“Spoiled Rotten”
I pride myself on being able to say “NO” to my children whenever and wherever I want to for the simple reason, “…because I said so”. I feel empowered by this and like to execute this power at random once in a while just to prove that I can do it and that I am, in fact, the boss (some days). Try it just once for no reason and see how great you feel! Last week, I told the kids we were stopping at the Fish Market to get some fish for dinner. I heard my daughter say “YES, mom let’s me have whatever I want there!”. Meanwhile, all they have there are fruits and vegetables – Yeah, I’m such a pushover.
Want to be a real hero after school? Lay out some fresh berries and apples with a side of chocolate syrup for dipping – YUM!
Spaghetti Fra Diavolo: Lidia inspires me to do the easiest and most tasty dishes! You can add any kind of seafood (e.g., lobster, clams or fish) to this sauce or serve it on the side.
- Sautee some garlic in EV olive oil for a few minutes.
- Pour a can (or two) of peeled tomatoes in the pot squishing the tomatoes with your hands.
- Add salt and some crushed red pepper (a little will not be hot – don’t worry).
- Add some fresh basil and let it cook for at least 20 minutes (crushing tomatoes with spoon as you stir).
- Cook spaghetti in salted water. Add sauce and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Save some sauce for the fish.
Grilled Fish: Use any kind of white fish for this recipe (I actually took 3 pieces of white fish out of my freezer; cod, halibut, flounder). I like broiling it too.
- Marinade: Mix about ½ cup of EV olive oil, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice, salt/pepper, and sprinkle of the herb of your choice (I like Penzies Fine Herbs). I added some fresh parsley too.
- Put each piece of fish on tin foil, brush the marinade on it (both sides) and close foil.
- Grill or broil for about 7-9 minutes depending on size.
- Serve with Fra Diavolo sauce on side.
Sauteed Kale: Wash kale and cut off ends (I cut it up a bit too). Kale is a little thick – I would try to get the kids to eat spinach first.
- Sautee some garlic in olive oil. Add kale and toss with salt/pepper.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for flavor (a tiny bit will not be hot but add flavor).
Salad: Normally I wouldn’t serve a spinach salad with Kale as a side dish but I had it leftover from the fajitas so I wanted to use it up. Tossed salad with some ripe cherry tomatoes and some sprouts (let the kids just try them – they are SOOOO good for you).
How Can the Kids Help?
- Mia smashed her first clove of garlic with the back of a knife today and then peeled the skin off.
- Help open can of tomatoes. They could help squeeze tomatoes but keep hand low in pot and watch out for flying seeds!
- Pick basil leaves
- Help measure and mix marinade for fish.
- Picture of Kale growing: http://www.childrenofbukati.com/photos/photo34_kale5.jpg
- Veggie Coloring Page: http://www.freecoloringprintable.com/img/vegetables-01.jpg
Did You Know?
- Fra Diavolo is Italian for “Brother Devil”
- Kale is a variety of cabbage and has more than the recommended serving of Vitamin C and A for the day. It’s also a good source of fiber, protein and calcium.
- We require around 50-100 different chemical compounds to be healthy – over 2/3 of our diets consist of corn, soybeans, rice and wheat (leaves little room left in diet for other things)*
*In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Everyday Family Health Recipes/Blog 
