Feeding the Four Food Groups to Your Finicky Family!

Feeding finicky eaters can be frustrating, and result in family meal times that are not always fun. 
Fortunately, the Ape 2 Zebra Kitchen was inspired by Darla’s Top Pick this week, the Plan Toys Food and Beverage Set, to develop some new and fun food ideas that include all four food groups.  I have been as pleased as a bear with a honey pot to polish them off, and we hope they will please your picky pack as well.
Four Food Groups Carrot Cake Roll Ups:
Ingredients:
1 Whole Grain Tortilla
1-2 Tbsp (15mL-30mL) Spreadable Cream Cheese
1 small carrot, shredded
1 Tbsp (15mL) Raisins
1 Tbsp (15mL) Chopped Walnuts (omit is taking wraps to a nut free environment)
Cinnamon (optional)
Method:
1. Spread cream cheese evenly over tortilla, leaving approximately 3 cm free around the edges (you can stir a bit of honey or maple syrup into your cream cheese first if you prefer things sweeter).
2. Distribute shredded carrot evenly over cream cheese, and top with raisins, walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
3. Fold side edges of tortilla in, and roll wrap up tightly, burrito style. Serve as is, or use a sharp knife to cut roll into slices approximately 2-3 cm thick.

4. Enjoy
Darla says these wraps are great to make with kids since you can discuss what is included in each food group, as well as why each food group is important, as you build your wraps.  I just like to eat them (and I always add a little extra honey to my cream cheese!).


Secret Agent Pancakes
We think you will be able to please the picky eaters in your pack with these protein packed, gluten free pancakes in disguise.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (125 mL) quinoa flakes (oats would likely work too if gluten is not a concern)

½ (125 mL) cup cottage cheese (we use 1%)

1 egg plus 3 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp baking powder
Method:
1. Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium low heat (Note: We use somewhere between “3” and “4” on my electric stovetop).

2. Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Process until just combined. (Note: you should still be able to see some bits of cottage cheese and quinoa in the blender. If you over process the batter, your pancakes may be tough.

3. Pour or scoop approximately two tablespoons, or 30mL of the batter into the hot pan. The batter is thick, and will puff up, so you may want to spread it out a bit. Cook on one side just until bubbles begin to form on top. Flip, and cook on remaining side until golden. Repeat with remaining batter.

4. Serve with fresh or cooked fruit to get your fourth food group in, and a little maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, or butter if you wish.
Yield: Approximately 12-15 pancakes.
The look pretty normal on the inside too. 



Variation 1: Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

To the basic Secret Agent Pancake recipe, add ½ cup (125 mL) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp (5 mL) maple syrup. Prepare as above. Note that batter will be less thick, so you will not need to spread it in the pan. With the added pumpkin, all four food groups are packed into one pancake. These will be darker than regular pancakes because of the added pumpkin.
Variation 2: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

To the basic Secret Agent Pancake recipe, add ½ cup (125 mL) unsweetened applesauce, and 1 tsp (5mL) cinnamon. Prepare as above. Note that batter will be less thick, so you will not need to spread it in the pan. You could also experiment with stirring one chopped apple into the batter. We have not tried this yet, but think it would be yummy! With the added applesauce, all four food groups are packed into one pancake.


Bushels of berries, all of this writing about food is making me hungry. 
I think I will sneak back into the kitchen and see if there are any pancakes left over...and some berries to eat them with too.  I think that would taste beary good.
Your Beary Truly,
Theodore Bear and the Ape 2 Zebra Kitchen


PS: Be sure to check out Darla's review of the Plan Toys Food and Beverage Set too.  You can find it under the "Top Picks" Tab.