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Notes from the Nutritionist
Greetings!
 Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8 th, so it's fitting this issue of The Gourmet Baby is dedicated to you. This month's editorial features a simple yet delicious recipe for breakfast that will get the whole family off to a cheerful, festive start. You'll also get my inside scoop about how to order your cocktails "skinny girl style," and you'll find tips for cooking with your children. This article, I thought, couldn't be more appropriate, since there's really nothing more fun than spending time with those who call you "Mom."
Delicious wishes,
Tina
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Toast Your Day in a Celebratory Way!
The culinary arts and cocktail culture have never been more in sync, and that means healthier options at the bar. Bartenders are using fresh ingredients from the market to shake in their martinis and put a sustainable spin on drinks. Here's how to spot the lighter libations when you're out on the town with your girlfriends or just escaping for a night with your spouse.
Drink Your Fruits & Veggies
Look for drinks made with real fruits and vegetables, like a Cucumber Caipirinha or a Fresh Strawberry Collins. Simply prepared, drinks with fruits and veggies offer a splash of nutrition.
Choose Classics
The most caloric drinks are made with multiple types of alcohol and sweetened with mixers and sodas. Classics like the Pisco Sour and Champagne cocktails are simple and have fewer calories than multi-ingredient concoctions.
Ask For What You Want
Mixologists can be very creative. Don't be afraid to ask the bartender to try creating a low-cal option for you. Many bartenders design their own drinks and may just have the drink you're looking for.
Take Your Time
Drink slowly. Enjoy every sip of your drink, and set down your glass between sips.There is no reason to drink quickly. After all, this is your time to take a break.
Don't Over Do It
You should always drink responsibly: No more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Limiting your self will also keep calories in check!
Cheers!
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Crystallized Ginger & Mango Quick Bread
This all-organic bread is a treat, packed with sunny flavors that will surely brighten your morning!  INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup organic butter
1 cup organic granulated sugar
3 whole organic eggs
1 cup fresh mango purée (2 or 3 mangoes)
2 cups organic all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (3 ounces) crystalized ginger, chopped into small dice
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan, and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue beating until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the mango puree and set aside. (The mixture will look a bit "separated.")
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. With a wooden spoon, stir the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, being careful not to over blend. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the crystallized ginger. Pour the batter into the loaf pan, and bake for one hour, or until a tester comes out clean.
The cake should be a light, golden brown and feel firm when pressed with your finger. Let cool for 20 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on a rack.
Yield: 10-12 slices ©2011 Tina Ruggiero, M.S., R.D. | The Gourmet Nutritionist
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Cooking is for Kids!
Getting kids cooking is a great way to turn a picky eater into a little foodie.Studies show that kids are more likely to eat what they cook, and there's no time like the present to get them comfortable in a kitchen setting.
Pick A Day
Designating a special day of the week to cook with your kids will get them excited to get in the kitchen.Sundays are a great day to prepare a meal together and dine as a family.
Grocery Store Guidance
Your food journey should start at the market.Teaching your child how to navigate the isles, identify fruits and veggies, use coupons and go through the check out line will provide an invaluable life lesson.Let them hold the shopping list or coupons, for the feeling of responsibility!
Make What They Like - And Add To It
Now is not the time to prepare a gourmet recipe that involves complicated steps.It's best to start with foods your children like such as pasta, pizzas and simple proteins like chicken and turkey.The adventure will come when you layer on fresh fruit (i.e., chicken baked with peaches) and veggies (mushroom, rapini pizza) that add flavor and color.Pick up an age appropriate cookbook too, for recipe ideas.
Get Fun With Utensils
There are lots of great products available that are made specifically for children to use safely in the kitchen.I love Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen products. The proper utensils will enable and empower children at their own level.Investing in some fun plates, bowls, spoons and containers will make serving up their creation even more exciting!
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| New Contest!
We're giving away a luxury Svan high chair valued at $300! Just "like" us on Facebook and follow @Tina_Ruggiero on Twitter. You may be one lucky mama! Winner will be selected at random on May 6th!
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Order
The Best Homemade
Baby Food
on the Planet!
This incredible collection of quick and easy recipes includes countless meals for infants and toddlers that can be made in 10 minutes or less! It also features essential nutrition and health information for your little one. Buy The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet now and get your baby on the path to wholesome, healthy eating!
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Tina on TV
Tina is the nutrition correspondent for NBC's syndicated TV show Daytime. Nearly 80 million people tune in to hear what she has to say. Her simple tips, recipes
and ideas will inspire you
on a path to good health.
Watch her now!
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FAST FACTS
The 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
It's important to teach children the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. To reinforce this message, pack your older child's lunch in reusable containers like those found at Kids Konserve. This will help reduce waste and the amount of money you spend on plastic bags, wrap and aluminum foil. |
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