: Show 100 Celebration
April 14, 2010
33 minutes
Today marks the release of our 100th Cooking with the Moms podcast. It's hard to believe we made it this far...but we're fired up and ready for the next 100! When we look back, we can't stop smiling as we remember our favorite episodes. For Liz, our Composting for Dummies show (Episode 73 on September 23, 09) jumps out as one of the funniest ever. If you haven't listened to it yet, be sure to tune in. Janice's hubby, Don, was our guest, and for a mild-mannered home inspector, he's an absolute hoot! As for Janice, her favorite was Episode 83, Kitchen Stories with our Moms, which featured kitchen memories from Janice's mom, Carol, and Liz's mother-in-law, Joy. During the show, we share listener emails and a new recipe for "Sushi" Ham & Cheese Roll Ups.
Episode 99: Menu Planning 101
April 7, 2010
38 minutes
If you're like us and were NOT born with the organizing gene, this is the show for you. We're joined by Laura from the blog, I'm an Organizing Junkie, who shares her strategies for planning a healthy and delicious weekly menu the whole family will love. Laura says that menu planning saved her life, so tune in and find out why!
Episode 98: Teen Meal Makeovers
March 31, 2010
35 minutes
Teenagers are often tempted by a diet of pizza, white bagels, French fries, and soft drinks. On today's show, we give teen favorites a healthy makeover. We also answer common questions posed by teens and their parents including, "are diet soft drinks okay for teens," "what’s better, whole milk, skim or something in between," and "can certain foods help to fight stress?" Tune in too for tips on adding more fruits, veggies, and whole grains to teen diets.
Episode 97: "Lets Move" Michelle Obama
March 24, 2010
31 minutes
When Michelle Obama announced her Let's Move initiative to end childhood obesity, we jumped for joy (okay, maybe not literally, but certainly figuratively). The goal of Let's Move, in the words of the First Lady, is "to solve the problem of childhood obesity in a generation, so that children born today can reach adulthood at a healthy weight." Sadly, since 1980, rates of childhood overweight and obesity have tripled. Today, over a third of America's youth weigh too much. The initiative strives to tackle four things: Healthier Schools, Physical Activity, Accessible and Affordable Healthy Food, and Healthy Choices. That's certainly a tall order, but we believe Obama's challenge to all of us -- parents, school administrators, restaurants, supermarkets, the food industry -- is not just timely and critical ... it's doable. How do you feel about Let's Move and what's happening in your home or community to reverse the obesity/poor nutrition tide?
Episode 96: Good Manners for Kids
March 10, 2010
30 minutes
Does your child burp at the dinner table, diss your home cooking, get up and down from the dinner table, or run around at a restaurant when he should be sitting politely with a napkin on his or her lap? If you've struggled with good manners, be sure to tune into this week's show for advice from our guests, Alex Von Bidder and Leslie McGuirk. Alex and Leslie wrote the wonderful new children's book, Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant, and they know first-hand what it takes to get kids focused on good manners.
Episode 95: Potato Casserole & Spud Facts
March 3, 2010
30 minutes
On today's Cooking with the Moms' podcast, we feature a stick-to-your ribs, family-pleasing recipe for Ham & Broccoli Hash Brown Casserole. The inspiration for this dish came from a Facebook fan who sent us a saturated fat laden hash brown casserole recipe and asked us to give it a makeover. Not only did we slash the bad fat and the sodium in the recipe, we added some broccoli for extra good nutrition. In the show, we also share some fun facts about potatoes.
Episode 94: Stress Busting/Health Boosting Mom Tips
February 24, 2010
32 minutes
Do you spend every waking moment taking care of everyone...but yourself? Are you feeling stressed out? Does your back ache? Do you wish you could carve out even a few precious minutes for yourself each day? To bust through your stress and boost your health, we're joined this week by fitness expert, Joe Sweeney, author of I Know I Should Exercise...But and lifestyle guru at Rancho La Puerta spa in Tecate, Mexico. In addition to Joe's tips – breathing deeply 10 minutes a day, scheduling exercise like you'd schedule a dentist's appointment, starting small, making exercise fun – we also share a mom-friendly recipe for Squash-Apple Soup with Thai Red Curry and Mexican Red Rice.
Episode 93: Bring Back Sunday Dinner
February 17, 2010
34 minutes
When you were a kid, was Sunday Dinner part of your family's weekly mealtime routine? For this week's Cooking with the Moms, we reminisce about Sunday Dinner with two special guests: Janice's mom, Carol, and Liz's mother-in-law, Joy. We share tips for bringing families back to the dinner table – especially on Sundays, and we dish about fun ways to make mealtime more enjoyable. We also serve up two hearty recipes. The first is for Thyme Roasted Chicken and the second for Yorkshire Pudding, a British side dish similar to popovers.
Episode 92: Waffles for Your Valentine
February 10, 2010
31 minutes
For Valentine's Day, surprise your special someone with our fabulous Banana Brownie Waffles. They're perfect for breakfast in bed or for breakfast at your kitchen table. Made with our new Belgian waffle maker, these hearty and healthy waffles feature bananas, cocoa powder, eggs, whole wheat and all-purpose flour, and wheat germ. During the show, we share our new recipe along with our favorite frozen waffle brands.
Episode 91: Rancho La Puerta Adventures
February 3, 2010
35 minutes
On today's show, we take you on an amazing food and fitness adventure to Rancho La Puerta, a destination spa in Tecate, Mexico. The reason we're excited to talk about "The Ranch" is because we recently returned from a one-week visit where we gave a lecture on the Secret to Healthy Meal Makeovers and led a hands-on cooking class at the Ranch's beautiful La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen that Sings). We enjoyed meals of locally-grown, organic produce, fitness classes, early-morning hikes and so much more. One of the recipes we created for our cooking class was Grilled Salmon with Avocado Cilantro Sauce. Enjoy!
Episode 90: Casseroles with a Twist
January 20, 2010
32 minutes
Gooey and gloppy are just two of the words that come to mind when we think about classic casseroles. Typically made with creamed soups and lots of butter and full-fat cheese, casseroles get a bad nutrition rap because they have a tendency to stick to the ribs... and to the waistline. For this week's show, we decided to add a contemporary twist to casseroles by skimming away some of the bad fat and the excess calories and by incorporating some good-for-you ingredients (things like light soups, vegetables, whole wheat pasta blends)... and we do it without sacrificing the time-honored flavors. Our featured recipe is Silly Salmon Noodle Bake.
Episode 89: Vegetarian Delights
January 13, 2010
27 minutes
For today's show, we hop to one of the hottest food trends for 2010: meat-less meals. Vegetarian diets are growing in popularity. In fact, 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet. To join the bandwagon, we created two new vegetarian recipes: Very Veggie Chili and Silky Chocolate Caramel Pie. The chili features Galaxy's really delicious soy-based Veggie cheese (completely cholesterol and saturated-fat free) and the pie is made with a surprise ingredient: tofu!!
Episode 88: 2010 Goals & Food Trends
January 6, 2010
30 minutes
What are your goals and resolutions for 2010? In this week's Cooking with the Moms podcast, we divulge our top resolutions for the year. Perhaps our biggest goal is to write our second cookbook! As for Janice, she's still dreaming of a new kitchen. Also on the show, we dish about some of the hottest food trends for the new decade: sustainability, simplicity, knowing where your food comes from, word-of-mouth food/restaurant recommendations (from social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook, blogs), low sodium, low carbon, and more.
Episode 87: Persimmon Cookie Rescue
December 30, 2009
29 minutes
In season October through February, bright orange persimmons are often found adorning holiday tables... but have you ever tried them before? Much to our embarrassment, neither of us had feasted on persimmons until Catarina, a Facebook fan from San Ramone, CA sent us a box filled with Hachiya (hi-CHEE-ah) persimmons picked straight from her father-in-law's backyard persimmon tree. When Catarina posted a note on our Facebook fan page asking if we could give her mother-in-law's persimmon cookies a healthy makeover, we accepted the challenge. Made with a cup of shortening, we knew we could lighten things up while removing all the unhealthy trans fats. Be sure to tune into this week's show to learn all about persimmons and to hear how we "rescued" Catarina’s wonderful Sweet Spiced Persimmon Cookies.
Episode 86: Quinoa Karma
December 23, 2009
32 minutes
A recently discovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas." The Incas recognized the value of quinoa in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Quinoa is a complete protein – it includes all nine essential amino acids and is a good source of magnesium, manganese, iron and copper. It is similar in size to couscous and is technically considered the seed of a plant related to beets, chard and spinach. When cooked, the seeds "sprout" and become fluffy yet slightly crunchy. The three delicious, family-friendly recipes featured in today's show include: Crunchy Quinoa with Almonds & Apricots, Lemony Red Quinoa with Butternut Squash and Roasted Quinoa with Potatoes and Cheese.
Episode 85: Gourmet Magazine Tribute
December 16, 2009
24 minutes
It's hard to believe that Gourmet, The Magazine of Good Living, has closed its doors after nearly 70 years. First published in 1941, Gourmet was the first magazine devoted to food and wine. To pay tribute to this illustrious foodie publication, Liz's Gourmet Cooking Group recently enjoyed a holiday-inspired feast with recipes exclusively from Gourmet. We hope you savor this week's show as we dish about Gourmet and Liz's favorite recipes from the meal -- Porcini Mushroom Soup and Gingered Carrot Latkes.
Episode 84: Breakfast Any Time
December 9, 2009
31 minutes
What's your favorite meal of the day? If it's breakfast, you're in luck. On a recent trip to Napa, CA, we ate a spectacular breakfast at the Boon Fly Café. The dishes we devoured inspired us to create two family-friendly breakfast recipes that you can enjoy at any meal. The first recipe for Green Eggs & Bacon Pizza is sure to please every child at your table. Made with eggs, a few slices of all-natural bacon, baby spinach, and reduced-fat cheese, it's hearty and healthy, and all of our kids loved it. Our second recipe for B.L.T. with More is a classic B.L.T. topped with a surprise ingredient: an egg.
Episode 83: Kitchen Stories with Our Moms
December 2, 2009
28 minutes
This week, we toured ten lovely kitchens in Melrose, MA (that's where Janice lives). The kitchen tour was part of a local fundraiser, and we decided to bring Janice's mom along as well as Liz's mother-in-law, who was visiting from England. After the tour, we invited the moms back to our studio to record a podcast on all of our kitchens from the past as well as our kitchens of the present (with a few dreams for the future mixed in). We had lots of laughs and learned about the challenges past generations faced when it came to getting a healthy, square meal on the table (let's just say there were no Sub Zero refrigerators back then)!
Episode 82: Healthy Thanksgiving
November 25, 2009
33 minutes
On this week's show, we're talking turkey with two family-pleasing recipes! Clearly we're not the only ones with turkey on our minds. According to the National Turkey Federation, every year, Americans consume an estimated 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day alone. Our first recipe for Golden Mashed Party Potatoes calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a naturally creamy and buttery flavor, and sweet potatoes, packed with immune-boosting vitamin A. The fat and calories in this simple side dish are considerably less than most traditional mashed potato recipes -- typically made with beaucoup butter -- because we get away with just one tablespoon. For our second recipe, we cooked up a turkey leftover recipe from the November, 2009 issue of Bon Appétit magazine for Barbecue Pulled-Turkey Sandwiches. The sandwiches were tasty, filling, and best of all, kid friendly!
Episode 81: Napa Valley Adventures
November 18, 2009
41 minutes
On a recent trip to Napa, CA for the Manic Mommies annual Escape, we cooked up a fabulous new recipe for Quick Apple Sausage Quesadillas. All the moms at the Escape loved the recipe because it's easy, versatile (you could use any kind of meat or veggie in the quesadillas), and after trying it, many agreed even the pickiest of eaters would be willing to try it. In this week's show, we also dish about the amazing restaurants we enjoyed during our trip to San Francisco and Napa: Chez Panisse, Ubuntu, and Pica Pica, and Bottega.
Episode 80: Pizza Tonight
November 11, 2009
24 minutes
Kids between the ages of 3 to 11 prefer pizza over all other food groups for lunch and for dinner. Pizza is a quintessential family favorite, but it can also be a nutritional nightmare when topped with things like pepperoni, sausage, and gobs of full-fat cheese. To lighten things up, we created two new pizza recipes guaranteed to keep the troops happy. Our first recipe for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pies uses whole wheat English muffins as the base. For the topping, we sauté diced chicken and bell peppers with hot & spicy buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. Part-skim mozzarella cheese is the final topping. Our second recipe for Sausage, Mushroom & Cannellini Pesto Pizza is packed with great flavor, and the "sauce" will surely surprise you. Tune in for lots of pizza trivia and our brand new, super-yummy recipes.
Episode 79: Dining in Denver
November 4, 2009
30 minutes
During our trip to Denver for the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association last month, we dined our way around The Mile High City in style. Liz feasted on local favorites like buffalo and rattlesnake at The Fort, savored fine Mediterranean cuisine at Rioja, and enjoyed local/sustainable cooking at Root Down. Janice took a cool cooking class at Cook Street School of Fine Cooking, tried the local beer at Wynkoop Brewery, and hob knobbed with friends from Johnson & Wales (a culinary school in Providence, RI) at Venice, a yummy Italian restaurant. We concluded that the food scene in Denver rocks!
Episode 78: New Food Product News FNCE 2009
October 28, 2009
29 minutes
Every year, we attend the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association. It's called FNCE (Food & Nutrition Conference and Exposition). This year, we had an opportunity to sample a wide array of healthy new food products, sure to appear in a supermarket near you. Some of our favorite new foods included Chobani Greek yogurt for kids, Larabar (we like their new PB&J flavor), barramundi, a sustainably raised farmed fish, and Welch's 100% grape juice with fiber.
Episode 77: Halloween Cupcakes & Scary Stories
October 21, 2009
27 minutes
Halloween is one of our kids' favorite days of the year. But let's face it: All that candy can be a bit much. If you're looking for a healthy "treat" for your little ghosts and goblins, try our Carrot Camouflage Cupcakes. They're made with healthy ingredients like carrots, whole wheat flour, and canola oil, and they're perfect for a neighborhood party or as something special when the kids get home from school. In addition to the recipe, on this week's show, we also share some scary stories about the food mistakes we've made this year. Be sure to visit our Flickr page for photos of our food faux pas.
Episode 76: Healthy Brunch
October 14, 2009
27 minutes
Brunch is a combination of breakfast and lunch, often served after a morning event or prior to an afternoon one … and it's one of our favorite meal occasions. In this week's show, we share two recipes. The first is for Raspberry Breakfast Cake … a recipe we adapted from Gourmet magazine. Our second dish for Easy Enchilada Casserole first appeared in our cookbook, and it's a favorite among our loyal Meal Makeover Moms' following! We use meat-free grounds in the recipe so it's ideal for vegetarians, but you could also use ground beef, turkey or chicken and it would be just as yummy.
Episode 75: Autumn Apples
October 7, 2009
25 minutes
In this week's show, we chomp our way through autumn's finest apples. With names like Fuji, Honey Crisp, Jonah Gold, and Rome, who could resist. To celebrate one of nature's crispiest, crunchiest fruits, we share two recipes during the show. The first is a recipe for Baked Apples with Walnut & Dried Fruit Filling, inspired by a recipe we found in Eating Well magazine. We also have a recipe for Sautéed Cinnamon Apples which Janice created as a side dish for roasted pork.
Episode 74: Kid Food Makeovers
September 30, 2009
23 minutes
In lots of families, dinnertime is a stressful exercise in figuring out something healthy to make, and then getting the kids to actually eat it. What if, instead of trying to get your child to taste a new veggie tonight, you gave in and had mac & cheese? You can do just that, minus the guilt, thanks to our healthy updates of some tried-and-true kid favorites. Our recipes for the show include Mac & Cheese & Carrots and Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies.
Episode 73: Composting for Dummies
September 23, 2009
23 minutes
Get ready to take your coffee grounds, cucumber peels and egg shells out of the trash, because this week, Cooking with the Moms is all about composting. To help us sort through the dos and don'ts of backyard composting, we roped Janice's husband, Don, into coming onto the show. Home inspector by day and composter, well, by day, Don is an old pro at turning food scraps and garden clippings into rich, nutrient-packed soil. Composting does wonders for the environment, helps gardens grow (you should see Don’s herb garden), and it's easier than you may think. Tune in to the show for lots of tips and tricks and for resources for getting started.
Episode 72: Lunch Box Salads
September 16, 2009
25 minutes
Now that the kids are back in school, they may be suffering from brown bag boredom. To shake things up in the lunch box, we created two new cold pasta salads we hope your kids will love (ours certainly do). The first recipe for Better-Than-B-Plus Pasta Salad features bow tie pasta mixed with diced red bell pepper, feta cheese, chicken, and Italian salad dressing. It's a favorite with Janice's daughters. Our second recipe for Squiggly Chow Mein Salad with Snow Peas & Tofu is made with a super-flavorful sauce of soy sauce, tahini, ginger, and honey. Your kids will be the envy of the cafeteria!
Episode 71: School Birthday Parties
September 9, 2009
26 minutes
Birthdays come just once a year. Or do they? If your child is in daycare, preschool, or elementary school, chances are there's a class celebration every week or two. That's a lot of cupcakes. As moms and dietitians, we have nothing against an occasional cupcake, but we understand why some schools have revised their party policies. Among the concerns: food allergies, a commitment to more time spent on learning and less on parties, and worries over the expanding waistlines of American children. If a "no cupcake" rule in your kid's classroom has you stymied, tune in for our Krazy Face Fruit Kebab and Meringue Cloud Lollipop recipes as well as our food-free party ideas.
Episode 70: Julie & Julia and Julia Child Memories
September 2, 2009
28 minutes
Julie & Julia was deliciously funny and awesomely entertaining. Between us, we've seen the movie three times, and between us, we give it four thumbs up! This week's show is devoted to our thoughts on this year's number-one foodie movie and to our memories of the grand dame of cooking herself, Julia Child. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of meeting Julia. Once, we were both at her house for a luncheon with chocolate company executives (yum) and Liz even interviewed her several times when she worked at CNN. To hear more about our culinary encounters with Julia, be sure to tune into the show.
Episode 69: Slow Cooker Favorites
August 26, 2009
16 minutes
For the past few weeks, it's been way too hot outside to even think about turning on the oven inside. To get fast and healthy meals on the table without heating up our kitchens, we devoted this week's show to all things slow cooker. Our first recipe for Spinach Goo was featured on our blog recently as part of our ongoing Recipe Rescue series. It's a great side dish or vegetarian main dish. Our second recipe, Sweet & Hearty Beef Stew, is a 5-minute meal you'll definitely want to make over and over again. Be sure to tune in because we also have lots of great slow cooker tips to make your meals turn out terrific every time.
Episode 68: Gluten Free Diets
August 19, 2009
29 minutes
On this week's show, we feature the gluten-free diet, a diet for people diagnosed with celiac disease. The gluten-free diet has received a lot of attention over the past few years as more and more people have been diagnosed with this autoimmune condition. It's estimated that 1 in 133 individuals suffer from celiac disease. The only treatment is a diet devoid of gluten – the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. During the show, we discuss many of the helpful books and websites now available and share two gluten-free recipes: Fudgy Black Bean Brownies and Garden Minestrone Soup.
Episode 67: Back-to-School Breakfast
August 12, 2009
25 minutes
Now that the lazy days of summer have abruptly come to an end for many families across America, we decided to record a show on back-to-school breakfast ideas for kids of all ages. It's often been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The reasons: Research shows that children who eat the morning meal have higher achievement scores, lower rates of absence from school, and increased concentration in the classroom. Eating breakfast is also associated with a healthier body weight. According to the American Dietetic Association, however, more than half of all teens don't eat breakfast on a regular basis. To entice your children to the breakfast table (or back to the table if they've been skipping it), we have two new recipe creations. The first for Blueberry Breakfast Parfait is a fun change of pace from the usual bowl of cereal. Our second recipe -- Berry Good French Toast -- features a naturally sweet, super healthy topping alternative to maple syrup.
Episode 66: Summer Food Adventures
August 5, 2009
30 minutes
From a giant 22-pound lobster to Korean barbeque to the biggest pancake you'll ever see, this week's Cooking with the Moms podcast is all about our culinary adventures this summer. Liz's travels took her throughout New England. First up was a trip to Nantucket where she ate at Town, Dune, and Lola 41, and stayed at a lovely inn called the Veranda House. She also visited Chatham, MA and Portsmouth, NH. They say Portsmouth has more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. Janice and her family drove from Boston to D.C. Packed in her car was a cooler filled with her CSA produce from the week (which she cooked up for friends on their first night away)! She ate at Annandale Yechon, a Korean barbeque and got a view of Michelle Obama's White House vegetable garden.
Episode 65: Summer Gardens & Greens
July 29, 2009
28 minutes
Last week when Janice and her family traveled to Washington, DC on vacation, they stopped by the White House and had a chance to see Michelle Obama's organic vegetable garden. Though they couldn't get too close -- the secret service were everywhere so scaling the fence was clearly not an option -- Janice imagined she saw a bounty of ripe, juicy tomatoes, zucchini, and Swiss chard growing throughout the eleven hundred square foot garden. Our backyard gardens will never be as fancy as Michelle's, but we're still pretty darn proud of what we've each managed to grow this season. That's the topic of this week's show. Tune in as we dish about the nutritional merits of all sorts of greens -- spinach, chard, collards -- and share two fun recipes: Panko Crusted Goat Cheese Rounds and Beet Rosti with Rosemary.
Episode 64: Healthy Road Trip Food
July 15, 2009
27 minutes
According to AAA, over 37 million travelers took a road trip of 50 miles or more over the fourth of July weekend. That's a lot of driving and a lot of pit stops! To steer clear of fast food restaurants and road-side convenience stores, we suggest you pack your own foods – preferably healthy ones – the next time you hit the highway. In this week's show, we share two easy-to-pack nibbles: Turkey 'n Cheese Pretzel Sticks and Ham & Cheese Wraps. We also serve up a list of portable & healthy snack ideas for hungry travelers.
Episode 63: Food Blogging 101
July 8, 2009
28 minutes
There are literally thousands of food blogs on the world wide web featuring just about every food topic imaginable: vegetarian, gluten-free, gourmet, family meals (that's us), cupcakes, recipes using bananas (it's true), Southern cooking, and a whole lot more. For this week's show, we're joined by Maris, a 20-something publicist living in the Big Apple who loves to cook. She tells us all about her blog, In Good Taste and dishes with us about how to start and maintain a food blog. She also shares some of her favorite food blogs and a recipe for Baked Penne with Spinach & Sausage ... you and your family are going to love it!
Episode 62: Kebabs on the Grill
July 1, 2009
25 minutes
On this week's show, we celebrate the lazy days of summer with two new kebab recipes. They're perfect for the outdoor grill. Our Very Veggie Kebabs provide a sure-fire way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables. The zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms in this simple side dish get soft and sweet as they caramelize on the grill. Our second recipe for Hoisin BBQ Kebabs with Pineapple Salsa calls for top sirloin steak, a lean cut of beef, and features a super flavorful salsa on the side.
Episode 61: Summer Strawberries
June 24, 2009
23 minutes
Strawberries are one of our favorite summertime fruits. Naturally sweet and packed with vitamin C and manganese (a nutrient important for normal bone formation), they're ideal for snacks and desserts. In this week's show, we share two terrific recipes. The first is a playful recipe for Strawberry Shortcake on a Bun ... perfect for a healthy afternoon nibble or a summer cookout. The second, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Buffet, is one of those recipes that encourages kids of all ages to eat more fruit.
Episode 60: Pregnancy Nutrition
June 17, 2009
32 minutes
A lot of the conventional advice about what to eat before, during, and after pregnancy has changed quite a bit since we had kids. For the latest, greatest diet recommendations, we turned to Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of the new book, Expect the Best. On this week's Cooking with the Moms' podcast, she shares a lot of surprising information. For example, did you know that when couples are trying to get pregnant, dads-to-be should take a daily multivitamin? The reason is that men need folic acid, vitamin C, and zinc for healthy sperm formation. Another surprise: Pregnant women, on average, consume about 54 milligrams of DHA omega-3 fat per day though their needs are much higher at 200 to 300 milligrams. To put that recommendation into perspective, consider that a 3-ounce serving of salmon has 740 milligrams. For lots of interesting pregnancy guidelines as well as Elizabeth's Salmon Burger recipe, be sure to tune into the show!
Episode 59: Underweight Kids
June 10, 2009
26 minutes
Recently, Liz overheard one of her son's 10-year old friends say, "I have to eat junk food because I'm too skinny." Liz's ears perked up because this thin, physically fit 4th grade boy was by no means "underweight." There are two common misconceptions we hear bantered about all the time: The first is that if a child is skinny, he must be "underweight." The second is that skinny kids should eat junk food in order to gain weight. To set the record straight, we explain how doctors and dietitians calculate a child's weight (technically, an "underweight' child falls below the 5th percentile for age and gender), share tips for adding high-quality calories to an underweight child's diet, and serve up two delicious recipes packed with great nutrition: Ham & Cheesy Breakfast Sandwiches and Krispy PB & Chocolate Treats.
Episode 58: Kids & Constipation
June 3, 2009
28 minutes
Today's show is flush with information on kids and constipation and simple lifestyle strategies designed to keep kids regular. There are various reasons children (and adults for that matter) get constipated: not enough fiber in the diet, lack of physical activity, ignoring the urge to have a movement, and dehydration. On the show, we focus on fiber, offering busy parents lots of tips for adding more roughage-rich foods during meals and snacks.
Episode 57: Sports Nutrition for Kids
May 27, 2009
29 minutes
On this week's show, we answer many of the questions we hear on the soccer field sideline and in the basketball stands: "What are the best kinds of carbs for kids?" "Does protein really build strong muscles, and do kids who play sports need more than kids who don't?" And, "are sports drinks really necessary?" To help us answer those questions and many more, Nancy Clark, author of Nancy Clark's Sport's Nutrition Guidebook, joins us in the studio. Nancy also share some of kid-friendly recipes from her book: Sugar & Spice Trail Mix, Homemade Sports Drink, and Crushed Tortilla Chip Casserole.
Episode 56: Healthy Baby & Bridal Showers
May 20, 2009
25 minutes
'Tis the season for baby and bridal showers. If you're looking for clever party ideas or delicious and nutritious recipes, this is the show for you! On today's Cooking with the Moms, we're joined by Emily Miles Terry, author of Postcards from the Bump: A Chick's Guide to Getting to Know the Baby in Your Belly. Emily shares two recipes: Little Monkey Muffins and Pasta Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, and Corn, and she offers some really cool party themes for your next bridal or baby shower. Some of our favorite themes are "Once Upon a Time," "Green/Eco-Friendly," and "Showered with Advice."
Episode 55: Eating Green
May 13, 2009
28 minutes
Did you know that our food choices have as much of an impact on the planet as the cars we drive? In fact, the average American's diet creates an estimated 2.8 tons of carbon emissions each year – that's more than we generate through driving. On this week's podcast, we're joined by Kate Geagan, author of Eat Green, Get Lean. She offers tips for eating green – compost your food waste, join a CSA, buy energy efficient appliances – along with two delicious recipes: Hearty Corn Muffins and Tofu Cashew Stir-Fry with Sugar Snap Peas.
Episode 54: Vitamin D Nutrition
May 6, 2009
22 minutes
Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin – is best known as the vitamin that cured rickets. But today, vitamin D is being hailed for doing much more. It helps the body absorb calcium, so it maintains healthy bones and helps prevent osteoporosis (10 million Americans over the age of 50 are diagnosed with the "brittle bone" disease every year). New research suggests that vitamin D may also protect against certain cancers, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases. Good dietary sources are fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, margarines and cereals, catfish, sardines, salmon, tuna and egg yolks. Our two featured recipes in today's show can help to boost your vitamin D intake: Banana Split Smoothie and Grilled Mozzarella & Smoked Salmon Panini.
Episode 53: Food Safety Dos and Don'ts
April 29, 2009
27 minutes
Now that the weather is warm and backyard grills are back in action, we figured now is as good a time as any to talk about the dos and don'ts of food safety. In this week's show, we dispel the myth that mayonnaise is a key food spoilage culprit, share a recipe for Red, White & Blue Potato Salad, and give a pop food safety quiz to our listeners! Did you know that as a rule of thumb, leftover foods should not stay out of refrigeration for more than two hours while in hot weather (80 degrees F or warmer), the time is reduced to just one hour? Stay tuned for lots of tips and tricks for keeping your food healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy.
Episode 52: Cholesterol Lowering Foods
April 22, 2009
26 minutes
On today's show, we serve up the latest news on foods that lower cholesterol. Some of the power foods we dish about are oatmeal, walnuts and other nuts, fatty fish such as salmon, olive oil, beans, and spreads fortified with plant sterols and stanols. Our two cholesterol-lowering recipes are Oatmeal Power Breakfast topped with pure maple syrup, blueberries, and chopped nuts and Shrimp & Black Bean Tacos -- contrary to popular belief, eating shrimp won't raise your cholesterol ... in fact, it can have the opposite affect.
Episode 51: Seven Dinners Under Seven Dollars
April 15, 2009
21 minutes
Imagine a dinner that costs less than seven dollars for a family of four! Wow... talk about budget busting meals. In this week's podcast, we share seven low-cost recipes that you and your family are sure to love. Our first recipe for Ravioli & Chard Lasagna is easy, kid friendly, and costs just $1.75 per serving. We also share a new recipe for Meat 'n Potato Bites – a delicious, inexpensive side dish you're sure to make again and again.
Episode 50: Easter and Passover Food Memories
April 8, 2009
25 minutes
When we think about Easter and Passover, fond food memories come to mind. At Easter, Janice dreams of her neighbor's lamb cake. That's right! This delectable cake is shaped like a lamb and decorated with white frosting and shredded coconut. For Liz, Passover conjures up memories of matzoh and her mom’s pot roast. For the holidays, we created two new recipes: Nutty Noodle Kugel and Minty Lamb Burgers with Walnuts & Feta.
Episode 49: April Fool's Nutrition
April 1, 2009
25 minutes
On today's show, we laugh our way through the whacky world of nutrition. For starters, we discuss common nutrition myths such as, "potatoes and bread are fattening," "eating late at night goes straight to your hips," and "eggs raise cholesterol," and debunk them all. We also share two of our favorite recipes: Frog Legs – a perennial favorite with kids -- and Devil's Food Layer Cake with Peppermint Frosting with its 1,300 calories and 75 grams of fat (oh, and "April Fool's")!!
Episode 48: Bento Box Lunches
March 25, 2009
28 minutes
If your kids suffer from brown bag boredom, try packing their school lunch in a bento box. Bento boxes are traditionally used in Japan for storing separate small dishes that comprise an individual meal – most often lunch. The boxes are beautifully designed, and a staggering 12 million bento-box meals are sold each day. You don't have to live in Japan though to use a bento box. For school-age kids, there are plenty of simple, plastic bento boxes to choose from (we like the boxes from LaptopLunches.com). In this week's show, we share some bento packing tips as well as favorite school lunch and snack ideas from blog readers and podcast listeners. We also serve up our newest recipe for Thousand Island Roast Beef Wraps.
Episode 47: Lowdown on Legumes
March 18, 2009
26 minutes
Legumes are some of the healthiest foods on the planet yet they are often misunderstood. Legumes include thousands of plants -- beans, lentils, peanuts, peas, and soybeans -- that have seed pods split along both sides when ripe. Ask most people, "what’s a legume?" and you’ll hear a bunch of answers such as, "a body of water," or "a grassy swampy area," (lagoon) and "stockings" or "socks" (leggings)! Legumes are packed with protein, fiber, iron, folate and other health enhancing nutrients. The two kid-friendly recipes in this show are Mexican Lasagna featuring black beans and Peanut Butter Power Cookies featuring peanuts, a legume and not a nut.
Episode 46: Irish Food Light
March 11, 2009
23 minutes
On today's show we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with some Irish inspired recipes. Though neither one of us is Irish, we never miss an opportunity to celebrate the foods and flavors of any holiday. For St. Patrick's Day, we take traditional corned beef and use it in a slimmed down, more nutritious version of corned beef hash (did you know a 1-cup serving of canned corned beef hash over 1,600 mg of sodium?). You're going to love our recipe for Corned Beef & Carrot Hash. We also take traditional Irish bread pudding and give it a makeover for our Better-for-You Bread Pudding.
Episode 45: No Whine with Dinner
March 4, 2009
23 minutes
On today's show, we share tips and tricks for putting the kibosh on your kids' moans and groans at the dinner table. For us, there's nothing worse than spending precious time on making dinner only to have the kids complain and whine when it's served. That's why today's show is called, No Whine with Dinner. Our goal is to show you how to make mealtime pleasant and peaceful and to ultimately bring better nutrition to your family table. Some of our tips include establishing a "zero tolerance whine policy," hiring the kids to be recipe reviewers (click here for a copy of our Recipe Reviewer Chart), and making mealtime fun and enjoyable by using pretty placemats, lighting a candle, using a Lazy Susan, etc.
Episode 44: Healthy Comfort Food
February 25, 2009
26 minutes
On today's show, we're adding a healthy, kid-friendly twist to comfort food. Comfort food can be notoriously high in fat, calories and sodium and somewhat lacking in the good nutrition department. The result: All those stick-to-your-ribs bites end up sticking to your waistline. Our two recipes – Chicken & Broccoli Casserole with Crunchy Almond Topping and Slow Cooked Barbecue Beef are easy to make and are guaranteed to appeal to your entire family.
Episode 43: Seafood Kids will Eat
February 18, 2009
23 minutes
Seafood isn't exactly the number-one food kids clamor for, so on today's show we share tips for getting your entire family hooked for life! Seafood – salmon, shrimp, tilapia, catfish – is a great source of high-quality protein, rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and contains nutrients that promote good health. Our two recipes, Almond-Crusted Tilapia and Shells with Shrimp & Edamame are sure to appeal to your kids, even if they're picky!
Episode 42: Valentine's Without the Guilt
February 11, 2009
22 minutes
On this week's show, we let our hair down with two dessert recipes that feature one of our favorite foods: chocolate! Chocolate is one of those foods that says, "I love you." (It's too bad Brussels sprouts and broccoli don't elicit that same warm & fuzzy feeling). To show all the special people in your life how much you love them, try our Chocolaty Coconut Party Torte and our Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – two recipes with some surprising and healthy ingredients.
Episode 41: Pressure Cooking 101
February 4, 2009
28 minutes
In today's show, we turn the dinner hour into the dinner minutes. Recently, we discovered the amazing ease, health benefits, and convenience of cooking in a pressure cooker (not the one your grandmother used but the modern-day style that won’t explode!). To help busy families get nutritious meals on the table quickly, we have two recipes: Butternut Squash Risotto, bursting with great flavor and immune-boosting vitamin A, and Shane's Fabulous Lentil Soup, a kid-friendly recipe we got from pressure cooker guru, Jill Nussinow (AKA The Veggie Queen).
Episode 40: Super Bowl Light
January 28, 2009
26 minutes
To celebrate this year's Super Bowl, we created two deliciously healthy recipes for you, your friends, and your family. The first recipe, Tailgate Chili, is made with two types of beans – Great Northern and red kidney – and is perfect for the vegetarians in your life. Our other recipe for Post-Season Pesto Pizza is bursting with flavor thanks to two of our favorite ingredients: caramelized onions and basil pesto. This recipe is also versatile -- you can use the ingredients and layer them on two 16-ounce Italian bread loaves versus the two pizza crusts. As for who we are rooting for in this year's Super Bowl ... The Patriots (ooops, they didn't even make it into the playoffs this year)!
Episode 39: Winter Vegetables
January 21, 2009
24 minutes
Just because it's cold outside (especially here in New England where we live) doesn't mean vegetables are out of season. Cruise the supermarket produce section and you'll see an array of colorful winter veggies – everything from broccoli and Brussels sprouts to snow peas and squash. For today's show, we'll tempt your family's taste buds with two vegetable side dishes: Saucy Spaghetti Squash and Mashed Potatoes & Turnips.
Episode 38: Host a Cooking Party
January 14, 2009
21 minutes
When our cookbook was released in 2004, we wanted to share our recipes and tips with fellow moms and dads, so we started a series of cooking demonstrations called Meal Makeover Mom Cooking Parties. We traveled the country and met amazing people along the way. Since we couldn't keep up with the travel, we created a do-it-yourself guide -- complete with a sample invitation, suggested recipes, and an FAQ -- on our website. The parties are perfect for mother's groups, PTAs, or a bunch of friends who want to get together to learn and laugh! Some of the recipes we suggest are Corny Salmon Cakes and B.L.T. in a Bowl.
Episode 37: Recipe Rescue
January 7, 2009
23 minutes
On today's show, we'll share our best-kept secrets for giving recipes a healthy and delicious makeover. If you think healthy means bland and boring, you'll love our tips and tricks for making your favorite family recipes fast, flavorful and more nutritious than ever. New on our Meal Makeover Moms' Kitchen blog is a feature called, Recipe Rescue. Readers send us their favorite recipe and tell us why they want us to give it a makeover. We choose a new recipe every few weeks, give it a rescue and then showcase it on the blog. Two recipes we've "rescued" recently are: Cheesy Spinach Bites a healthier version of spinach balls and Double Strawberry Smoothie Pie, featuring a better-for-you Graham cracker crust.
Episode 36: New Year's Resolutions
December 31, 2008
25 minutes
On today's show, we ring in the New Year with recipes and tips for sticking to your New Year's Resolutions. Of course we don't know what your resolutions are but we can take a guess! Getting fit, losing weight, eating right, and encouraging picky eaters to try new foods are some of the most popular ones we hear about. To help families eat right in 2009, we have a recipe for Confetti Chicken Wraps a healthy alternative to fast food (because it's super fast) and Smooshed Sweet Potatoes, a kid-friendly dish that's sure to help everyone get more veggies on the table.
Episode 35: Food Reflections
December 24, 2008
24 minutes
We take a reflective look back at 2008 and dish about our favorite recipe makeovers, restaurant meals, and new food products as well as our most exciting food adventures – can you believe Liz's son Josh caught an 8-pound lobster in Maine? We also share our predictions for the top 2009 food & nutrition trends including omega-3s, vitamin D, sodium, and sustainability.
Episode 34: Hearty Winter Dinners
December 17, 2008
25 minutes
Now that the days are shorter and the weather is colder, we’re spending more time in the kitchen cooking up hearty dinners for our families. To keep you warm, well nourished and well fed this winter, try our "Mom the House Smells Great" Roasted Chicken and our Lazy Day Beef & Vegetable Soup. The aroma of the chicken will entice even the pickiest of eater to the table, and the slow cooker soup is so easy and tasty that everyone in your family is sure to love it.
Episode 33: Holiday Cookie Swap
December 10, 2008
26 minutes
There's nothing better than getting together with family and friends to swap holiday cookies. Even though we're dietitians, when it comes to holiday treats, our attitude is more elf than scrooge. That said, however, we can never resist the opportunity to give the sweetest, most gooey goodies a healthy makeover. In this show, we offer tips for hosting a holiday cookie swap and share two of our favorite recipe makeovers: Ginger Drizzle Cookies and Peppermint Meringue Snowballs (which are perfect for people on a gluten-free diet).
Episode 32: Eat the Mediterranean Way
December 3, 2008
22 minutes
The traditional diets of the Mediterranean are naturally delicious and naturally nutritious. People who live in countries like Italy, Spain, Turkey, France, and Morocco have lower rates of heart disease and live longer thanks to their super-healthy diets. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, olive oil, and seafood make up the diet … foods everyone, adults and kids alike, can easily enjoy. In this show, we have two Mediterranean-inspired recipes, Potato Ole Omelet and Walnut Cannellini Wraps, as well as lots of ideas for adding more Mediterranean foods to your family's diet.
Episode 31: Holiday Party Nibbles
November 26, 2008
25 minutes
On today's show, we're hitting the holiday party scene with healthy and delicious nibbles. Our first recipe for Sugar & Spice Pecans is lower in sugar than most spiced nut recipes out there, and it's packed with heart-healthy fats. Our second hard-to-resist nibble is for Mini Mango Cheesecakes which your family and friends are guaranteed to love. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season! Be sure to check it out.
Episode 30: Thanksgiving Light
November 19, 2008
23 minutes
Today, we're talking turkey with lots of tips for eating healthy during the holiday season, even when temptation lurks around every corner. And speaking of tempting, we have two terrific recipes your family and friends are sure to love: Rosemary Roasted Turkey and Maple Pecan Carrots. When you click the links to Rosemary Roasted Turkey and Maple Pecan Carrots, you'll find the written recipes along with a video of preparing each one! Be sure to check it out.
Episode 29: Healthy Eating on a Budget
November 12, 2008
23 minutes
Food prices may be on the rise but it's still possible to feed your family a super-nutritious diet ... for less. On today's show, we have two easy recipes that cost less than $2.50 per serving: Skillet Pasta & Beef Dinner and Sunflower Zucchini Pie. Also on the show -- tips for saving money at the supermarket, and a list of our Top 8 Money Saving Must-Haves to keep food budgets low and the health-factor high.
Episode 28: Soups that Satisfy
November 5, 2008
23 minutes
Soups are a quintessential comfort food. At their best, soups are swift, simple, and soothing. But, they can also be way too high in salt thanks to the canned broth products and bouillon cubes often called for in recipes. To lighten things up while boosting the nutrients in every serving, we created two family-friendly recipes for today's show: A-Plus Alphabet Soup and Carroty Lentil Soup with Bacon. We also have some great tips for choosing the best canned and prepared soups at the supermarket. Some are definitely better than others!
Episode 27: Five Minute Meals
October 29, 2008
20 minutes
If you think fast meals mean a dinner of fast food, takeout, or pizza, we'll prove that even if you have no more than five minutes to spare, it's still possible – not impossible -- to get a super healthy meal on the table. In this show, we whip up two five-minute recipes: Last-Minute Black Bean Soups and Meatball Submarines. We also take you into our kitchens for the inside scoop on some of our favorite healthy convenience ingredients.
Episode 26: Healthier Halloween
October 22, 2008
22 minutes
When trick-or-treaters are given the choice between super-sized candy bars and fistfuls of candy or a toy (i.e. a glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball or a cool Halloween pencil), they choose the toy 50% of the time. In other words, non-food treats are often just as fun as gooey goodies and sticky lollipops. In this show, we serve up tips for healthier Halloween handouts and good-for-you party foods. We also feature a recipe your little ghosts and goblins will surely gobble up: Spooky Chocolate Pumpkin Cake.
Episode 25: Pasta and Pizza
October 15, 2008
22 minutes
If you're stuck in a cheese pizza rut or if the only form of pasta your kids will eat is mac & cheese, you're going to love the pizza and pasta recipes featured in this show. First up, we have a recipe for Cheeseburger Pizza -- mini English muffin pizzas topped with sauteed lean ground beef, red bell peppers and gooey cheese. Next, we have a fall-inspired recipe for Cheese Ravioli with Pumpkin Sauce! Also on the show ... why vitamin C does a lot more for your health than fight the common cold.
Episode 24: Pancakes Any Time
October 8, 2008
22 minutes
On today's show, we feature two of our favorite pancake recipes: Hearty Cornmeal Apple Pancakes (Janice's number-one pick) and Blueberry Banana Pancakes (a staple at Liz's house). Each recipe is packed with great nutrition – we use whole grains, healthy oils, eggs, and fruit -- and is super appealing to kids. One of the best things about pancakes is their versatility. They're not just for breakfast … they're perfect for dinner too, especially when you're pressed for time or the fridge and freezer are bare. Tune in for tips on adding more whole grains to your family's diet.
Episode 23: The Picky Eater Show
October 1, 2008
21 minutes
As dietitians and busy moms, the number-one mealtime question we get from fellow parents is, "How can I get my picky eater to try new foods?" So in this show, we answer that all-too-common question with tips and tricks to entice your kids to eat their vegetables (and any other new food for that matter). We also have two incredibly kid-friendly recipes that are sure to please everyone at your table: Mommy's Edamames and Have-it-Your-Way Tacos.
Episode 22: Apple Desserts
September 24, 2008
20 minutes
The old adage, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is actually based on fact, not just folklore. In this show, we talk about the amazing health benefits of apples and cook up two simple and nutritious desserts for your family: Apple Butterscotch Cake and Apple Blueberry Walnut Crisp. Fresh fruit never tasted so good! Free recipes at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com
Episode 21: Vegetarian Recipes
September 17, 2008
20 minutes
About five million Americans follow a vegetarian diet – it could be mom, dad, or more likely than not, a teenager who decides to give it a try. Whether it's one member or the entire family, the key to a healthy vegetarian diet is variety. To help you plan delicious vegetarian meals, we have two recipes – Vegetable Garden Tofu Pie and No-Crabs-Allowed Cakes as well as tips for making sure everyone at your table gets all the important nutrients they need. Free recipes at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com
Episode 20: After-School Snacks
September 10, 2008
21 minutes
Chips, cookies and crackers may be convenient as an after-school snack, and they keep kids happy, but most offer calories and not a whole lot more. Instead, strive for snacks that fill in the food-group gaps in your child's day. Often in short supply: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and calcium-rich foods. In this week's show, we cook up recipes for Grab & Go Granola Bars and Lime 'n Honey Black Bean Dip and offer tips for many other fast and easy after-school snacks.
Episode 19: Back-to-School Brain Food
September 3, 2008
22 minutes
Now that the kids are back in school, it's more important than ever to fuel their bodies and their brains. In this week's show, we serve up recipes and tips for helping children concentrate and learn. Our family-friendly recipes, Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry and Teriyaki Salmon in Foil, are rich in flavor and great nutrition. This week's show also features a guest appearance by Liz's 9-year old son, Simon. You won't believe what he has to say about getting kids to eat their vegetables.
Szechaun Beef Stir-Fry
Teriyaki Salmon in Foil
Episode 18: Kid Food Makeovers
August 27, 2008
18 minutes
"Kid" foods – frozen chicken nuggets, hot dogs, mac & cheese, and fish sticks – may be easy to prepare but there's a catch: Many contain high amounts of sodium and saturated and are also nutritional lightweights, lacking fiber and important nutrients children need in order to thrive and grow. Dietitians Janice & Liz cook up Coconut Chicken Fingers and Cheesy Fish Sticks from scratch and offer tips for spotting the best frozen and boxed kid convenience foods on the market.
Coconut Chicken Fingers
Cheesy Fish Sticks
Episode 17: School Lunch Stuffers
August 20, 2008
22 minutes
For lots of families, it's back-to-school time for the kids. And with back to school comes the daily challenge of packing lunches. What you stuff into that lunch box or brown bag can have a positive impact on your children's diets, providing important nutrients to help them grown and to do better in school. In this show, Janice and Liz feature two sandwich recipes, BLT Makeover and A Sub to Love, and offer tips for getting more bone-building calcium into the family diet.
BLT Makeover
A Sub to Love
Kids & Calcium tip sheet
Episode 16: Easy Family Dinners
August 13, 2008
24 minutes
One of the biggest barriers to cooking healthy meals at home is the fact that many recipes take too much time to prepare. No wonder your local pizza shop is on speed dial! Dietitians Janice & Liz show busy families how to get in and out of the kitchen quickly with two homemade, kid-friendly dinners: Tortellini with Broccoli Pesto and Cutie Quiche Cakes. They also share tips for streamlining your time in the kitchen by cooking as efficiently as a restaurant chef.
Tortellini with Broccoli Pesto
Cutie Quiche Cakes
Kitchen Shortcuts from the Meal Makeover Moms
Episode 15: Frozen Treats
August 6, 2008
20 minutes
In this week's edition of Cooking with the Moms, Liz and Janice serve up three homemade popsicles brimming with good nutrition: Watermelon Pomegranate Pops, Banana Fudgsicle, and Orange Creamsicle. They also give the classic ice cream sundae a makeover and share fun facts about ice cream consumption.
Super Sundae with Strawberries
Watermelon Pomegranate Pops
Chocolaty Banana Pops
Orange Creamsicle Pops
Episode 14: Summer Salads
July 30, 2008
19 minutes
Dietitians Janice & Liz take advantage of the summer's best produce with two family-friendly salads. The first, a Creamy Caesar Salad with Feta & Dill, is a side-dish salad that's sure to get even the pickiest vegetable eaters hooked on "the green stuff." The second recipe for Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is packed with great flavor and great nutrition.
Creamy Caesar Salad with Feta & Dill
Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Episode 13: Slow Cooker Saviors
July 23, 2008
22 minutes
Why turn on your oven when your trusty slow cooker can do the work for you? In this show, Janice and Liz serve up two kid-friendly, slow cooker dinners – Pulled Pork Primavera Sandwiches and Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole -- that get you out of the kitchen during the hot days of summer. As a bonus, they'll also share their recipe for Cranberry Coleslaw, a perfect side dish for those pork sandwiches.
Pulled Pork Primavera Sandwiches
Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole
Cranberry Coleslaw
Episode 12: Healthy Grilling
July 16, 2008
20 minutes
If you can’t stand the heat in your kitchen, then head to your backyard. And when you get there, fire up the grill and get cooking. Grilling and great nutrition go hand in hand given all the good-for-you ingredients used including lean beef like tenderloin and flank steak, seafood, vegetables, and even fruit. In this show, Janice and Liz serve up Shrimp Kebabs with Pineapple & Peppers and Quick Beef Fajitas with Pico de Gallo.
Shrimp Kebabs with Pineapple & Peppers
Quick Beef Fajitas with Pico de Gallo
Episode 11: Healthy Picnics
July 9, 2008
24 minutes
From picnics at the park to neighborhood block parties and family reunions, outdoor dining is one of those summer traditions enjoyed by people of all ages. The Meal Makeover Moms share two of their favorite recipes – Makeover Deviled Eggs and Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad – along with some picnic packing pointers to keep your food fresh and safe when the weather heats up.
Makeover Deviled Eggs
Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad
Picnic Packing Pointers
Episode 10: Summer Camp Treats
July 2, 2008
22 minutes
When the kids head off to summer day camp, parents can pack along some special treats that provide great flavor as well as super nutrition. With Cookie in Disguise and Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, active kids are sure to stay happy, healthy, and energized throughout the day.
Cookie in Disguise
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Episode 9: Sensational Smoothies
June 25, 2008
20 minutes
Homemade smoothies are naturally sweet, easy to make, and loaded with great nutrition thanks to all the fresh and frozen fruit, yogurt, and 100% fruit juice. To celebrate the beginning of summer (and to stay cool), Janice and Liz whip up three of their favorite fruit smoothies: Mom's Mango Smoothie, Strawberry Banana Smoothie, and Blueberry Frosty. They also serve up some good news on blueberries, a super food packed with health-enhancing antioxidants.
Banana Strawberry Smoothie
Blueberry Frosty
Moms Mango Smoothie
Top Antioxidant Foods
Episode 8: A Better Burger
June 18, 2008
17 minutes
Burgers are what's for dinner tonight. That's because it's that time of year again when backyard grills get fired up and burgers make their way to the family table. With lean ground beef and some surprising ingredients including black beans and quick-cooking oats, Janice and Liz cook up two better burgers -- Cheesy Black Bean Burgers and a Lean Mean Cheeseburger – bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Cheesy Black Bean Burgers
Lean Mean Cheeseburger
Episode 7: Breakfast All Day
June 11, 2008
18 minutes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day… so don't skip it! Research shows that eating breakfast can lead to higher test scores, greater alertness in the classroom, a healthier body weight, and a more balanced diet rich in calcium, iron, fiber and vitamins A and C. Janice and Liz hope their recipes for Toasty-O-Granola and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes tempt everyone to eat their morning meal.
Toasty-O-Granola
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Episode 6: Healthy Pasta Dinners
June 4, 2008
20 minutes
Kids love pasta. In fact, many kids are hooked on mac & cheese, and that’s about all they’ll eat. Tune in as Janice and Liz cook up recipes for Cheesy Penne with Chicken & Broccoli and Garden Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti. Also listen as the dietitian duo shares tips for making boxed mac & cheese healthier.
Cheesy Penne with Chicken & Broccoli
Turkey Meatballs & Spaghetti
Mac & Cheese Makeover
Episode 5: Vegetables Kids Love
May 28, 2008
21 minutes
There's an assumption out there that kids hate vegetables, and the only way to choke them down is to cook, puree, and conceal them in everything from gooey brownies to the breading on chicken nuggets. While vegetables can be a tough sell with some kids, with the featured recipes in this show --- Perfect Parsnip Fries and Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts – even the pickiest eaters will be tempted to eat their vegetables.
Perfect Parsnip Fries
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Bean Recipes: www.VegetableWithMore.com
Read Veggie Love in Kiwi Magazine
Episode 4: Lunch Box Makeover
May 21, 2008
19 minutes
Even though the school year is winding down, many parents still face the daily challenge of packing a healthy and delicious school lunch. If lunch box boredom is an issue for you and your kids, you’ll love the recipes featured in our podcast, Scoop-it-Up Tuna Salad and Fruit and Chicken Kebabs.
Scoop-it-Up Tuna Salad
Fruity & Chicken Kebabs
Brochure: Recess Before Lunch
Episode 3: Healthy Snacks for Kids
May 14, 2008
19 minutes
On average, kids consume over 850 snacks a year. In this show, Janice and Liz explain how snack time provides an ideal opportunity for filling in the nutritional gaps in a child’s diet. Featured recipes in this show include Juicy Mango Jigglers and Chocolaty Pumpkin Bars.
Juicy Mango Jigglers
Juicy Strawberry Jigglers
Chocolaty Pumpkin Bars
Episode 2: Meet the Hosts of Cooking with the Moms
May 7, 2008
18 minutes
Get to know your hosts this week...
Cowboy Breakfast Wraps
Halftime Taco Chili
Sweet Potato Fries
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Episode 1: Cooking with the Moms
April 13, 2008
3 minutes
Introduction to Our New Podcast Series