5 HEALTHIER VERSIONS OF KIDS' FAVORITES (with hidden veggies!)
Recipes in this Video
Zucchini muffins are a popular American baked good, often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item. They are a great way to use up excess zucchini during the summer harvest and are appreciated for their moist texture and sweet flavor. This dish reflects the trend of incorporating vegetables into baked goods, making them more nutritious and appealing to a wider audience.
Ingredients
- ●zucchini
- ●flour
- ●sugar
- ●eggs
- ●baking powder
- ●baking soda
- ●salt
- ●cinnamon
- ●vanilla extract
- ●oil
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Grate the zucchini and set aside to drain excess moisture.
- 3In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- 4In another bowl, whisk the eggs, oil (or applesauce), and vanilla extract until combined.
- 5Add the grated zucchini to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- 6Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed; do not overmix.
- 7Spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- 8Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 9Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- 10Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Ingredient Alternatives
flour
Healthier: whole wheat flour
More nutritious and higher in fiber.
sugar
Healthier: honey
Natural sweetener with potential health benefits.
oil
Healthier: applesauce
Lower in calories and adds moisture.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- ●2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ●1 cup milk
- ●1/2 cup cream cheese
- ●1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ●1/4 cup unsalted butter
- ●1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ●1 tsp garlic powder
- ●1 tsp onion powder
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1/4 tsp paprika
- ●1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ●1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- 3In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- 4Gradually whisk in the milk and cream cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- 5Add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 6Combine the cooked cauliflower with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the florets.
- 7Transfer the cauliflower and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- 8If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- 9Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- 10Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●2 large sweet potatoes
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp paprika
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
- 3Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
- 4In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- 5Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chips are crispy and golden brown.
- 7Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ●2 cups all-purpose flour
- ●1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ●1/2 cup warm water
- ●1 tsp active dry yeast
- ●1 tsp salt
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
- ●1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- 3Add the chopped spinach to the flour mixture and mix well.
- 4Once the yeast is frothy, add it to the flour and spinach mixture along with the olive oil.
- 5Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 7Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- 8Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- 9Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- 10Add your favorite toppings and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Equipment
Chocolate avocado pudding is a modern dessert that combines the creaminess of avocados with rich cocoa, creating a decadent yet healthy treat. This dish has gained popularity among health-conscious eaters and those following vegan diets, as it provides a guilt-free indulgence. It's often served as a quick dessert or snack, showcasing how traditional ingredients can be reimagined in innovative ways.
Ingredients
- ●avocados
- ●cocoa powder
- ●maple syrup
- ●vanilla extract
- ●almond milk
- ●sea salt
- ●dark chocolate
- ●coconut oil
Instructions
- 1Cut avocados in half and remove the pit.
- 2Scoop the flesh into a food processor.
- 3Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond milk, and sea salt to the processor.
- 4Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- 5Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- 6Add melted chocolate mixture to the avocado mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
- 7Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more maple syrup.
- 8Transfer pudding to serving dishes or bowls.
- 9Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 10Garnish with cacao nibs or fresh fruit if desired.
Ingredient Alternatives
maple syrup
Healthier: agave syrup
Cheaper: honey
Agave syrup provides a similar sweetness with a lower glycemic index.
almond milk
Healthier: oat milk
Cheaper: soy milk
Soy milk is often less expensive and has a similar creaminess.
dark chocolate
Healthier: cacao nibs
Cheaper: semi-sweet chocolate
Cacao nibs are healthier but semi-sweet chocolate is more affordable.
coconut oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is typically less expensive and has a neutral flavor.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ●1/2 cup granulated sugar
- ●1 cup water
- ●2 cups ice, crushed
- ●1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- 2Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
- 3In a bowl, mix the strained strawberry syrup with the crushed ice until well combined.
- 4Scoop the strawberry ice mixture into serving bowls or cups.
- 5Drizzle additional strawberry syrup on top if desired.
- 6Garnish with whole strawberries or mint leaves for presentation.
- 7Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing treat.
Equipment