Cooking with the Moms

Colds. Flu. Achoo!! As far as we're concerned, getting the sniffles, or worse, a headache and fever, is one of the yuckiest parts about winter. To keep our immune systems -- and yours -- in tip-top shape during winter (and all year long for that matter), we sat down via Skype with fellow registered dietitian, Victoria Shanta Retenlny, RD to dish about her new book, The Essential Guide to Healthy, Healing Foods, and her best food secrets for keeping our immune systems armed and ready for attack. During the show, we share two new recipes: Victoria's Fruity Yogurt Parfaits with homemade granola and our Immunity Booster Blast smoothie. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Colds. Flu. Achoo!! As far as we're concerned, getting the sniffles, or worse, a headache and fever, is one of the yuckiest parts about winter. To keep our immune systems -- and yours -- in tip-top shape during winter (and all year long for that matter), we sat down via Skype with fellow registered dietitian, Victoria Shanta Retenlny, RD to dish about her new book, The Essential Guide to Healthy, Healing Foods, and her best food secrets for keeping our immune systems armed and ready for attack. During the show, we share two new recipes: Victoria's Fruity Yogurt Parfaits with homemade granola and our Immunity Booster Blast smoothie. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

On this week's show, we look back at 2011 -- a year filled with farm-fresh foods, unique dining experiences, and the launch of No Whine with Dinner, and we look forward to 2012 ... with gusto. It seems like yesterday that we were caught up in the Y2K hysteria (yes, we each hoarded bottled water), and we can't believe it's already 2012. But alas, time flies when you're having fun … and eating lots of great food. Read on for highlights from the year as well as a look back at a busy 12 months of book promotion activities, our favorite culinary adventures and recipes, our wishes for 2012, and a glimpse into our upcoming foodie road trips. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

On this week's show, we look back at 2011 -- a year filled with farm-fresh foods, unique dining experiences, and the launch of No Whine with Dinner, and we look forward to 2012 ... with gusto. It seems like yesterday that we were caught up in the Y2K hysteria (yes, we each hoarded bottled water), and we can't believe it's already 2012. But alas, time flies when you're having fun … and eating lots of great food. Read on for highlights from the year as well as a look back at a busy 12 months of book promotion activities, our favorite culinary adventures and recipes, our wishes for 2012, and a glimpse into our upcoming foodie road trips. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

When we think of creamed spinach, our minds wander back to the 1950s and 60s. We're not sure why, but creamed spinach has a certain, shall we say, retro feel about it. It's also loaded - and we mean loaded - with more saturated fat and calories than a nutrient-rich vegetable like spinach deserves! One of our Facebook fans just asked us to give creamed spinach a healthy makeover, so we got cooking and came up with a recipe that's sure to get your taste buds asking for seconds and thirds! Our Crazy-Good Cream-less Creamed Spinach is perfect for the holidays...or any time of the year, and it has a fraction of the bad-for-you fat found in traditional creamed spinach. We share this healthy new side dish recipe on this week's show and also dish about our holiday food adventures. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

When we think of creamed spinach, our minds wander back to the 1950s and 60s. We're not sure why, but creamed spinach has a certain, shall we say, retro feel about it. It's also loaded - and we mean loaded - with more saturated fat and calories than a nutrient-rich vegetable like spinach deserves! One of our Facebook fans just asked us to give creamed spinach a healthy makeover, so we got cooking and came up with a recipe that's sure to get your taste buds asking for seconds and thirds! Our Crazy-Good Cream-less Creamed Spinach is perfect for the holidays...or any time of the year, and it has a fraction of the bad-for-you fat found in traditional creamed spinach. We share this healthy new side dish recipe on this week's show and also dish about our holiday food adventures. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

On December 3rd, Liz's son, Simon became a Bar Mitzvah. Liz is so proud; she's still kvelling! On this week's show, we chat about the service and the evening party, marvel over the gigantic soccer cleat-shaped cake that was created by Wilson Farm, share a Recipe for Success that Liz whipped up just for Simon, and also share a Hanukkah recipe for Sweet Potato and Ginger Latkes. Tune in for a lesson on Yiddish and all the other fun news from the Bar Mitzvah day. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

On December 3rd, Liz's son, Simon became a Bar Mitzvah. Liz is so proud; she's still kvelling! On this week's show, we chat about the service and the evening party, marvel over the gigantic soccer cleat-shaped cake that was created by Wilson Farm, share a Recipe for Success that Liz whipped up just for Simon, and also share a Hanukkah recipe for Sweet Potato and Ginger Latkes. Tune in for a lesson on Yiddish and all the other fun news from the Bar Mitzvah day. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Every year around this time, Janice attends her annual neighborhood cookie swap. Last year, she brought our Ginger Drizzle Cookies from No Whine with Dinner. The year before, it was Our Favorite Chocolate Cookie from The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeovers. Last night as a dozen friends gathered to exchange cookies and gossip, Janice treated her fellow cookie swappers to something new: our latest makeover for sticky, gooey, over-the-top decadent Seven Layer Bars. On this week's show, we bake up a batch of Lightened-Up Seven Layer Bars and serve up a taste of Janice's sweeter-than-ever swap. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Every year around this time, Janice attends her annual neighborhood cookie swap. Last year, she brought our Ginger Drizzle Cookies from No Whine with Dinner. The year before, it was Our Favorite Chocolate Cookie from The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeovers. Last night as a dozen friends gathered to exchange cookies and gossip, Janice treated her fellow cookie swappers to something new: our latest makeover for sticky, gooey, over-the-top decadent Seven Layer Bars. On this week's show, we bake up a batch of Lightened-Up Seven Layer Bars and serve up a taste of Janice's sweeter-than-ever swap. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Are you old enough to remember The Four Food Groups? We certainly are. If not, you probably remember the Food Guide Pyramid. Last spring, the Pyramid was replaced with a new symbol called MyPlate. On this week's show, registered dietitian, Elizabeth Ward joins the show to tell us all about this plate-shaped icon and to dish about her new book, MyPlate for Moms: How to Feed Yourself and Your Family. Elizabeth, a mom of three, explains how to customize MyPlate to your family's likes, dislikes, and lifestyle. She also explores the importance of protein & whole grains, and she cooks up two recipes from the book: Pork, Asparagus, and Cashew Stir Fry and Cinnamon Pumpkin Smoothie. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Are you old enough to remember The Four Food Groups? We certainly are. If not, you probably remember the Food Guide Pyramid. Last spring, the Pyramid was replaced with a new symbol called MyPlate. On this week's show, registered dietitian, Elizabeth Ward joins the show to tell us all about this plate-shaped icon and to dish about her new book, MyPlate for Moms: How to Feed Yourself and Your Family. Elizabeth, a mom of three, explains how to customize MyPlate to your family's likes, dislikes, and lifestyle. She also explores the importance of protein & whole grains, and she cooks up two recipes from the book: Pork, Asparagus, and Cashew Stir Fry and Cinnamon Pumpkin Smoothie. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Farro is an ancient grain first cultivated in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East over 10,000 years ago. It's been around for a loooong time. Farro was the main grain of the Egyptians and sustained the Roman army as they conquered the Western world. Farro eventually fell out of vogue due to higher yielding wheat varieties. But today, farro has made a comeback thanks to trendy restaurant chefs and health--conscious home cooks... and thanks to The Meal Makeover Moms. On this week's podcast, we share Farro cooking tips as well as two healthy new recipes: Carrot and Zucchini Farro Risotto (which we posted to the blog on 11/21/11) and Kale and Vegetable Soup with Farro. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Farro is an ancient grain first cultivated in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East over 10,000 years ago. It's been around for a loooong time. Farro was the main grain of the Egyptians and sustained the Roman army as they conquered the Western world. Farro eventually fell out of vogue due to higher yielding wheat varieties. But today, farro has made a comeback thanks to trendy restaurant chefs and health--conscious home cooks... and thanks to The Meal Makeover Moms. On this week's podcast, we share Farro cooking tips as well as two healthy new recipes: Carrot and Zucchini Farro Risotto (which we posted to the blog on 11/21/11) and Kale and Vegetable Soup with Farro. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

This is the show you've all been waiting for. The show you've all been asking for. The show that will change your life forever: Brussels sprouts. That's right. Whether you love Brussels sprouts like we do or you're skeptical about trying them ... today's show will ignite your passion for this nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable. We have two new recipes to share, both perfect for your Thanksgiving table ... or your family dinner table any time of the year. Better-for-You Brussels Spouts Gratin is a makeover of a Brussels sprouts gratin recipe that we found on AllRecipes.com made with over 2 cups of cream. (Blech!) Our other scrumptious recipe is for Roasted Sesame Brussels Sprouts. For more information, visit the Moms' website and blog at http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com.