Every child no matter what their religion (or their parents'), likes to celebrate Peter Cottontail. Who doesn't enjoy a holiday that promotes chocolate? Whether it's being surprised with an easter basket, attending a community egg hunt or decorating eggs - everyone likes to get into the spirit.

Here's a few suggestions for making your festivities fun, green and healthy with less sugary stuff for your kids as well as less impact on the earth.

Easter Baskets - pack with less candy and more long term fun. Think stickers, art supplies, felt puppets, hair clips, small puzzles, seeds and kid size gardening tools. Use recycled or biodegradable "grass". If you pack chocolate, opt for dark and fair trade.

Egg Hunt - fill with small toys such as balls, jacks, erasers, stickers. If food, fill with low sugar cereal, trail mix, dried fruits or fruit chews. Use reusable and refillable eggs each year. Be sure to find them all, so wildlife don't eat something they shouldn't.

Egg Decorating - make dyes using spices (tumeric), teas and fruit/vegetable juices (cranberry, greens). Or use stickers and non-toxic crayons and pens for coloring. Store hardboiled decorated eggs in the refrigerator and make egg salad and deviled eggs to eat within 3 - 4 days of boiling.

Pets for Gifts - thousands of baby animals such as bunnies, chicks and kittens are given to children at Easter only to be too much of a handful and abandoned or given to shelters. Be certain that the adorable "gift" will be well cared for and look into adoption first.

This week is also a time for children and families to celebrate Passover. There are many ritualized meals (and wines) to enjoy during this holiday, marked by the presence of unleavened breads. I wondered why no rising, and found my answer on Huffington Post. "Passover commemorates the Israelites' escape from Egyptian slavery. And because their exodus was so quick they did not have time to allow their bread to rise and thus they enjoyed unleavened bread aka matzo".

My kids don't know about leavening, but they like to eat my Matzo Brei...a giant flat pancake.

There are many events and activites to participate in Earth Day with kids such as planting trees, cleaning beaches and parks, and spreading the word of the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle).

To celebrate Earth Day and beyond, in regards to food and positive eating habits here are a few things to keep in mind for the good of the earth and health of your family.

Shop and Buy Local - saves on gas and supports your local economy

Support Small Farmers - go to the farmer's market or become a member of a CSA or food co-op

Buy Organic, Sustainable and In Season - reduce pesticides, antibiotics, greenhouse gases while increasing food safety and health

Plant Something to Eat - kids love to eat what they grow and learn about their food

Go Meatless - just once a week reduces global green house gas emmissions

Cook and Eat Together - share meals with friends and family for the benefit of everyone

Besides mother earth, pay respect to your own mom and all the mothers in your life (and don't forget yourself!) on Mother's Day with something sweet. Here's a recipe to make beautiful chocolate covered strawberries. They're easier to make than you think, and are perfect for a brunch celebration. If you want to get fancier, roll dipped berries in coconut, nuts or white chocolate shavings before cooling.

(Unfortunately this is a difficult recipe for children to assist, as much is done over a double broiler and water can spit and burn if not careful. Let them help by arranging strawberries on a special platter once chocolate is cooled and hardened)

2 pints organic strawberries (20 - 24), washed and dried with leaves on

6 ounces dark chocolate, chips or chop into pieces

1 Tablespoon shortening

Place a baking rack over two glasses or pans to allow rack to sit above counter. (Alternatively line a baking sheet with waxed paper).

Bring large pot of water to a boil. Turn down to simmer and place chocolate in top of double boiler over boiling water. Be sure water from bottom pot does not boil or spit into chocolate mixture. Once chocolate has melted add shortening and stir until combined.

Insert toothpick or skewer into top of strawberry and carefully dip and swirl into chocolate. Place toothpick side down through hole in baking rack so strawberry sits on leaves, upside down, and chocolate can solidify. (Alternatively place dipped strawberry on waxed paper to dry)

Arrange strawberries on platter and serve.

email: lisa@petitappetit.com

phone: 415-601-4916

web: http://www.petitappetit.com