Farro is a nutrient-packed ancient grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Like other whole grains, farro is a satisfying source of energy and fiber. The versatility of farro makes it an excellent addition to soups, stews, salad, pilafs, risotto, casseroles, and grain bowls or breakfast bowls. The farro recipe featured this week is a flavorful side dish your little ones are sure to enjoy.   

If you’re looking for a way to venture out and vary the grains in your diet, this buckwheat recipe is perfect for you! Not only is it super simple to make, but these pancakes offer a great taste and texture while bursting with juicy blueberries in every bite.

September has been promoted as National Whole Grains Month since 2006. The barley recipe featured below is one of my favorites. When my kids were little, we would call these brain bowls because they are full of healthy nutrients that feed the brain. As my kids got older, we shifted to just calling them “B” bowls, which reflects the primary ingredients of beef, barley, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. 

When kids come home hungry after school, they want a yummy snack that fills their tummy. Snacks provide fuel for growing bodies and are therefore an important part of a child’s diet. It is best to choose snacks that offer protein, fiber, and/or healthy fat. Read the full blog for some easy no-fuss snack ideas!

As the excitement of a new school year draws near, shopping for school supplies, backpacks, and lunch boxes moves to the top of our to do list. In order to start the school year off on the right foot, it is important to have a plan for packing school lunches.

Eating a nutritious breakfast boosts brain function, memory, and school performance while improving diet quality and vitamin intake. To avoid the pitfalls of refined sugars and grains, choose high-fiber, protein-rich, and healthy fat options, like breakfast cookies and egg bites, for a healthier start to your day, like this month’s recipe: carrot raisin breakfast bookies!

“Taste the Rainbow”. This memorable slogan has been used to market a popular sweet treat for decades. However, as dietitians, we like to apply this slogan to encourage an eating pattern that emphasizes fruits and vegetables from every color of the rainbow. The diverse nutritional properties found in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple foods are important for our overall health. 

The nutrition and health benefits of blueberries are plentiful. Blueberries provide key vitamins and minerals at just 80 calories per cup. They are an excellent source of manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K, and a good source of fiber and potassium. If you’re looking to boost your blueberry intake, try making these yummy blueberry bars. They are a great alternative to traditional granola bars and are easy to grab and go for a breakfast or snack on the run.

Blueberries are one of summertime’s most popular fruits with peak blueberry season April to September. For a fun summertime treat, try making chocolate covered blueberries. This recipe only calls for 3 ingredients and is super simple to make. The combination of sweet juicy blueberries coated in dark chocolate makes for an irresistible snack or dessert. 

Whether skewered together, placed in a wire basket, or placed directly on the grill grates, you can grill almost any kind of fruit. Grilling fruit allows the natural sugar to caramelize, intensifying sweetness. Enjoy on its own as a summer side or dessert, in salads, yogurt, or cereal, or as a flavorful topping for pizza, burgers, or quinoa/chia pudding. Some of the most popular fruits that taste amazing when grilled are apple, pear, banana, melon, peach, nectarine, plum, and pineapple.

You don’t have to be a grill master to prepare an enjoyable outdoor meal. A simple spice rub or quick glaze will add some extra flavor and sizzle to your suppertime. Grilling is also a great, simple way to prepare vegetables right alongside your protein or main dish