Green Options

Beets are rich in in iron, calcium, and Vitamins A and C. They are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of manganese, potassium and fiber.  They are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, iron and Vitamin B6. Throughout history, beetroots have been used for medicinal purposes, especially for liver disorders because they have stimulating effects on the liver’s detoxification processes. Studies have shown that beets contain anticancer properties.
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Betacyanin [...]

Ever since my daughter was a toddler, she has been interested in cooking. Now that she is seven-years-old, I decided it was time for her to give it a go in the kitchen with her own cookbook. My daughter’s source of inspiration: Honest Pretzels, a cookbook for children written by Mollie Katzen of Moosewood fame.

My daughter hungrily reads the recipes in Honest Pretzels, which are laid out in an illustrated, very kid (and adult) friendly way, including a section “Ask an adult for help with”. She wanted to make something immediately, but neither her father or I had the time to help her, so we let her go at it on her own. It was her first solo cooking adventure (except for using the oven), and she did well. At one point, she asked me whether she should pour the flour from the five pound bag into the measuring cup or dip the cup in the flour. Thankfully she asked and a huge mess was avoided.

The organic Button Cupcakes were delicious. I’ve modified Mollie’s recipe below, such as omitting the Hershey’s Kiss on top (not supporting Hershey) and only using organic ingredients. I’ve written it in the step format she lays out for children, but I have not included all of her specific instructions for children.

Organic Button Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put 12 muffin papers in the muffin pan.
2. Sift 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (Mollie tells children to use a strainer and gently shake it over the bowl, which is a great solution if you don’t have a sifter).